The province is unveiling a new strategy to support the forestry sector that has been hard hit by the trade dispute with the United States.
A new 10-year plan focuses on protecting existing mills, workers and communities, while helping the industry diversify and become more competitive.
The plan aims to help an industry strongly impacted by ongoing softwood lumber duties and new U.S.-imposed tariffs.
Associate Minister of Forestry Kevin Holland says it also prepares the sector for the future.
“We fully anticipate that we’re going to see change coming,” says Holland.
“We’re going to see things turn, and we want to make sure that the sector is well positioned for when that opportunity comes and that we’re ready to capitalize on those opportunities when it happens.”
Among measures outlined, the government roadmap outlines steps to expand on the use of wood produced at Ontario’s mills and to attract new investment into the sector.
Holland says each action identified has goals they intend to achieve over the next two, five and 10 years.
“These goals chart the industry’s path to long-term success in the emerging global forest economy,” says Holland.
“We will implement the roadmap with an all-of-government approach that reflects and reinforces forestry’s connections to industry.”
The province highlights investments that have already been made.
It has included using more wood in public construction projects, support for forest biomass initiatives and increased funding for forest access roads.
“Since 2022, we have invested over $350 million across the sector, creating hundreds of new jobs and supporting businesses in every corner of the province,” says Mike Harris, Minister of Natural Resources.
The Ministry notes that Ontario exported approximately $8.3 billion in forest products in 2025.
