US EditionOttawa launching softwood lumber task force aimed at industry competitiveness
The task force will recommend ways to boost productivity, open new markets, and support low-carbon construction within 90 days, backed by $9 million for innovation projects.
- Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson said he will launch a task force early in the new year to improve Canada's softwood lumber industry, with recommendations within 90 days on productivity, markets, and construction methods.
- Set against heavy U.S. tariffs, Canadian softwood lumber faces accusations from American lumber companies, and Ottawa rejected duties payouts to avoid irritating the U.S.
- Working with provinces and Indigenous foresters, the task force will engage lumber companies, local communities and labour groups, while Ottawa backs five projects to speed innovative wood product adoption.
- To tackle insurance and code barriers, Hodgson said the goal is to better address insurance challenges and advance building code changes for low-carbon construction materials.
- This announcement, reported Dec. 15, 2025 by The Canadian Press, comes amid U.S. tariffs that could affect market access and the sector's long-term competitiveness.
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Federal Minister of Natural Resources Tim Hodgson announced on Monday that he would set up a working group early in the new year to explore ways to support the softwood lumber industry in the long term.
OTTAWA—Federal Minister of Natural Resources Tim Hodgson announced on Monday that he would set up a working group early in the new year to explore ways to support the long-term softwood lumber industry. Speaking in Toronto, Mr. Hodgson stated that the group would make recommendations within 90 days of its creation on how to increase productivity, integrate new markets and expand the use of modern construction methods. Canadian softwood lumber is…
Canadian lumber is subject to high tariffs in the United States. The post Ottawa established a working group on softwood lumber appeared first on Les Affaires.
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