Government of Canada strengthens forest sector and protects jobs in northern British Columbia

MACKENZIE, BC, Oct. 28, 2026 /CNW/ -- Northern B.C. is home to innovative businesses, skilled workers, and abundant natural resources that play a vital role in Canada's economic strength. These businesses, including those in the forest sector, create good jobs, support regional supply chains and sustain communities. However, tariffs and rapidly changing trade conditions are increasing costs, disrupting supply chains, and putting added pressure on workers and businesses.

Two industrial workers inspect a stockpile of lumber. Text reads: Government of Canada strengthens forest sector and protects jobs in northern British Columbia

As global trade pressures persist, the Government of Canada is protecting Canadian jobs by defending industries harmed by unjustified U.S. tariffs and helping Canadian producers compete with U.S. products in the Canadian market. Delivered in British Columbia by PacifiCan, the Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) helps tariff-impacted businesses adapt to changing market conditions, strengthen their competitiveness and build greater trade resilience.

Today, the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan), announced an $11 million investment through the RTRI for Conifex Timber Inc. (Conifex) to modernize its operations. Conifex operates a facility in Mackenzie that produces wood products and bioenergy for Canadian and international markets and supports hundreds of jobs in northern B.C.

This support consists of a repayable investment of $10 million and a non-repayable investment of $1 million that will help Conifex increase productivity, enhance product quality, and lower production costs by upgrading transfer systems, modernizing five kilns and installing automated production equipment. These improvements will strengthen Conifex's competitiveness and position the company for long-term success in Canadian and international markets.

Through the RTRI, the Government of Canada is helping trade-impacted businesses protect jobs and adapt to changing global conditions. By investing in B.C.'s strengths, PacifiCan is helping strengthen domestic manufacturing capacity and build a more resilient economy in northern British Columbia.

Quotes

"A resilient forest sector is the foundation of strong communities across northern B.C. and businesses are facing real pressure from tariffs. This investment will help Conifex modernize its Mackenzie sawmill, strengthen its competitiveness, and protect good jobs that workers, families and the community depend on. By investing in the future of B.C.'s forest sector, we are supporting northern communities and building a stronger, more resilient Canadian economy."

-The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada

"Canada and British Columbia's forest sector is facing unprecedented challenges, but it also has enormous potential to drive economic growth, create and sustain good jobs, and compete in markets around the world. To unlock this potential ahead of releasing our Forest Sector Strategy in November 2026, we are making strategic investments to help Canadian producers lower costs, boost productivity and strengthen their competitiveness. By investing in Conifex's operations, we are securing the future of hundreds of jobs in northern British Columbia and standing with our forest sector to ensure it does not just survive, but thrives for the long-term."

-The Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources            

Quick facts 

• The RTRI, delivered by Canada's regional development agencies (RDAs), is part of the Government of Canada's strategy to defend Canadian jobs, industries and supply chains. It is part of a coordinated effort to protect Canadian businesses and workers from the impacts of tariffs. 
• The RTRI provides $3.45 billion over four years to support small and medium-sized businesses impacted by tariffs to help them adapt to changing market conditions, strengthen their competitiveness, diversify into new markets, and build greater trade resilience with more flexibility to address liquidity pressures. 
• More broadly, the Government of Canada is introducing a $7.5 billion package of new and enhanced measures that deliver fast, simple and agile supports to Canadian workers and businesses, building on the nearly $25 billion in supports the government has provided since the implementation of the U.S. unjustified tariffs. 
• The forthcoming Forest Sector Strategy for Canada is Canada's plan for a competitive, sustainable and prosperous forest sector that continues to support communities, create jobs and provide world-class products to customers at home and around the world.

Associated Links  

• PacifiCan  
• Conifex Timber
• Regional Tariff Response Initiative 
• Canada announces targeted countermeasures and substantive support for workers and businesses in response to U.S. tariffs

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SOURCE Pacific Economic Development Canada

Contacts: Jenna Ghassabeh, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities and Minister responsible for PacifiCan, [email protected]; Lynsey Brothers, Communications Manager, PacifiCan, [email protected]