Wednesday, August 13, 2025
The Canadian Wood Council (CWC) has expressed its strong support for the recent announcement made by Prime Minister Mark Carney in Kelowna. A $1.2 billion federal investment has been unveiled to boost Canada’s forestry sector and promote the use of Canadian wood in domestic construction. The initiative, comprising $700 million in loan guarantees and $500 million aimed at advancing innovation, workforce development, and market diversification, is seen as a positive step forward for the sustainable construction industry and domestic manufacturing in Canada.
This strategic investment aligns with the long-standing priorities of the Canadian Wood Council. Through its ongoing technical work in codes, standards, and resource program delivery, the CWC has consistently advocated for federal support in these areas. The latest funding reflects the government’s recognition of wood-based solutions and their role in achieving both housing and climate goals for the country.
Rick Jeffery, President and CEO of the Canadian Wood Council, highlighted the importance of this announcement. “This announcement reinforces the critical role that wood-based solutions can play in meeting Canada’s housing and climate goals,” Jeffery stated. “The focus on innovation, capacity expansion, and domestic use of wood aligns well with technical insights we’ve shared over many years through our work with government, industry, and the architects, engineers, construction professionals, and developers (AECD) community.”
Over the years, the CWC has worked closely with federal departments, particularly Natural Resources Canada, on initiatives such as the Green Construction through Wood (GCWood) program. This program has played an instrumental role in de-risking early-stage projects and facilitating the growth of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC), including mass timber and prefabrication. These innovative techniques are vital in accelerating housing projects, reducing carbon emissions, and stimulating rural economies across the country.
The Canadian government has set ambitious goals for the housing sector. With the Build Canada Homes plan targeting the creation of 500,000 new units annually, the federal investment comes at a crucial time. The measures announced will provide essential tools to help scale construction innovation, ensuring that Canadian wood products are at the forefront of the housing solution.
“With the Build Canada Homes plan targeting 500,000 new units annually, today’s announcement provides important tools to help scale construction innovation,” Jeffery said. “Ensuring that Canadian wood products are part of the solution is a smart investment in housing, climate action, and economic resilience.”
The integration of mass timber into construction projects has the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions while also addressing the growing demand for sustainable housing solutions. By advancing the use of Canadian wood, the government is reinforcing its commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of the construction industry and increasing the overall resilience of the economy.
The investment strategy will also focus on strengthening the workforce and fostering market diversification within the forestry sector. By providing financial support for capacity expansion and innovation, the government aims to position Canada as a global leader in sustainable forestry practices and wood-based construction solutions. The funding will also support the growth of new markets for Canadian wood products, creating additional job opportunities and economic benefits, particularly in rural areas where the forestry industry plays a central role.
The CWC has long advocated for policies that enhance the competitiveness of Canadian wood products in both domestic and international markets. This federal investment, Jeffery believes, will strengthen Canada’s position in the global construction sector while also meeting the nation’s ambitious climate goals. “This is a critical step forward in not just supporting the housing market but also in championing sustainable construction methods that will shape the future of the industry,” Jeffery commented.
The Canadian Wood Council has always been committed to providing technical assistance and data-driven insights to support federal and industry initiatives. The organisation will continue to work closely with various levels of government and industry stakeholders to ensure the success of federal programmes, particularly those aimed at increasing the use of sustainable wood systems in construction.
With this new funding, the CWC will expand its efforts to promote the integration of mass timber and other wood-based construction materials into mainstream building practices. These efforts are expected to result in both environmental and economic benefits, helping Canada meet its housing targets while supporting job creation in rural and remote regions.
The Canadian Wood Council is optimistic about the future of Canada’s forestry sector and its growing role in sustainable construction. With federal backing, the CWC aims to further its mission of expanding the use of Canadian wood products in the building industry. The combination of innovation, market diversification, and workforce development will contribute to a more sustainable, resilient, and competitive economy.
As the construction industry continues to evolve, the demand for environmentally responsible building materials will only increase. Canada’s forestry sector is well-positioned to meet this demand with innovative wood-based solutions that support the nation’s housing and climate goals. The announcement by Prime Minister Mark Carney represents a pivotal moment in the country’s efforts to shape a more sustainable and economically resilient future.
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Tags: Canadian Wood Council, federal investment, forestry, forestry innovation, forestry innovation and housing, woodworking industry
