The Quebec government announced a 60 million Canadian‑dollar programme aimed at diversifying the province's sawmills as the forest sector confronts a deepening crisis. The investment comes in response to a 45 percent tariff imposed by the United States on Canadian lumber, a duty that has strained producers across the border.
Under the new funding plan, Quebec will allocate the money to support sawmill operators in expanding product lines, adopting new technologies and accessing alternative markets. The goal is to reduce reliance on traditional export channels that have been disrupted by the high U.S. duties. By broadening the range of wood products and improving processing capabilities, the province hopes to sustain employment and preserve its longstanding forestry industry.
The United States' tariff, announced earlier, targets a broad category of Canadian wood goods and has increased the cost of exporting to its largest market. Canadian lumber exporters have reported reduced sales volumes and tighter margins since the duty took effect. In Quebec, where the forest sector represents a significant portion of regional economic activity, the impact has been felt across sawmills, loggers and downstream manufacturers.
Quebec's allocation of 60 million dollars represents the province's direct response to the trade pressure. Officials indicated that the funds will be distributed through existing industry support mechanisms, though the specific criteria for eligibility were not disclosed. The programme is intended to be implemented over the coming fiscal year, with the expectation that diversified operations will better withstand external shocks such as trade disputes.
Industry observers note that the measure aligns with broader strategies to modernise the forest sector and reduce dependence on a single export market. While the tariff remains in place, the provincial investment signals a commitment to maintaining the viability of Quebec's sawmills and protecting jobs linked to the timber supply chain.