Tim Hodgson, minister of energy and natural resources, announced the launch of a single-window pathfinding service, funding to promote the use of Canadian wood in construction, and the creation of the Canadian Forest Sector Transformation Task Force.

TORONTO — On Dec. 15, Tim Hodgson, minister of energy and natural resources, highlighted federal support measures for Canada’s forest sector and announced the launch of a single-window pathfinding service, funding to promote the use of Canadian wood in construction, and the creation of the Canadian Forest Sector Transformation Task Force.

Natural Resources Canada’s new, single-window pathfinding service includes a website with information on all programs available to forest sector businesses and direct access to Natural Resources Canada experts on eligibility and program applications. The single-window service intends to make it easier for forest sector businesses and employees to navigate and apply to federal programs.

Per a Dec. 15 press release, Natural Resources Canada’s Green Construction through Wood program, Canada is investing over $9 million in projects that will help accelerate the adoption of innovative Canadian wood products, such as mass timber, in construction projects across the country. Initiatives include:

Action to address insurance barriers Creating a Mass Timber Costing Guide Advancing code changes for low-carbon materials Expanding wood construction education Increasing the use of wood-based solutions through technical support and training

Per the press release, the minister also launched the Canadian Forest Sector Transformation Task Force. Starting in early 2026, the Task Force will seek input from industry, provinces and territories, Indigenous foresters, communities, and labour groups on how to restructure the forest sector to ensure it remains competitive over the long term. It will reportedly be led by Ken Kalesnikoff of Kalesnikoff Mass Timber and Frédéric Verreault of les Chantiers Chibougamau, the Task Force will have 90 days to seek recommendations on best practices to expand the use of modern construction methods, diversify products, identify new markets, and enhance productivity. Additional members of the Task Force will be announced in the coming weeks.

Since August 2025, the government has introduced over $2.35 billion in measures designed to ensure Canada’s forest sector remains competitive, sustainable and resilient.

“The Canadian Wood Council deeply values the Government of Canada’s continued leadership in advancing low-carbon construction through the GCWood program. GCWood support enables us to provide critical technical advisory services, deliver wood-focused education and training to existing and future practitioners, and contribute to code developments that reflect the evolving strengths of modern wood products and systems. GCWood investments are important, strategic inputs that strengthen Canada’s forestry, manufacturing and construction sectors. We look forward to building on our work to date as we engage with partners nationwide to accelerate the adoption of sustainable wood solutions and modern methods of construction,” said Rick Jeffery, CEO, Canadian Wood Council.