MONTREAL, Feb. 19, 2026 – For generations, Quebec’s extensive forests have supported local economies and communities. However, the industry is encountering significant challenges, such as unfair U.S. trade actions. The Government of Canada is addressing this with a decisive plan: safeguard existing assets while modernizing the sector to become more robust, adaptable, and competitive for the future.

At today’s Les Conférences Cecobois et le Forum construction bas carbone et biosourcée 2026 event, Claude Guay, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, declared that Cecobois will obtain $580,000 in federal financing through the Green Construction through Wood (GCWood) initiative, managed by the Conseil de l’industrie forestière du Québec.

This financing will enable Cecobois to launch new initiatives focused on recording and promoting the advantages of utilizing wood to reduce carbon emissions in construction, enhancing technical understanding and sharing specialized knowledge. These targeted measures will boost the adoption of wood and bio-based insulation products while advancing carbon-neutral standards for commercial and multi-unit residential structures.

In addition, Parliamentary Secretary Guay noted that Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) is currently accepting submissions for the , designed to boost efficiency, shorten construction schedules, and improve building quality through cutting-edge off-site construction methods, potentially incorporating mass timber technologies.

Combined, these initiatives form part of Canada’s wider approach to becoming its own primary consumer via the Buy Canadian Policy and Build Canada Homes, giving preference to domestic wood and innovations in federal infrastructure and residential projects.

Through protecting forestry workers presently, updating the industry for the future, driving innovation in building and production, and assisting firms in accessing new markets, the Government of Canada is securing the forest sector’s position as a cornerstone of national economic health and success for years ahead.

Quotes

“Canada’s forests represent more than just a resource—they form the basis for quality employment, housing, and sustainable economic development. Today’s declaration ensures forestry continues as a national strength, providing quality jobs for communities nationwide and maintaining our status as a leading global exporter, safeguarding current assets while building a stronger future.”

The Honourable Tim Hodgson
Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

“This declaration shows our government’s dedication to a bold, sustainable transformation of the forestry sector. By enhancing wood’s role in construction, we’re fostering a more durable economy for thousands of Quebec workers and investing in creating a more innovative building industry.”

The Honourable Joël Lightbound
Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement and Quebec Lieutenant

“The forestry industry has traditionally served as a cornerstone for Quebec communities. This investment builds upon that base while aiding the sector’s evolution and expansion. Through innovation funding, we’re sustaining quality employment, reinforcing regional economies, and readying the forestry industry for future opportunities.”

Claude Guay
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

“Greater utilization of locally-sourced wood encourages domestic processing with enhanced value-added benefits—especially via secondary and tertiary product development like engineered timber, prefabricated panels, modular systems, and solid wood—while also helping to lower buildings’ carbon emissions.”

Louis Poliquin
Director of Cecobois

Quick Facts

• Canada’s forestry industry serves as a significant economic engine, employing nearly 200,000 individuals, with over 11,000 being Indigenous, while adding more than $20 billion to the national GDP.
• Since August 2025, the Government of Canada has launched over $2 billion in initiatives to safeguard and modernize Canada’s forestry sector, featuring $500 million to refresh NRCan’s range of forestry programs.
• To simplify access to federal programs for forestry businesses and workers, NRCan has introduced a new single-window navigation service, featuring a new containing details on all available forestry sector programs and providing direct contact with NRCan specialists regarding eligibility and application processes.
• Novel and innovative wood products, including engineered timber, biofuels, and biodegradable packaging derived from forest materials, are assisting Canada in achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and facilitating more sustainable, efficient housing options.
• The GCWood initiative backs innovative timber construction ventures that accelerate housing production, decrease emissions, and expand utilization of Canadian wood materials. By financing scalable, repeatable building methods, the program enhances housing availability while diminishing construction’s ecological footprint.
• The Energy Innovation Program promotes clean energy technologies to help Canada preserve a competitive, dependable, and cost-effective energy infrastructure during its shift to a low-carbon economy.

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SOURCE Natural Resources Canada