By Dave Branco

Forestry

Prince George leaders react to national forestry strategy and funding boost

Aug 7, 2025 | 3:44 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – This week, Canada’s new government launched an industrial strategy focused on building domestic strength and trade diversification by supporting forestry companies to retool and reinvest in their markets. This recent move by the federal government has some local leaders wondering how it may help our region.

Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a $700 million loan package to support forestry companies. This includes $500 million in grants for market diversification and $50 million for retraining laid-off workers, a welcome move, says Mayor Simon Yu.

Prime Minister Mark Carney noted the US is revamping its trading relationships, while a founder of a manufacturing company in Prince George thanked the government for $1.2 billion in support.

Local manufacturer John Brink raises concerns about whether this funding will be adequate.

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“ The answer is no. It is one step forward. But more can be done. If you look at all of these issues, they have to be shared across Canada.”

John Brink

Brink Group of Companies

Despite the over 1 billion dollars in federal support, Brink says, above all, we need to rethink how we do business.

“ We are producing dimensioned lumber, which I say is spaghetti manufacturing. We force it into the marketplace, demand it or not. And then we go all over the world to create new markets.”

John Brink

Brink Group of Companies

Mayor Simon Yu says forestry will always be the economic backbone of Prince George and would like to see more diversification in the local forestry market.

“ In business, when you have 2 or 3 customers looking for your product, you can get a better price and steady the supply a little bit better. So we need to, you know, really take advantage of this crisis.”

Simon Yu

Mayor of Prince George

Canada’s forest sector is a vital economic driver, supporting about 200,000 workers and contributing over $20 billion to GDP. In 2024, 66% of the country’s softwood lumber production was exported, with nearly 90% going to the U.S.

Email: Dave.Branco@pattisonmedia.com

TikTok: @DaveBrancoVJ