Conservative MP Shannon Stubbs is warning that Canada’s forestry sector could face “thousands of job losses” unless the federal government secures relief from U.S. trade measures, citing industry concerns over tariffs and shutdowns.
U.S. President Donald Trump recently cancelled trade negotiations with Canada in response to a Ronald Reagan anti-tariff ad spearheaded by Ontario Premier Doug Ford. Prime Minister Mark Carney subsequently apologized.
“Forestry expert warns of thousands of job losses if Carney fails to get a deal,” Stubbs said on X. Conservative MP Corey Tochor, speaking at a federal committee meeting, added criticism of the government’s approach, stating the Liberals’ solution to the tariffs hammering Canadian forestry is just a ‘band-aid’, with 2,000 Canadian forestry jobs already lost.
Forestry contributes about $33.4 billion to the economy — roughly 1.2 per cent of Canada’s GDP — and supports more than 200,000 direct jobs, according to Natural Resources Canada. The industry remains heavily dependent on U.S. markets for lumber and wood products, making it vulnerable amid escalating tariff disputes.
In August 2025, the federal government announced up to $1.2 billion in sector-specific support to mitigate the impact of U.S. duties, including $700 million in loan guarantees and $500 million for product development, market diversification and Indigenous-led forestry initiatives. Ottawa has also pledged continued engagement with the United States to resolve the long-standing softwood lumber dispute.
Conservatives argue those measures fall short.
Carney has announced billions in stimulus spending across a number of industry sectors, with critics warning of a debt crisis ahead of the federal budget this week.
In August 2025, the federal government announced up to $1.2 billion in sector-specific support to mitigate the impact of U.S. duties, including $700 million in loan guarantees and $500 million for product development, market diversification and Indigenous-led forestry initiatives. Ottawa has also pledged continued engagement with the United States to resolve the long-standing softwood lumber dispute.
Conservatives argue those measures fall short.
Carney has announced billions in stimulus spending across a number of industry sectors, with critics warning of a debt crisis ahead of the federal budget this week.