The Ontario government has launched the Roadmap to Protecting Ontario’s Forest Sector, a 10-year strategy aimed at strengthening the province’s forestry industry, protecting jobs, and supporting communities that rely on the sector. The plan responds to growing global trade pressures and U.S. tariffs by improving competitiveness, expanding market access, and reinforcing Ontario’s position as a leading G7 producer and exporter of wood products.
Ontario’s forest sector plays a major economic role, generating around $21 billion in revenue and supporting more than 154,000 jobs across the province. However, with the majority of exports going to the United States, recent tariff increases have created significant challenges. The roadmap is designed to address these pressures by helping the industry remain resilient, self-reliant, and globally competitive.
The strategy is built around three key priorities: defending workers and businesses from trade impacts, adapting the sector to improve efficiency and global competitiveness, and growing long-term demand for Ontario forest products. These measures include reducing regulatory barriers, modernising facilities, expanding international markets, and increasing the use of wood in construction and other domestic industries.
The roadmap also builds on existing government initiatives, including investments in advanced wood construction, forest biomass development, innovation programs, and road infrastructure. Since 2022, more than $355 million has been invested to support businesses, Indigenous communities, and sector partners, creating new jobs and encouraging innovation across the industry.
Officials and industry leaders have welcomed the roadmap, highlighting its focus on stability, innovation, and long-term growth. The government also plans to track progress through performance indicators and annual reporting. Overall, the initiative aims to secure the future of Ontario’s forest sector by strengthening its global competitiveness while supporting sustainable economic development and job creation.
