Earlier this year, in July, August, and September, Canada’s new government announced a series of new, strategic measures for workers and businesses in the sectors most impacted by U.S. tariffs and trade disruptions.
The new plan comes amid stalled trade talks between Ottawa and Washington.
“Steel and lumber are core to Canada’s competitiveness. To compete and win in this new global environment, these strategic sectors must be ready to seize new markets at home and around the world. Canada’s new government is moving with urgency and determination to transform these industries and empower workers and businesses with the tools they need to bridge to the future – and thrive in it”, said Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada, in a press statement.
The new plan will make it easier to build with Canadian steel and Canadian lumber. Canada will work with railway companies to cut freight rates for transporting Canadian steel and lumber interprovincially by 50%, beginning in Spring 2026.
To maximise the use of Canadian softwood lumber in housing, Build Canada Homes will prioritise shovel-ready, multi-year projects that can begin within 12 months and that use Canadian wood products.
With a funding allocation of roughly $700 million next year, Build Canada Homes – Canada’s new federal homebuilding agency – alone will create $70 to $140 million of new demand for Canadian wood products – and attract private and provincial capital to multiply its impact.
