BOURGOUIN: Forestry sector supports must be expanded to include sawmills in tariff-relief financing packages

NDP MPP and Shadow Minister for Natural Resources and Forestry, Guy Bourgouin, (Mushkegowuk—James Bay) released this statement (August 26th, 2026) following the latest round of tariffs imposed by the United States of America on Ontario’s forestry sector:

“The additional tariff support announced by the province is welcome news for Ontario businesses and for parts of our forestry sector facing tremendous pressure. Any support that helps protect jobs and keep businesses operating during this difficult period is important. However, more needs to be done.

“Northern Ontario is already seeing the devastating impacts of mill closures and curtailments. When a mill shuts down, the consequences reach far beyond the workers inside the facility. Contractors, truckers, suppliers, local businesses, families and entire communities feel the impact.

“That is why it is deeply concerning that sawmills appear to remain excluded from this expanded tariff-relief financing program while facing significant U.S. duties and challenging market conditions. We cannot continue waiting until mills close to respond. Much more can and should be done to prevent closures, protect good-paying Northern jobs and create the conditions for our forestry sector to grow.

“Ontario has the resources, skilled workforce and opportunity to build a stronger forestry economy. We need to support mills through the immediate tariff crisis, but we also need to look beyond short-term relief and address the structural challenges facing the industry. That is exactly why our Ontario NDP team recently put forward Room to Grow, our forestry strategy aimed at strengthening and growing the sector for the long term.

“The Ford government should look at the solutions we have put forward and ensure that no critical part of Ontario’s forestry sector, including our sawmills, is left behind. Northern Ontario does not simply need help managing closures. We need a plan that prevents sawmill closures, attracts investment, creates jobs, and builds a stronger forestry industry for generations to come.”

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Ontario NDP

The Ontario New Democratic Party is a social-democratic political party in Ontario, Canada. The Ontario NDP, led by Andrea Horwath since March 2009, currently forms the Official Opposition in Ontario following the 2018 general election.

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