Ontario Investing An Additional $30 Million to Protect Forestry Workers
Press Release
September 26, 2025
Province calls on federal government to work with Ontario to protect forestry jobs
Thunder Bay — The Ontario government is investing a further $30 million to support businesses, workers and communities dependent on the province’s forest sector. This funding will build and maintain more forestry access roads and provide immediate support for Ontario sawmills to find new markets for their woodchips. As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, these investments will strengthen Ontario’s forestry sector, create jobs and increase the sector’s competitiveness in the face of increased U.S. softwood lumber duties and the threat of tariffs.
“Forestry is a pillar of our economy and forest sector businesses are the foundation of strong, thriving communities across Ontario,” said Kevin Holland, Associate Minister of Forestry and Forest Products. “Our government is backing our province’s forest sector to ensure it is resilient and strong in the face of U.S. trade threats, and we’re calling on the federal government to join us in standing up for Ontario’s forestry workers.”
An additional $20 million is being invested through the Provincial Forest Access Roads Funding Program, bringing the government’s total funding for the program to over $79 million this year. The Crown forest road network provides safe, reliable access for businesses to harvest and transport wood. They are also used by local residents, hunters, anglers and tourists—supporting recreation and northern tourism economies.
The government is also providing immediate support to sawmills by investing $10 million in the Ontario Sawmill Chip Support Program. The funding provides immediate support to sawmills while they find new, innovative markets for their wood chips such as energy production or alternatives for single-use plastics. This will help protect Ontario sawmill workers while helping the sector adapt, compete and grow in a changing global market.
“Today’s announcement is just one more example of the record investments Ontario is making to protect the workers who depend on the good-paying jobs in the forestry sector,” said Mike Harris, Minister of Natural Resources. “We have always stepped up to support forestry, and this additional $30 million in provincial funding will help build a stronger, more adaptive and resilient forestry sector in Ontario.”
These investments build on the strong actions Ontario has taken since 2018 to strengthen the forestry sector to help businesses expand into new markets, advancing innovation and making targeted investments that make the industry more competitive and resilient. This includes over $72 million through the Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program and nearly $50 million through the Forest Biomass Program.
As Ontario continues to step up with significant provincial support, the province is calling on the federal government to come to the table in support of the workers and businesses in this vital sector and ensure Ontario gets its fair share of federal forestry support.
Quick Facts
- The forest sector is a pillar of Ontario’s economic strength and regional prosperity, generating close to $22 billion in revenue in 2023 and providing approximately 128,000 jobs, including many in Indigenous, rural and Northern communities.
- The Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program provides up to $10 million annually to help Ontario forestry companies improve productivity, increase innovation, expand markets, strengthen regional economies and supply chains and positively impact the broader forest sector.
- Ontario’s Forest Biomass Program invests up to $20 million each year in projects to increase wood harvest, create forest sector opportunity and find new uses for wood in collaboration with stakeholders, industry and Indigenous communities.
- Wood produced from Ontario’s Crown forests is sustainably sourced and renewable. Wood is a renewable resource, a clean energy source, and a sustainable – and biodegradable – alternative to single-use plastics.
Quotes
“The complete suite of measures being announced today demonstrates the continued commitment by Premier Ford, Minister Harris, Associate Minister Holland, and the entire Ontario Government to protect Ontario’s advanced forest product sector. We fully support today’s announcement, and our members look forward to supporting continued economic growth across the province. The Forest Access Roads Funding Program has been an incredibly successful public-private partnership, providing safe and reliable transportation infrastructure that benefits recreationalists, anglers, hunters, trappers, Indigenous communities, emergency services, public utilities, mining, and other natural resources industries. Transportation infrastructure is essential for connecting Ontario’s abundant forest resources with the homebuilding needs and targets across the province. Ontario is leveraging private sector dollars to strengthen northern and rural communities throughout the province. Based on OFIA analysis, for every public dollar invested into the program, the forest sector invests three.”
– Ian Dunn, R.P.F.
President and CEO, Ontario Forest Industries Association
“Our government is doing our part and moving to strengthen Northern Ontario’s forestry sector. With this $30 million investment, Ontario is driving economic growth and creating long-term opportunities for workers and communities.”
– George Pirie
Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth
“I would like to thank Minister Holland and the Ford Government for their continued support of the forestry sector. This strategic investment of 30 million dollars into the Provincial Forest Road Access Roads Funding Program and Sawmill Chip Support Program at this crucial time is critical to the wellbeing of companies that are integral to the prosperity of Thunder Bay and region. Additionally this funding provides access to the natural wonders of Northern Ontario for all to enjoy.”
– Ken Boshcoff
Mayor of Thunder Bay
“Enhancing the Forest Access Roads Funding Program is an investment in critical northern infrastructure that pays huge returns for the people of Ontario. Crown forests have long been a gateway for anglers and hunters to spread out across the province and enjoy a diversity of world-class opportunities, that in turn support the economic and social wellbeing of rural and northern communities. The return on investment from fishing and hunting alone is worth it, but the broad multi-use public, community, and industry benefits make it all the more significant.”
– Matt DeMille
Executive Director, Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters
“This is not just about forestry — these investments are about people, communities, and access. Forest roads are lifelines in Northern Ontario. They ensure emergency services can respond, families can hunt and fish, and industries like mining can operate. By investing in this infrastructure, the Province is strengthening the foundation of our entire region.”
– Rick Dumas
President, Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association and Mayor of Marathon
“The sawmill chip program is a lifeline at a time when our pulp and paper sector is in transition. It keeps mills operating, safeguards jobs, and gives our communities the stability they need while industry and government work together on long-term solutions.”
– Danny Whalen
President, Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities
Additional Resources
Success at a Glance: Ontario’s Forest Sector Strategy 2025 Progress Report
Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program
Sustainable Growth: Ontario’s Forest Sector Strategy
Related Topics
Business and Economy
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Media Contacts
Rebecca Petch
Associate Minister’s Office
Rebecca.Petch@ontario.ca
Media Relations
Communications Services Branch
MediaDesk.MNRF@ontario.ca
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