Canadian Council of Forest Ministers Meeting Communiqué – December 18, 2025

With the holiday season upon us, Ministers acknowledged the hardship many forest sector workers and their families are currently facing during a critical period for the sector, including wildfires, trade barriers, and other challenging market conditions. Ministers emphasized that the forest sector remains a pillar of Canada’s economy with nearly 300 forest-dependent communities across the country providing more than 194,000 direct jobs.

Ministers expressed their continued determination to mitigate the economic upheaval Canada’s forest sector and its workers are grappling with, including the idling and closure of mills. Ministers agreed to continue working together and with industry to seize new opportunities for the forest sector – both at home and abroad. They reiterated their continued condemnation of unjustified U.S duties on softwood lumber.

Ministers noted the importance of supporting the sector as it modernizes, innovates, and transforms. This includes continuing work to strengthen the sector’s resilience, maintaining and expanding its competitiveness, diversifying its markets and ensuring Canadian softwood lumber and wood products remain the trusted choice domestically and internationally. Ministers also discussed the important role Canadian wood products – including softwood lumber and mass timber – will play in building housing and infrastructure projects.

Following yet another difficult and aggressive fire season, Ministers acknowledged severe wildland fire events in Canada continue to increase in frequency, intensity and cost in and noted the importance prevention and mitigation play in wildland fire risk reduction. Ministers agreed to continue to engage with each other in advance of next year’s wildfire season and work together to strengthen Canada’s wildland fire preparedness and response.

About the CCFM

The CCFM was established in 1985 to provide a platform for federal, provincial and territorial governments to work together on common concerns relating to forests. The CCFM provides leadership
on national and international issues and sets direction for the stewardship and sustainable management of forests across Canada (www.ccfm.org).

For more information, media please contact:

Erin Hughes
Senior Public Affairs Officer
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Forests Communication Office
778-405-3175
Erin.Hughes@gov.bc.ca