British Columbia has committed more than $97 million to support forestry-sector manufacturers through the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund (BCMJF), contributing to the protection of over 3,500 jobs and attracting $680 million in private investment. The funding announcement was made by Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests, during his visit to Canoe Forest Products in Salmon Arm this week.
Canoe Forest Products received more than $2.2 million in November 2023 to install a new kiln that increases production capacity and enhances environmental sustainability. The upgraded kiln reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 10% while enabling the company to diversify its wood species processing, reducing reliance on Douglas fir. This investment protects 200 jobs at Canoe's facility in Salmon Arm, which is part of the Gorman Group, a forestry company with additional operations in West Kelowna, Revelstoke, and other parts of British Columbia.
During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Parmar joined Canoe employees and local community members to celebrate the commissioning of the new kiln. Parmar emphasized that investing in local wood-manufacturing facilities helps secure B.C. jobs and strengthens the forestry industry.
In addition to Canoe's funding, several other forestry-sector companies received financial support from the BCMJF. Tolko Industries secured $8 million to expand its Heffley Creek operation, supporting improved production capacity and efficiency. Gilbert Smith Forest Products in Barriere received $1.1 million to upgrade its facility and introduce new equipment. AcuTruss Industries in Vernon was awarded $100,000 to purchase and commission automated equipment designed for precision-cut I-joist production, which is expected to create 12 new jobs.
These investments are part of the province's broader strategy to strengthen the forestry sector, encourage innovation, and support local economies. The BCMJF aims to help manufacturers modernize their operations, diversify product lines, and reduce environmental impacts.
Since its inception, the BCMJF has committed over $97 million to B.C. forestry-product manufacturers, incentivizing more than $680 million in private sector investment. Combined, these efforts have resulted in the direct creation and protection of over 3,500 forestry-sector jobs across British Columbia.
