CANADA (News release) -- The Canadian Forest Sector Transformation Task Force has held its first meeting to begin work on restructuring and modernizing Canada's forest industry. The initiative aims to enhance competitiveness, sustainability, and product diversification.

Over the next 90 days, the Task Force will consult with provinces, territories, industry representatives, Indigenous groups, and labour organizations. A public web portal will soon be launched to collect additional feedback.

The group will focus on advancing modern construction methods such as mass timber, modular systems, and prefabricated housing solutions. It will also examine ways to expand production of engineered timber, biofuels, and forest product-based biodegradable packaging materials.

The consultations will include efforts to improve productivity through innovation, digitalization, and advanced technologies and to strengthen access to domestic and international markets.

At the end of the consultation period, the Task Force will submit a report with recommendations to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Tim Hodgson.

The Task Force is co-chaired by Ken Kalesnikoff, Principal and Director of Kalesnikoff Mass Timber, and Frédéric Verreault, Executive Vice-President of Chantiers Chibougamau. Members include Lana Payne of Unifor, Lennard Joe of the BC First Nations Forestry Council, Don Roberts of Nawitka Capital Advisors, Brad Carr of Mattamy Homes Canada, Jim Irving of J.D. Irving Ltd. and Kent Homes, and Luc Thériault of Domtar Canada and the Canadian Lumber Trade Alliance.

Canada's forest sector employs nearly 200,000 workers, including over 11,000 Indigenous people, and contributes more than $20 billion to national GDP.

The Government of Canada states that the Task Force will help ensure long-term competitiveness while supporting communities that depend on forestry.