Canada’s forestry sector is directly in the crosshairs of U.S. President Donald Trump’s chaotic tariff strategy. Trump’s recent comment that he is considering additional tariffs on imported Canadian lumber – which would be on top the existing U.S. countervailing duties (CVDs) and anti-dumping duties (ADDs), and the threatened 25% border tariff – clearly demonstrates that Canada’s forestry sector will be a critical flashpoint in the U.S.-instigated trade war.

Even before the current threat of tariffs by the United States on Canada, our country’s forestry sector has been experiencing a perfect storm of repeated and intersecting crises. A combination of economic, environmental, and global challenges continues to destabilize the broader forestry sector, including:

• Lack of access to fibre continues to hamper operations in many regions,
• The impacts of insect kill are still being felt,
• Forest fires were less destructive in 2024 than the previous year, but still bad, and remain a significant annual risk,
• Important conservation efforts continue to complicate long-term planning,
• Generally flat prices are still making companies think twice about investments,
• And new EU regulations could negatively impact the ability of Canadian forest products to be sold in that market and around the world.

At the same time, the softwood lumber crisis continues, with U.S. countervailing duties (CVDs) and anti-dumping duties (ADDs) increasing last year, up to an average of around 15%. Later this year, we expect another review that could again double these softwood duties to around 30%.

Despite these challenges, Canada’s forestry sector is still an important economic and employment engine, especially in smaller, rural communities from coast to coast. In 2022, the forestry sector contributed approximately $33.7 billion to Canada’s economy, which is about 1.2% of the national GDP. The sector generates annual revenues in excess of $87.2 billion and provides 200,000 direct jobs in hundreds of communities across the country.

In 2023, Canada’s forestry exports (including lumber, raw logs, wood chips, manufactured wood products, and pulp and paper) totalled almost $38 billion. Of that, $29.3 billion, or roughly 77%, is exported to the United States.

The U.S. domestic production of softwood lumber is not sufficient to meet the demand from the home-building industry, according to the Washington, D.C.-based National Association of Home Builders. The U.S. imports about 25% of its total softwood lumber consumption from Canada. 

In other words, along with providing essential wood-based products such as packaging, diapers, hygiene products, paper towels, toilet paper, magazines, and specialty paper, Canadian softwood lumber and engineered wood products are helping the U.S. address its housing crisis. Canadian forestry workers are proud to know their products are helping ordinary Americans rebuild their communities in places like North Carolina, which was hit hard by Hurricane Helen, and around Los Angeles, which was recently devastated by wildfires.

The U.S. tariff threat poses an existential threat to Canada’s forestry sector. But at the same time, this threat is also a wake-up call for governments and forestry companies in this country. We must work together through this current tariff storm, but we must also look ahead to the transformation of our sector, building a more sustainable, inclusive and innovative forestry industry for future generations.

Unifor’s Forestry Council and its 22,100 members spread across 10 Canadian provinces – who work in a variety of forestry and logging occupations as well as wood product and pulp and paper manufacturing facilities – are committed to defending the Canadian forestry industry to protect jobs, investments and industrial capacity through whatever means necessary.

We will fight to defend and preserve our forests, mills and factories, our tools and machinery, and our forestry-dependent communities. We will work to sustain operations, and ensure they serve Canada’s productive, industrial objectives and ambitions.

We will continue working with federal, provincial and municipal governments to develop economic protection and financial assistance plans, trade diversification strategies, mitigate job losses and enhance income security provisions for all workers. We will lean on our strong collective agreement provisions to ensure Unifor members – and all Canadian forestry workers – can navigate this challenge.

Above all, we will work to end this economic threat that imperils our industry and our broader economy. We will coordinate with like-minded allies, and those willing to stand up for a brighter, more prosperous future of fair trade, good forestry jobs, global solidarity, and mutual respect.

KANATA, ONT. — Unifor members unanimously ratified an agreement with their employer, Best Theratronics, ending their more than nine-month long strike in Kanata, Ont.

“Congratulations to the bargaining committee for making sure members were finally heard and respected,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.

“This was a historic strike in Unifor’s books, highlighting the need for tougher labour laws that protect collective bargaining. I’m so proud of these members, and also of the many Unifor locals and community members for being there every night and day on this picket line.”

Unifor members at Local 1541 were on strike since May 1, 2024, while on May 10, members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada also went on strike at Best Theratronics. Unifor and the employer reached a tentative agreement on Feb. 22. Members voted on the new contract today, on Feb. 23.

The new four-year collective agreement brings the strike action to an end, with some members returning to work tomorrow, on Feb. 24. The contract delivers wage increases in each year of the agreement, adding up to 11% in increases.

Unifor Ontario Regional Director Samia Hashi said she is proud of Best Theratronics workers who endured all seasons on the picket line and whose determination to get a fair contract and respect was unwavering.

“This job action was a unified approach with all hands-on-deck from members across the region,” said Hashi. “I want to commend members of Local 1541 for standing strong during these incredibly difficult negotiations.”

Unifor Local 1541 members manufacture medical equipment used in cancer treatments.

“In this dispute, we stood strong and showed that no amount of intimidation will break our solidarity. With the support of our union, we bargained a good collective agreement that recognizes the value of the work we do,” said Unifor Local 1541 President Steve LaBelle.

Unifor members from across the country gathered—both in person at the national office in Toronto and through virtual watch parties—for the union’s second national Black History Month event, held on February 22, 2025.

This year’s theme, Black Excellence In Action: Honouring History, Inspiring The Future, underscored the vital contributions of Black Canadians throughout history and their lasting impact on the labour movement and society at large. From organizing for fair wages to breaking down workplace and societal barriers, attendees reflected on the power of collective action in shaping a more just and equitable future for all.

With a packed program of inspiring speeches, educational presentations on inspiring Black leaders, and an African dance performance that got everyone moving, the event left participants feeling energized, empowered, and deeply connected to the ongoing fight for racial justice and equity in our workplaces and communities.

“Black history is labour history. Black workers have led some of the most important fights for justice in our movement,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.

“When we honour Black history, we’re not just reflecting—we’re learning and recommitting to the urgent work that must be done today to protect jobs, our economy, and our country.”

Payne highlighted the ongoing struggles for fair wages, safe workplaces, and racial justice while emphasizing that unions must remain at the forefront of this important work.

Unifor Ontario Regional Director Samia Hashi reinforced the importance of ensuring that Black workers and activists have the platform and support they need to lead, organize, and create change.

“Our collective fight for justice isn’t one day, one month, or one moment—it’s an everyday commitment,” said Hashi. “Because while corporations and politicians try to divide us by race, by sector, by region, our greatest power has always come from our ability to stand united. And that unity is how we fight back.”

Hashi also spoke about the intersections of race and labour, noting that Black workers often face greater economic challenges, workplace discrimination, and barriers to leadership.

“We must build a future where Black workers are not just heard, but are at the table and leading the way.”

Members of regional Black, Indigenous, Workers of Color (BIWOC) committees from across the country shared presentations on Black leaders who have shaped Canada’s history.

From civil rights activists to trailblazers in labour and politics, these stories served as a reminder of the resilience, strength, and contributions of Black Canadians.

Dereck Berry, Unifor’s National Executive Board Black, Indigenous, Workers of Colour Representative, emceed the gathering, and spoke to the importance of honouring the legacy of Black activists whose work continue to inspire generations of union activists today.

Unifor welcomed special guest speaker Floydeen Charles-Fridal, who delivered a powerful address on the importance of community, solidarity, and collective action in the fight for racial justice. She emphasized that progress is only possible when communities support one another, lift each other up, and refuse to leave anyone behind.

Charles-Fridalis a dedicated community leader with over 30 years of experience in social and health services, advocating for communities most often marginalized.

To close the event, attendees enjoyed a high-energy Afro dance performance by Afronto, a Toronto-based collective dedicated to preserving and celebrating African dance culture. The performance was a powerful expression of joy, culture, and unity—a fitting conclusion to a night dedicated to honoring Black excellence.

Looking ahead

Unifor remains committed to advancing anti-racism, equity, and justice year-round.

As we continue organizing, mobilizing, and demanding justice, Unifor encourages all members to carry this spirit forward, amplify Black voices, and take action for justice in their workplaces, communities, and beyond.

BRAMPTON- Stellantis’ unexpected announcement today of a temporary pause in work on the next generation Jeep Compass, including activities at the Brampton Assembly Plant, is a matter of grave concern says Unifor.

 

“The company has reassured the union that vehicle production plans are still in place for Brampton, although the timing of this announcement raises very serious concerns for Unifor members both in the plant doing the retooling work and those on layoff,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne.

 

“The chaos and uncertainty plaguing the North American auto industry, which is under the constant threat of tariffs and a dismantling of EV regulations from the United States, are having real-time impacts on workers and corporate decisions. We have been saying this as a union from day one that the threats are also dangerous to our economy and to Canadian jobs.”

 

Under the terms of the 2023 Unifor-Stellantis collective agreement, and with support from the Federal and Ontario governments, Brampton Assembly is being retooled to build next-generation electric and gas-powered vehicles for the company’s Jeep brand. Once complete, Brampton Assembly, which employed approximately 3,000 workers, is expected to return to a full capacity, three-shift operation.

 

“Our members in the auto sector understand the ups and downs of the industry, so a timing delay isn’t out of the ordinary,” Payne said. “However, this is not an ordinary time and because of the threats and chaos, we know our members are feeling additional worry right now. And rightfully so. I want to remind everyone that Stellantis is contractually committed to this vehicle program, and we expect the company to live up to its commitments to our members and to the governments of Canada and Ontario.”

 

In 2023 contract negotiations, the union and company agreed to enhanced income supports for plant workers, with some facing a retooling layoff period of up to two-years. The temporary pause announced today calls that timing into question.

 

“We believe vehicle production will continue in Brampton, moving forward, but we think it’s overly optimistic to think our production start-date in the fourth quarter of 2025 stays on track,” said Vito Beato, President of Local 1285. “We need to be clear about these timelines, and we need to make sure that our members are protected in the event of any change that may affect their income security.”

 

The impact of a delayed start at Brampton would have spill-over effects on local parts supplier firms tied to vehicle production, including thousands of union and non-union workers.

 

Unifor represents more than 8,000 members at Stellantis facilities in Canada, including the Windsor Assembly Plant, Brampton Assembly Plant, Etobicoke Casting Plant, Red Deer Parts Distribution Centre and Mississauga Parts Distribution Centre.