British Columbia has committed more than $97 million to support forestry-sector manufacturers through the B.C. Manufacturing Jobs Fund (BCMJF), contributing to the protection of over 3,500 jobs and attracting $680 million in private investment.
While on tour in the Okanagan listening to people’s priorities and concerns and sharing how the province is fighting back against U.S. President Donald J. Trump’s economic threats, Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests, gathered with workers and members of the Salmon Arm community to celebrate the official opening of Canoe Forest Products’ new kiln.
The new kiln was made possible with funding from the Province’s BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund (BCMJF).
Canoe received more than $2.2 million in November 2023 to commission a new kiln, boosting both production and sustainability at its operation in Salmon Arm and help protect 200 good-paying jobs. Canoe has been a stalwart member of B.C.’s forestry sector for more than 60 years and is part of the Gorman Group, made up of four facilities across the province in Salmon Arm (Canoe), West Kelowna (Gorman Brothers) and Revelstoke (Downie and Selkirk).
The new kiln will transform Canoe’s long-term business as a softwood sheathing, veneer and specialty-plywood manufacturer, allowing the company to diversify the species of wood it processes and reduce its reliance on Douglas fir. It will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 10% through the drying process.
As part of a listening and learning tour of the Thompson Okanagan, Parmer is also visiting three other recipients of BCMJF grants. Tolko Industries received $8 million to help expand Tolko’s Heffley Creek operation. Family-run Gilbert Smith Forest Products in Barriere received $1.1 million to support facility modernization and new equipment.
AcuTruss Industries Ltd. in Vernon received $100,000 to support the purchase and commissioning of equipment to manufacture precision cut I-joists through automation, while creating 12 new jobs.
The BCMJF supports forestry-product manufacturers to innovate their business lines and grow their operations, supporting a strong and resilient forestry sector throughout B.C. Building new markets and strengthening existing ones is integral to a strong future for B.C.’s forestry sector and economy.
