Madam Chair, it is a privilege to rise in the House today to take part in this debate on an issue that is very important in my region of Mauricie.
For more than 40 years, the softwood lumber dispute with the United States has been weighing heavily on the Canadian economy. Our neighbours' unfair arguments have been repeated over time, through changing priorities and different administrations, regardless of political affiliation. Canadians are deeply disappointed by the United States' decision to impose additional tariffs as part of its section 232 investigation.
These measures are completely unjustified, and Canada will vigorously defend its industry by all means possible. Although duties and tariffs have changed, one thing remains the same: Canada stands firm. We will accept nothing less than a fair deal for Canadian industry and families.
We will not settle.
We recognize that the economic uncertainty pervading the forestry sector has repercussions that extend beyond businesses. They touch the lives of children, families, teachers and educators, health care workers, first nations and countless communities. This means that our response needs to focus exclusively on Canadians whose daily lives are profoundly connected to our forests.
Last August, the Prime Minister announced a major forestry industry support program. I want to highlight one key component of this program: $700 million in loan guarantees through the Business Development Bank of Canada.
This initiative aims to keep businesses afloat in these difficult and volatile times by providing them with essential financing and credit when the usual sources run dry under the pressure of unfair U.S. tariffs. This is not a temporary situation, but a commitment to continuity, stability and future growth.
However, we know that liquidity alone does not guarantee the future. That is why this support is being rounded out by reskilling and development programs, enhancements to the EI program for workers in the softwood lumber sector and a $500-million investment to help the industry diversify its production and markets. Budget 2025 provides roughly $186 million in new funding to implement the buy Canadian policy, which takes effect this month and will be fully implemented by the spring.
For our softwood lumber sector and the value chains it supports, this means stable and predictable demand for Canadian lumber, panels and engineered products. It means new markets and more jobs in Canada. In concrete terms, this means affordable housing complexes where Canadian lumber is at the core of every construction project, with recreation centres, libraries and day care centres built with modular elements of Canadian wood, supporting families and young children, while creating local jobs.
We have always excelled in sustainable resource management and innovation. Today, more Canadian sawmills have an exceptional opportunity to modernize so they can produce mass timber and all kinds of wood for innovations that will allow us to build taller, safer and healthier buildings with a lower carbon footprint.
Our government has also launched Build Canada Homes to foster innovation and align investments with sustainability, so that new homes will be built with Canadian wood and will be affordable and climate-resilient. On this side of the House, we actually believe in climate change. One of the most promising opportunities for softwood lumber is in the construction of prefab homes.
Of course, Canada cannot build the future of the forestry sector without the leadership of indigenous peoples. Our government has prioritized not only partnership but also empowerment by funding indigenous-led forestry companies, supporting the construction of prefab homes in communities, and ensuring that knowledge, responsible management and economic benefits flow to first nations, Métis and Inuit communities.
The forestry sector is much more than an industry; it is the backbone of hundreds of communities, both rural and urban.
By investing in local construction, we create positive benefits for all communities. By encouraging innovation, we help small businesses in remote communities access new markets.
Canada's future is strong, resilient and united. We will build it together with Canadian wood, Canadian labour and Canadian determination.