Federal officials announced an $11-million package for Conifex Timber in Mackenzie, B.C., to upgrade kiln and production equipment amid tariff pressures.
What the federal package covers
Pacific Economic Development Canada announced $11 million on October 28 for Conifex Timber's operations in Mackenzie, northern British Columbia. The Regional Tariff Response Initiative package comprises $10 million in repayable investment and $1 million in non-repayable support, according to the department. Planned improvements include upgraded transfer systems, modernization of five kilns and automated production equipment. Conifex produces wood products and bioenergy, and the government says its facilities support hundreds of regional jobs.
The trade and jobs context
The federal announcement frames the support as an effort to help a tariff-exposed industry manage costs and improve productivity during difficult trade conditions. Those are the intended benefits of the investment, not independently measured increases in output or employment. The department says the modernization should improve product quality and reduce production costs over time. Whether those goals materialize will depend on the work being installed, market demand and operating conditions.
What to watch next
Officials say a federal Forest Sector Strategy is expected in November 2026. The Conifex announcement does not provide a detailed installation timetable or identify a number of new jobs created by the upgrades. For the community, the measurable next steps are completion of the equipment improvements and subsequent reporting on production and employment, rather than assuming the full investment has already delivered its projected gains.
Sources & transparency
Pacific Economic Development Canada — October 28 Conifex funding announcementOriginal CDN News coverage. Sources are linked for reference.
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