Standing Strong with B.C.’s Lumber Industry: Insights from the Global Buyers Mission

It was an honour to again join almost 700 leaders, representatives, and longstanding partners from the lumber industry at the Global Buyers Mission in Whistler last weekend! At a time when B.C.’s lumber sector is facing enormous pressure from nearly every direction, this was an important opportunity to hear from partners past and present and reiterate Canaan’s commitment to providing the infrastructure, expertise, and flexibility that lumber companies need to thrive, even in challenging times. 

Among the highlights from the event was Premier David Eby’s keynote address, in which he spoke strongly in support of the forestry industry, referencing Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent announcement of new federal funding aimed at stabilizing, protecting, and revitalizing one of B.C.’s cornerstone industries.

In our many conversations with various delegates — most of whom we have worked with throughout our 40 years of experience in the lumber industry — we heard concerns around declining log supply, the number and size of wildfires every summer, and the continued closure of sawmills due to weak market conditions. And, of course, at the top of many participants’ minds was U.S. tariffs—now exceeding 35%—on softwood lumber, driven by claims that B.C.’s forest industry benefits unfairly from Crown land subsidies. More than ever, companies are seeking reliable, experienced partners who can help them navigate logistical complexity and not just maintain operations but seek out opportunities for growth.

Canaan is proud of our reputation as a dependable partner for end-to-end logistics support. Our Modern Terminal warehouse is one of the most recognized lumber loading facilities in the region, trusted by many GBM participants past and present. From forwarding to loading, we offer a seamless one-stop solution tailored to the unique demands of the forestry sector.

As your company confronts new realities, Canaan is ready — as we have been for nearly half a century — to come alongside you with the wisdom of experience, a commitment to unrivaled customer service, and the capacity to adapt and innovate when needed.

Let’s continue our conversations! Reach out today at sales@canaangroup.ca