Ottawa boosts wood, bio-based materials in Quebec
The funding will support research, documentation and knowledge-sharing to expand technical expertise in mass timber and bio-based insulation.
Key Takeaways:
- The federal government is investing $580,000 through Natural Resources Canada’s Green Construction through Wood program to help Cecobois promote wood and bio-based materials as a way to decarbonize non-residential and multi-residential construction.
- The funding will support research, documentation and knowledge-sharing to expand technical expertise in mass timber and bio-based insulation, while complementing the newly opened Off-Site Construction Challenge aimed at boosting productivity and building performance.
- The initiatives align with the federal Buy Canadian Policy and Build Canada Homes strategy, while also supporting Quebec’s forest sector amid pressures such as U.S. trade measures and reinforcing forestry’s role in jobs and economic growth.
The Whole Story:
The federal government is providing $580,000 to Cecobois through the Green Construction through Wood program to promote the use of wood and bio-based materials in decarbonizing the construction sector, Natural Resources Canada announced Thursday.
Claude Guay, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, made the announcement at Les Conférences Cecobois et le Forum construction bas carbone et biosourcée 2026 in Quebec. The funding, administered by the Conseil de l’industrie forestière du Québec, will support projects documenting and raising awareness of wood’s benefits in construction, deepening technical knowledge and disseminating expertise across the sector.
The initiative aims to increase the use of wood and bio-based insulation materials while promoting carbon neutrality in non-residential and multi-residential buildings—a priority for builders and developers seeking to meet decarbonization targets.
The announcement coincides with Natural Resources Canada opening applications for the Off-Site Construction Challenge, which supports innovative off-site construction approaches, including mass-timber solutions, to improve productivity, reduce construction timelines and enhance building performance.
Both initiatives align with the federal Buy Canadian Policy and Build Canada Homes, which prioritize Canadian wood and technologies in federal infrastructure and housing projects.
“Canada’s forests are more than a resource—they are the foundation for good jobs, housing and sustainable economic growth,” Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, said in a statement. “Today’s announcement makes sure that forestry remains a pillar of national strength, a source of good jobs for communities across the country and a major exporter of our products to the world—protecting what we have while building stronger for tomorrow.”
The funding reflects the government’s response to pressures facing Quebec’s forest sector, including the impact of U.S. trade measures, the ministry said in a news release.