Canada is spending billions to help industry deal with US tariffs. Conservation groups urge feds to ensure this funding doesn't harm Canada's already threatened old growth and primary forests.

As Canada responds to the economic uncertainty caused by U.S. tariffs on forest products, 14 leading conservation organizations have issued an open letter urging federal party leaders to ensure that relief measures do not lead to the increased destruction of Canada’s primary and old-growth forests.

In their letter, the groups outline key principles that must guide Canada’s response, including prioritizing forest ecosystem health, directing public funding to workers rather than corporations, maintaining access to key export markets and ensuring First Nations leadership and consent are included in forest policy decisions.

• Forest ecosystem health must be maintained as a pillar of economic security
• Public funding should support workers directly
• Only Canadian-owned companies should receive federal subsidies 
• Access to non-US, European markets must be maintained
• Long-term forest sustainability over short-term profits
• First Nations leadership and consent must be central to forest policy decisions
• New investment should be made to add value and employment in the forest sector