The forest and wood products industry is an important contributor to the Yukon’s economy. Businesses that harvest timber or manufacture products from wood provide essential goods, such as heating fuel and lumber, to people and communities and contribute to a diversified economy.

“Yukon’s forest industry includes a wide range of businesses, from single-person tree-harvesters to small- and medium-sized operations. These businesses provide good jobs and economic opportunities for people and communities across the territory. Through this contribution, our government is investing in the growth of these local businesses and supporting them as they adopt innovative solutions and further develop a sustainable forest sector in the Yukon.”

The Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, PrairiesCan and CanNor

“Wood products are a significant part of Yukoner’s lives. From heating to building to manufacturing, the forestry industry provides a variety of jobs, opportunities, and vital products to the territory. Through the Yukon Wood Products Association’s project, our government is supporting training and capacity building so the industry can respond to the current and future needs of Yukoners.”

Dr. Brendan Hanley, Member of Parliament for the Yukon

“No one enters Yukon forestry to get rich. Small business owners/operators are passionate about their communities, families, and the land they live on. The support from CanNor marks a pivotal opportunity to tackle challenges directly, focusing on a sustainable wood supply for all Yukoners. Now is the time to unite our efforts to secure a thriving future for our livelihoods and the Yukon forest sector.”

Peter Wright, Executive Director, Yukon Wood Products Association

• This initiative builds on CanNor’s nearly $100,000 investment in the Government of Yukon’s Forest Management Branch for a one-year pilot project to deliver micro-grants to businesses in the Yukon’s forest industry in 2023-24. These grants aimed to improve operating efficiency, safety and productivity for local fuelwood harvesters.

• This project is funded through the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency’s Inclusive Diversification and Economic Advancement in the North (IDEANorth) program. IDEANorth makes foundational investments in economic infrastructure, sector development and capacity building to help position Northerners in the territories to take advantage of Canada's innovation economy.

Associated links

• The Government of Yukon and the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency launch new Forestry Support Program | Government of Yukon
• Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
• Inclusive Diversification and Economic Advancement in the North (IDEANorth)

For more information, media may contact:

Carson Debert
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Northern Affairs, PrairiesCan and CanNor
Carson.Debert@rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca

Leighann Chalykoff
Communications Advisor, Yukon
Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)
leighann.chalykoff@cannor.gc.ca

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