New federal funding is being directed to the Northern Hardwood Research Institute to help forestry workers and employers affected by global tariffs.
The provincial government has announced that the institute will receive $483,791 to develop three courses, over 300 video lectures, and an online training platform.
Additionally, a working group will be formed to identify sector challenges, and an outreach effort will engage employers to identify workforce gaps and future training needs.
Post‑Secondary Education and Training Minister Jean‑Claude D’Amours said forestry remains a major part of New Brunswick’s economy, accounting for 24,000 jobs, 900 companies and $2.8 billion in annual exports.
He said the funding is part of the Canada–New Brunswick Workforce Tariff Response agreement, which aims to support workers whose jobs have been directly or indirectly affected by global tariffs.
The federal government has committed $13.8 million over three years through the agreement to help industries in the province facing tariff pressures.
Federal Jobs and Families Minister Patty Hajdu said the initiative is intended to ensure workers gain the skills needed to succeed in a competitive environment while supporting long‑term resilience in the forestry sector.
The institute is a partnership among the forestry sector, governments and academia.
Executive director Gaetan Pelletier said the organization focuses on applied research and translates that research into practical training for workers.
He said the new program will help ensure workers have the skills to use new tools and methods in the field, supporting productivity, competitiveness and sustainability across the industry.
