Strategic Outreach: Advancing Industry Priorities in B.C., Manitoba & the U.S.

North American Security Mission US Outreach

For the first time, Supply-Build Canada is on the ground in Washington, D.C., joining the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s North American Security Mission.

As the preliminary review of the CUSMA agreement begins ahead of its 2026 renewal, our goal is clear: secure a stronger position for Canadian lumber and wood products in the next iteration of the agreement. The current duty structure is unsustainable, and a unified voice is needed to shape fair and resilient trade outcomes for our members.

A full summary will appear in the next Yardstick and our next advocacy e-bulletin.

British Columbia Outreach Recap

Supply-Build Canada launched its first annual Parliamentary Days in British Columbia, kicking off a series of key meetings with government ministers, MLAs, and senior officials in Victoria. 

The outreach began with a virtual meeting with Minister Parmar, where discussions focused on the urgency of a new softwood lumber agreement—one that includes the often-overlooked remanufacturing sector. Chris Sainas of Dakeryn contributed valuable insights on the challenges faced by remanufacturers, highlighting the need for informed policymaking.

As this was our inaugural engagement in BC, the primary goal was to introduce Supply-Build Canada and share our key priorities, including:

• The current and future impacts of CVD and ADD duties, which are set to double this summer 
• The potential consequences of the Section 232 review, which could result in additional tariffs 
• The urgent need for a national softwood lumber agreement, with all stakeholders—federal, provincial, and industry—at the table 

Additional discussions covered workforce development, red tape reduction, and how Supply-Build Canada can be a valuable partner to government. 

Key meetings included: 

• Eric Peters, Chief of Staff, Ministry of Post-Secondary Education & Future Skills 
• MLA Jessie Sunner, Parliamentary Secretary for Anti-Racism 
• Farid Azar, Chief of Staff, Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development,& Innovation 
• MLA Steve Morissette, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance & Rural Development 

Manitoba Outreach Recap

Supply-Build Canada concluded its fourth legislative outreach on May 28–29 in Winnipeg, meeting with a wide range of Manitoba government ministers, MLAs, and officials. 

The visit began with the Hon. Ian Bushie, Minister of Natural Resources and Indigenous Futures, who discussed the importance of Manitoba’s north-south and east-west economic corridors. Softwood lumber and workforce recruitment were top of mind, with Minister Bushie committing to raise these concerns during interprovincial meetings this summer in St. John's, NL. 

Opposition MLAs Greg Nesbitt, Wayne Ewasko, Rick Wowchuk, and Jeff Bereza were also briefed. Liz Kovach emphasized that Supply-Build Canada represents 1,200+ members, with the wholesale industry alone generating $4.4 billion in national tax revenue. The MLAs expressed interest in our concerns and shared their resolution advocating for removal of GST on new home construction. 

A meeting with Minister Mike Moroz, Minister of Innovation and New Technology, covered key topics like interprovincial trade barriers, outcome-based procurement, and reducing red tape. Minister Moroz referenced Bill 47 (Fair Trade in Canada Act), recently passed with all-party support, and his department’s commitment to “finding a path to yes.” 

Supply-Build Canada also met with Jana Schott, Assistant Deputy Minister of Investment and Trade, to discuss: 

• The economic impact study 
• Softwood lumber and workforce development, including the looming 20% retirement rate in the LBM sector 
• The importance of attracting youth through initiatives like our “Let’s Go Build” campaign

The organization also offered its support in policy consultations, task forces, and roundtables. 

Minister Mintu Sandhu, Public Service Delivery, shared plans to update procurement policies in a way that prioritizes local workforce development and economic reconciliation. 

Meetings with NDP MLAs Dileet Brar, David Pankratz, and Shannon Corbett focused on softwood lumber, housing affordability, and the need to streamline building inspection standards across Manitoba. 

The outreach concluded with a meeting with Hon. Malaya Marcelino, Minister of Labour and Immigration, who expressed strong interest in workforce collaboration. She encouraged Supply-Build Canada to: 

• Identify member employers with workforce needs 
• Engage with youth in her Notre Dame constituency 
• Support enhancement of the Provincial Nominee Program 

Liz Kovach
President
Supply-Build Canada