The Timmins Chamber of Commerce is welcoming the news of $1.2 billion in new federal investments to shore up the Canadian softwood lumber industry in response to punishing American tariffs.

Softwood lumber comes from evergreen trees. It has a lower density than hardwood which makes it easier to work with as it splits less easily from screws and nails. It is used in construction, furniture building and paper products.

Prime Minister Mark Carney on Tuesday, Aug. 5, announced $700 in loan guarantees for softwood lumber companies, $500 million for product and market diversification, a promise to buy Canadian lumber for the Build Canada Homes program, and $50 million to retrain workers who may have lost jobs due to recent American tariff actions.

The increase in American tariffs on Canadian

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