In response to COVID-19 and the economic effects to our forestry industry, the Alberta government will defer timber dues for six months. This will help forest companies continue operating and retain staff during this pandemic.

Alberta is one of the first provinces to utilize existing legislation to defer timber dues in response to the extreme near-term pressures the forest sector is experiencing.

“Alberta’s forest sector is our third largest resource industry, behind energy and agriculture. Ensuring the economic viability for our responsible forest companies will help Alberta families and contribute to our economic recovery", says Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry.

This deferral of dues will support companies that have self-isolating staff or constraints that require working from home and help many rural economies by providing stable employment in the forest industry.

The forest industry has been experiencing low markets for lumber, oriented strand board and pulp due to the pandemic.