CANADA (From news reports) -- The Government of Canada has provided a $100 million loan to Millar Western Forest Products Ltd. through the Large Enterprise Tariff Loan facility, offering the company flexibility to strengthen near-term operations and adapt to evolving market conditions while protecting jobs, according to the Government of Canada.

The forest sector has been impacted by ongoing trade disputes, particularly between the U.S. and China, which have created weak market conditions for softwood lumber, pulp, and other forest products, resulting in economic uncertainty.

Millar Western produces hardwood and softwood pulp from three mills in Slave Lake and Whitecourt, Alberta, and Quesnel, British Columbia, employing more than 420 full-time workers and supporting approximately 300 contractors in maintenance, field-level forestry, and consulting services. The company ships most of its products internationally, with 93% of its sales going to Asian markets, primarily China.

François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Finance and National Revenue, highlighted the loan as part of the government's efforts to support Canadian businesses facing trade-related uncertainty.