The Globe and Mail reports in its Friday, May 15, edition that Ottawa has announced $12.4-million in funding for 14 forestry projects in British Columbia as part of a $2.35-billion effort to support Canada's forestry industry. The Globe's Brent Jang writes that this includes $1.2-billion in loan guarantees for lumber producers and $500-million for programs aimed at diversifying wood production and advancing innovative projects. Natural Resources Canada said the latest announcement is under the umbrella of those programs: "These projects will advance new low-carbon wood technologies; expand the use of mass timber in construction; support indigenous groups and forest sector businesses; increase the capacity of manufacturers to add more value to wood products; and diversify Canada's export markets for forest products." There is also separate funding allotted for grants and contributions in a bid to find new buyers overseas and reduce dependence on the United States. B.C. Premier David Eby and provincial Forests Minister Ravi Parmar have said that B.C.'s ailing softwood industry faces enormous challenges and warned of widespread effects to communities and employees.