The shareholders of West Fraser and Norbord voted to approve their proposed merger/acquisition; a positive outcome per Seeking Alpha. In other Business news: Northern Pulp may drop its Boat Harbour court case; West Fraser wins top employer award; and Fibre Excellence’s Tarascon mill prospects improve as world pulp prices rise. Meanwhile: the US foreclosure moratorium is extended; US construction starts end year on sour note; and US builder confidence is down.

In other notable headlines–with the US inauguration ceremony moments away—Biden looks to boost homebuyers and builders; while others opine on the challenges facing his unnamed ambassador to Canada.

Finally, Kalesnikoff Mass Timber is hiring; FPInnovations seeks a new lead scientist and Interfor hosts virtual info session.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor