Union workers plan to challenge binding arbitration in port disruptions, as employers cheer and Ottawa is stuck in the middle. In Company news: West Fraser adjusts plan for Alberta’s Bragg Creek; Mosaic Forest Management integrates ‘social values’ layer into GIS mapping; Hancock Lumber reorganizes; Conifex Timber and GreenFirst report their Q3 results; and AF&PA announces six Sustainability Award Winners. Meanwhile: UBC and Canada Wood promote timber in China; and ERA’s Kevin Mason, UBC’s Harry Nelson, and John Brink opine on the future of Canadian softwood lumber duties. 

In Forestry/Climate news: the UN Climate Summit is on “knife’s edge” over money; ENGOs pan COP29’s carbon market agreement; and the ongoing controversy with the EU’s Deforestation Regulation. Meanwhile: Canada partners with SFI to advance climate smart forestry; and Ontario drags its feet on forest firefighters benefits.

Finally, late season wildfires continue to vex the northeast and northwest.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor