Region Archives: Canada East

Sionaid Eggett

During her time studying in the Forestry program, the Shaw Woods Outdoor Education Centre near Lake Doré was a special place for Sionaid Eggett, who had left a career in early childhood education to pursue her passion for the outdoors. …She enrolled in the program while the pandemic was at its peak in the Fall of 2021. …Eggett graduated from the Forestry program in 2022 and found employment with the Ontario Woodlot Association as a field operations coordinator. …She then took on a leadership role within the Canadian Institute of Forestry, chairing the Algonquin chapter earning her the prestigious James M Kitz award recognizing the outstanding contributions of individuals who are just getting their forestry careers started. Eggett was nominated by a professors in the forestry program, John Pineau, who is now her colleague at the Ontario Woodlot Association, having hired Eggett shortly after she graduated from the program.

It would appear Nova Scotians are changing the way they burn — the province saw its least active wildfire season on record this year, following its most devastating season ever. There were only 83 wildfires across Nova Scotia in the 2024 season, burning about 47.5 hectares of land, slightly more than double the size of the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site. The figures are well below the 10-year average of 185.4 wildfires and 3,277 hectares of land per year, according to the Department of Natural Resources and Renewables… In an effort to prevent wildfires, Nova Scotia increased the fine amount for violating those restrictions to $25,000. Natural Resources took a zero-tolerance approach to enforcement. The department issued 19 fines of $25,000. The RCMP also issued at least two fines equivalent to that amount.

The province of Ontario is providing $64 million to its wildland fire program to support hiring and training of staff, and equipment purchases, but the union representing wildland firefighters says more support is needed. The province announced the funding this week, saying it would be used to “hire and train key personnel and fund the purchase of new support equipment and technology, including fuel systems, tankers, trucks and software systems.” However, Noah Freedman, fire crew leader and local vice-president with the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), said the province needs to take further action to ensure fire crews are property staffed. “It’s a very common tactic that the government’s been using, with single investments rather than increase of budgets,” he said. “One thing that we’ve been calling on for quite a long time now is to have our budget increased, and to also reclassify wildland firefighters so that they’re actually recognized as firefighters.”

FORT ERIE, Ontario — The government of Nova Scotia has placed an order for four Airbus H125 helicopters to be used by the Department of Natural Resources and Renewables, confirming a full fleet renewal. The aircraft will be used to support rapid response to wildfire fighting, search and rescue, emergency and personnel transportation in remote areas, and aerial surveillance. “Emergencies like wildfires are becoming more and more prevalent because of climate change. That’s why we’re doing all we can to be prepared,” said Tory Rushton, Minister of Natural Resources and Renewables. The Department previously took delivery of four Airbus H125 in 2016. …Since 1984, Airbus Helicopters has delivered nearly 600 helicopters in Canada.

The Canadian Forest Service is celebrating its 125th anniversary this week. Scientists and other experts at the Great Lakes Forestry Centre invite everyone to celebrate the milestone at their “Branches of Time” event on Oct. 17 from 5:00pm-8:30pm, at the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre. The family event includes the opportunity to learn more about the unique history of the Canadian Forest Service, and the work taking place at the Great Lakes Forestry Centre. That work focuses on forest pests, climate change, forest fires, and forest ecosystems – all to better understand our Canadian forests. 

Jason Rasevych

The Anishnawbe Business Professional Association (ABPA) is calling for more Indigenous participation in the forest sector and equal footing for the industry.  At the National Summit on the Indigenous Forest Bioeconomy in Thunder Bay, Jason Rasevych, Director of Waawoono Consultancy and ABPA representative, addressed the critical need for innovation and investment to position Ontario as a leader in the forest bioeconomy. “We need to create a more inclusive and equitable forest sector that recognizes and respects Indigenous rights and knowledge,” said Rasevych. “This includes increasing Indigenous participation in forest management and decision-making for wood supply directives and providing greater access to capital and resources for Indigenous-owned businesses.” The ABPA also called on the Federal Government to increase its funding from $50 million annually to $500 million as a start to scale the opportunities across Canada and re-introduce the strategic partnership initiative funding for this sector.

QUEBEC — The 2024 DEMO International concluded on September 21 after five full days of groundbreaking displays, industry networking, and the latest in forestry innovations. Hosted by SBC Cedar and organized by the Canadian Woodlands Forum, the event marked the successful return of DEMO International, continuing its 55-year legacy as one of the world’s largest live, in-forest equipment demonstrations. With over $150 million in forestry equipment and machines on display from top manufacturers and suppliers internationally, over 6850 attendees had plenty to see and experience along the 3.2 km loop. …As one of the premier forestry events, DEMO International has been a platform for showcasing innovative solutions for more than five decades. The 2024 edition was no exception, highlighting advancements that promise to drive the industry forward for years to come.

The Ontario government gave $700,000 of caribou conservation funding to a forestry industry group that is pushing back on whether habitat loss is a major cause of caribou decline. …The Forest Products Association of Canada received the funding to partner with Lakehead University on a DNA study to estimate the caribou population in the Churchill Range. …Environment and Climate Change Canada’s caribou strategy focuses on the idea — backed by a wealth of evidence — that the main cause of caribou decline is the loss of their habitat, which logging can contribute to. The association has argued the science isn’t so certain and the government’s plans fail to account for other factors like climate change and predators. Association spokesperson Kerry Patterson-Baker said it is involved in caribou research, also putting up its own money, because accurate population estimates are needed if forests in Canada are going to be managed effectively.

Forests … subjected to intensive industrial forestry are the least capable of storing and sequestering carbon. This is the conclusion of a recent study published in Environmental Reviews, which looks at the capacity of Wabanaki-Acadian forests in the Maritime provinces to store carbon, and to sequester it out of the atmosphere. The literature review shows Wabanaki-Acadian forests that are left alone store and sequester the most carbon. …Notably, forests managed for “modern” intensive forestry… fare worst of the three forest management regimes on carbon. …In recent years, forest industry associations have gone to great lengths and spent millions of dollars trying to convince the public that industrial forestry is a force for good in our forests and for the climate. …As for Canada being a leader in sustainable forestry, which is what FPAC and its Forestry For The Future campaign claim, Megan de Graaf of Community Forests International, is skeptical.

Kim Allen

New Brunswick’s forest products industry employs more than 24,000 New Brunswickers and encompasses more than 600 businesses, including small and medium sized and Indigenous-owned businesses. …The forest sector maintains healthy, growing forests that provide fibre, support conservation, and protect species, land, and waters through carefully planned management strategies and responsible operations. …Like other industries and businesses in New Brunswick, the forest sector is pressured by increased costs for electricity, fuel, and taxes, market uncertainties, and workforce challenges that impact the sector’s global competitiveness. Unresolved Aboriginal title claims add further complexity and uncertainty. Our association and its members are committed to reconciliation. Negotiating settlements is an easy campaign promise, but we firmly believe including the forest sector in these discussions and working alongside Indigenous communities is the path to finding solutions that benefit everyone.

Newfoundland and Labrador is taking the lead to establish a world-class Atlantic Wildfire Centre in Central Newfoundland that will strengthen and enhance efforts to protect Atlantic Canada’s communities and forests. Related initiatives will be supported in part through a $32 million cost-shared, four-year investment in partnership with Natural Resources Canada under the Fighting and Managing Wildfires in a Changing Climate: Equipment fund. Located at Gander International Airport, the Centre will provide leadership and expertise in wildfire fighting and prevention, focusing on: Specialized Wildfire Management Expertise; Applied Science and Data Localization; Training and Education Programs; Wildfire Response and Service Delivery; and Wildfire Management and Training Facilities. …Newfoundland and Labrador has the largest forest landscape in Atlantic Canada, with many communities located in the heart of fire-driven ecosystems…. The province has a culture of fire-prevention that has been established for generations and a wealth of experience fighting large wildfires.

HALIFAX, NS – With wildfires increasing in frequency and severity across Canada — impacting our health, economies, communities and wildlife — the Governments of Canada and Nova Scotia are supporting Canadians and Nova Scotians whose lives and livelihoods are threatened by wildfires. Today, the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, with the Minister of Natural Resources and Renewables, announced a joint investment of nearly $30 million over five years under the Government of Canada’s Fighting and Managing Wildfires in a Changing Climate Program (FMWCC) – Equipment Fund and the Resilient Communities through FireSmart (RCF) Program. A joint investment of $25.6 million through the FMWCC – Equipment Fund is supporting Nova Scotia’s efforts to purchase wildfire firefighting equipment…

THUNDER BAY, ON – Indigenous peoples are at the forefront of the fight against biodiversity loss and climate change. Across the country, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis are on the ground managing land, water, and helping communities thrive while safeguarding the natural spaces we all depend on for current and future generations. Jaimee Gaunce, Executive Director of the First Nations National Guardians Network, joined Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and others to announce the investment of up to $27.6 million to support 80 First Nations Guardians initiatives. This investment will support 18 new and 62 existing initiatives to safeguard the land, water, and wildlife within First Nation territories while also creating meaningful employment opportunities in remote areas. …The Indigenous Guardians initiative is an important pathway for Indigenous peoples to continue to exercise their rights and responsibilities in stewardship of their traditional lands…

ONTARIO — On September 10, 2024 approximately 600 liters of concentrated glyphosate chemical herbicides were spilled near the Temagami First Nation due to a forestry tanker truck accident. This event has intensified an already heated debate surrounding the use of chemical herbicides by Ontario’s forestry sector, highlighting their potential dangers to ecosystems, wildlife, and public health. The financial motivations for their use ignore the long-term repercussions on human health, wildlife populations, and ecological stability. The real costs, such as rising cancer rates, declining moose populations, and environmental degradation, are completely externalized, falling on taxpayers rather than the companies profiting from these practices. …As the Ontario legislature prepares to address this issue, the hope is that this disaster will prompt a reassessment of current practices. The spill serves as a critical reminder of the environmental and social injustices associated with chemical herbicides.

OTTAWA, ON– BMO and Tree Canada are partnering for the third consecutive year to help Canadians improve the health of their communities in celebration of National Tree Day. On September 25 and 28, more than 3,000 registered volunteers – co-workers, friends and families – will gather in parks and greenspaces across Canada to plant trees, remove invasive plant species, and increase local biodiversity. This is the largest National Tree Day to date, with 21 planting events happening in 18 communities during National Forest Week. Planting sites vary, with the largest events taking place in Mississauga and Markham, Ontario, with over 400 volunteers, and smaller plantings in Saint John, New Brunswick and Quebec City, Quebec, where large caliper trees will be planted. …BMO donated $200,000 in support of National Tree Day 2024, in addition to $350,000 over the previous two years. 

QUEBEC — Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault has invited his Quebec counterpart to the negotiating table to reach an agreement on caribou before Christmas. …In his letter, Guilbeault reiterated that his government is ready to implement “a collaborative approach, including federal funding” to protect the caribou. “The government can make up to $77.8 million in contributions for boreal caribou available. …Guilbeault also said that he would like to negotiate an agreement on biodiversity, “for which Environment and Climate Change Canada is prepared to make an additional contribution of $100 million.” …The minister also explained that “$68 million from the $2 billion tree program could also be made available to support a possible collaborative agreement to support tree planting for habitat restoration.” In total, the federal government could contribute “up to $465.8 million to support Quebec’s efforts to achieve our shared conservation goals.

Join us in celebrating National Forest Week from September 22 to 28. Show your appreciation for Mississauga’s trees and forests and learn about the importance of Mississauga’s urban forest and natural areas and how you can aid in the protection, restoration, expansion and enhancement of the city’s natural spaces. From Friday, September 20 to Saturday, September 21, you can watch the Ontario Tree Climbing Championships at RK McMillan Park. You’ll be able to watch arborists showcase their skills, visit a tradeshow with vendors and try out tree climbing at the “Fun Climb” station under the guidance of a professional arborist. …To learn more about National Forest Week or register for events, visit mississauga.ca/national-forest-week.

As northern Ontario gets ready to welcome autumn this weekend, it’s still feeling a lot like summer as provincial forest fire crews continue to battle blazes. “With no forecasted precipitation until the weekend, this does mean that we can expect to see a continuation of that high forest fire hazard reading that we’ve been seeing across much of the region,” said Amy Peltonen, fire information officer with the Ministry of Natural Resources. The province said as of Thursday afternoon, there are 21 active wildland fires in the northeast region. …According to the province’s forest fire info map, most of northeastern Ontario is under a high forest fire rating. Ontario’s woodland fire season comes to an official end on Oct. 31. Until then most of the northeast region remains under a high forest fire rating with some areas considered extreme. 

Blake Moynes

ONTARIO — Blake Moynes, a television personality and passionate wildlife conservationist, has teamed up with the David Suzuki Foundation to address the alarming habitat loss impacting caribou populations in northern Ontario. …Through this partnership, Moynes is focused on bringing attention to the dire state of northern Ontario’s caribou, stressing the urgent need for action to preserve their shrinking habitat. “To keep it as simple as possible? Caribou populations are significantly declining right now due to habitat destruction, due to forestry, mining, and the exploitation of resources that’s essentially been mismanaged here in Canada. So caribou are declining, fading away here in Ontario, but in other places in Canada as well,” Moynes added. Moynes and the David Suzuki Foundation point to habitat destruction and the creation of logging roads as major contributors to the decline in caribou numbers, which have disrupted natural predator-prey dynamics. 

Jackie Hamilton

Canadian Forest Owners (CFO) is proud to continue supporting private land forestry research by offering the 3rd Peter deMarsh Memorial Bursary to Jackie Hamilton, who is in the final stage of her PhD candidacy in the Natural Resource Sciences Department at McGill University. Her doctoral thesis focuses on the relationships between trees and people in southern Quebec’s Mont Saint-Hilaire Biosphere Region. Hamilton is a student member of the Ontario Woodlot Association. “Jackie’s research aims to help us further our collective knowledge about the benefits of rural trees and the contributions people make,” states CEO Andrew de Vries, CFO. “Her goal to highlight the significant contribution of tree managers in producing valuable private and public benefits will have an impact on CFO woodlot owners and will hopefully provide a clearer story of the state of working landscapes across Canada.”