Region Archives: Canada

Today’s Takeaway

US Department of Commerce to Increase Duties on Canadian Softwood Lumber 20.56%

The Tree Frog Forestry News
July 25, 2025
Category: Today's Takeaway
Region: Canada, United States

Breaking News: The US Department of Commerce today announced the final anti-dumping duty rate of 20.56% in the sixth annual antidumping review of unfairly traded Canadian softwood lumber imports into the United States. 


The Forest Stewardship Council lifted its suspension of Asia Pulp & Paper in the interest of speedy redress—to Greenpeace’s dismay. In other Business news: Kruger plans a $700M modernization of its Corner Brook mill; Northern Pulp’s cleanup plan is still pending; Port Angeles demands a full cleanup of Rayonier mill site; UPM to curtail paper production due to overcapacity; Weyerhaeuser posts lower Q2, 2025 earnings; the US plans to continue investigating hardwood plywood imports; and the USDA draws criticism for relocating DC staff. Meanwhile: Ontario invests in forest biomass; and the Wood Flooring Association has a new CEO.

In Forestry/Wildfire news: BC’s Forest Practices Board released its annual report; West Fraser and Lake Babine Nation celebrate a new tenure; Ben Parfitt on the fibre challenge faced by BC’s value-added mills; a blockade highlights Quebec’s Indigenous consultation gap; Thompson River University joins National wildfire resilience network; Washington state secures long-delayed wildfire funds; a study say US forest diversity continues to decline, the Fix Our Forests Act draws fire; and Congress moves to stop killing of barred owls.

Finally, West Fraser was justified in safety violation firing, and WorkSafeBC’s proposed regulatory amendments.

Read More

Breaking News

US Department of Commerce to Increase Duties on Canadian Softwood Lumber 20.56%

BC Council of Forest Industries, BC Lumber Trade Council & US Lumber Coalition
July 25, 2025
Category: Breaking News, Business & Politics
Region: Canada, United States

The US Department of Commerce today announced the final anti-dumping duty rate of 20.56% in the sixth annual antidumping review of unfairly traded Canadian softwood lumber imports into the United States. The review covers lumber imported in calendar year 2023. If the Department’s forthcoming determination in the countervailing duty review is consistent with the preliminary results, the combined rate will be well over 30%.

Council of Forest Industries (COFI):

COFI strongly condemns today’s decision by the US Department of Commerce to once again increase anti-dumping duties on Canadian softwood lumber. These unjustified and punitive trade actions continue to harm workers, families, and communities across British Columbia and Canada—and have gone unresolved for far too long.  We call on the Government of Canada to make resolution of the softwood lumber dispute a top national priority. But this latest escalation also underscores a hard truth: we cannot wait for the US to act.  To keep forestry workers employed and communities strong, BC must urgently strengthen the conditions to succeed here at home. That starts with treating forestry as a major project to reach a target harvest of 45 million cubic metres and taking immediate action to restore wood flow, protect jobs, and stabilize the sector—while laying the groundwork for long-term competitiveness. 

US Lumber Coalition:

The US Lumber Coalition applauds Trump Administration’s strong enforcement of the US trade Laws against egregious levels of unfair trade by Canada in softwood lumber. “20.56% – that is the enormous extent to which Canadian producers dumped their lumber in the US market. …Andrew Miller, Chairman of the Coalition said., “The Commerce Department has once again proven the severity of market disruption caused by Canada’s unfair trading. Time has come for Canada to reconcile the size of its industry with market realities. The United States will no longer absorb Canada’s massive excess capacity in lumber at the expense of US mills and communities.” …US lumber industry and workers letter to President Trump. Enforcing U.S. trade laws helps increase the U.S. supply of lumber to build American homes, all without impacting the cost of a new home, as demonstrated by data from the NAHB and Fastmarkets Random Lengths. 

BC Lumber Trade Council (BCLTC):

 The BCLTC is deeply disappointed by today’s final determination by the US Department of Commerce to raise anti-dumping duties on Canadian softwood lumber to 20.56%.  This decision represents yet another example of ongoing US protectionism at a time when cross-border cooperation should be a shared priority. “These duties are both unjustified and harmful,” said Kurt Niquidet, President of the BC Lumber Trade Council. “They unfairly penalize forestry workers and families across British Columbia, while further increasing costs for American homebuilders and consumers. Niquidet emphasized the need for a lasting resolution: “Rather than prolonging this decades-old dispute through costly litigation, we urge both governments to pursue a fair and durable agreement that delivers long-term certainty in the softwood lumber trade.” 

Read More

Business & Politics

US Department of Commerce to Increase Duties on Canadian Softwood Lumber 20.56%

BC Council of Forest Industries, BC Lumber Trade Council & US Lumber Coalition
July 25, 2025
Category: Breaking News, Business & Politics
Region: Canada, United States

The US Department of Commerce today announced the final anti-dumping duty rate of 20.56% in the sixth annual antidumping review of unfairly traded Canadian softwood lumber imports into the United States. The review covers lumber imported in calendar year 2023. If the Department’s forthcoming determination in the countervailing duty review is consistent with the preliminary results, the combined rate will be well over 30%.

Council of Forest Industries (COFI):

COFI strongly condemns today’s decision by the US Department of Commerce to once again increase anti-dumping duties on Canadian softwood lumber. These unjustified and punitive trade actions continue to harm workers, families, and communities across British Columbia and Canada—and have gone unresolved for far too long.  We call on the Government of Canada to make resolution of the softwood lumber dispute a top national priority. But this latest escalation also underscores a hard truth: we cannot wait for the US to act.  To keep forestry workers employed and communities strong, BC must urgently strengthen the conditions to succeed here at home. That starts with treating forestry as a major project to reach a target harvest of 45 million cubic metres and taking immediate action to restore wood flow, protect jobs, and stabilize the sector—while laying the groundwork for long-term competitiveness. 

US Lumber Coalition:

The US Lumber Coalition applauds Trump Administration’s strong enforcement of the US trade Laws against egregious levels of unfair trade by Canada in softwood lumber. “20.56% – that is the enormous extent to which Canadian producers dumped their lumber in the US market. …Andrew Miller, Chairman of the Coalition said., “The Commerce Department has once again proven the severity of market disruption caused by Canada’s unfair trading. Time has come for Canada to reconcile the size of its industry with market realities. The United States will no longer absorb Canada’s massive excess capacity in lumber at the expense of US mills and communities.” …US lumber industry and workers letter to President Trump. Enforcing U.S. trade laws helps increase the U.S. supply of lumber to build American homes, all without impacting the cost of a new home, as demonstrated by data from the NAHB and Fastmarkets Random Lengths. 

BC Lumber Trade Council (BCLTC):

 The BCLTC is deeply disappointed by today’s final determination by the US Department of Commerce to raise anti-dumping duties on Canadian softwood lumber to 20.56%.  This decision represents yet another example of ongoing US protectionism at a time when cross-border cooperation should be a shared priority. “These duties are both unjustified and harmful,” said Kurt Niquidet, President of the BC Lumber Trade Council. “They unfairly penalize forestry workers and families across British Columbia, while further increasing costs for American homebuilders and consumers. Niquidet emphasized the need for a lasting resolution: “Rather than prolonging this decades-old dispute through costly litigation, we urge both governments to pursue a fair and durable agreement that delivers long-term certainty in the softwood lumber trade.” 

Read More

Canada Employs Unfounded Scare Tactics in Attempt to Attack President Trump’s Successful Trade Policies

The US Lumber Coalition
July 23, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, United States

WASHINGTON — CNN published an article citing the Canadian Chamber of Commerce… claiming that tariffs on Canadian building materials, with an emphasis on lumber, will drive up the cost of housing for US consumers. This is incorrect. …”In order to continue seeing the massive growth of US softwood lumber production capacity that we have seen over the last nine years as a result of US trade law enforcement, it is essential that President Trump takes all necessary steps to downsizing Canada’s unsustainable 8 billion board feet of excess lumber capacity that is stifling continued US growth,” said Andrew Miller. …”Canadian softwood lumber companies, not U.S. consumers, directly pay the import duties through their U.S. subsidiaries. …”Canada is desperately trying to avoid paying their bill to the US taxpayers. …They are suggesting relieving Canada from having to pay future duties while continuing to dump their excess lumber into the US market,” added Zoltan van Heyningen.

Read More

Canfor’s 77%-owned subsidiary, Vida AB, expands with Swedish Acquisition

Canfor Corporation
July 22, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, United States, International

VANCOUVER, BC – Canfor announced today that its 77%-owned subsidiary, Vida AB, has entered into an agreement to purchase AB Karl Hedin Sågverk from Mattsbo Såg AB and certain minority shareholders for a purchase price of $164 million, including working capital of ~$39 million. AB Karl Hedin Sågverk operates three sawmills located in Central Sweden and will add approximately 230 million board feet to Vida’s annual production capacity. Following completion of this acquisition, Vida will have annual production capacity of approximately 2.1 billion board feet. Annual synergies of approximately $15 million are expected to be achieved within three years as a result of this transaction principally related to alignment of marketing programs as well as log procurement and operational practices. …These operations have access to exceptionally high-quality timber and are well positioned to complement Vida’s high-value product offering,” said CEO Susan Yurkovich. …The transaction is expected to close over the next several months.

Read More

BC Forest Practices Board releases 2024-25 annual report

BC Forest Practices Board
July 24, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, Canada West

VICTORIA – The Forest Practices Board has released its 2024-25 annual report, highlighting nearly three decades of independent oversight and a continued commitment to sound forest and range practices throughout British Columbia. This year’s report reflects a sector in transition with growing pressures from climate change, wildfires and the need to modernize land management — all requiring strong oversight and innovative responses. Highlights include:

  • Audits: completed five audits, identifying 11 significant non-compliances related to fire hazards, bridge maintenance and silviculture practices.
  • Investigations: published five complaint-investigation reports, and received nine new complaints, many tied to forest planning in sensitive areas.
  • Special projects: three special projects underway at the end of the fiscal year, focusing on wildfire rehabilitation, species-at-risk habitat and adaptive management under landscape planning.
  • Appeals: reviewed 21 determinations under the Forest and Range Practices Act and the Wildfire Act, and continued its participation in two appeals.

Read More

B.C. forestry has a lot at stake in Carney’s U.S. trade talks

By Derrick Penner
Vancouver Sun
July 23, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, Canada West

B.C.’s forest industry has a lot at stake in trade talks between Canada and the U.S. as Prime Minister Mark Carney works toward the suggested Aug. 1 deadline for a deal, and a promise to make resolving the pre-existing dispute between the two countries on softwood lumber trade a priority. Mills in the province are already running at just 67 per cent capacity during the uncertainty surrounding tariffs… But Carney put a spotlight back on the issue last week with his commitment to make a resolution “a top priority” in trade talks sparked by U.S. President Donald Trump. The prospect of additional tariffs … adds to the urgency for reaching a deal. …B.C. sawmills that would have been reluctant to absorb the high cost of curtailing production have been quicker to suspend operations … owing to the uncertainty around tariffs, according to industry analyst Keta Kosman, publisher of the trade data firm Madison’s Lumber Reporter.

Read More

Toxic effluent, repeated penalties plague BC Domtar mill

By Stefan Labbé
Business in Vancouver
July 21, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, Canada West

SKOOKUMCHUCK, BC — A BC pulp and paper mill has once again been struck with environmental penalties after provincial inspectors found it had discharged acutely toxic effluent into the Kootenay River and failed to properly maintain equipment that treats the facility’s toxic waste. The three penalties to the Domtar’s Skookumchuck, BC, mill span 2022 to 2024 and totalled more than $56,000. They come just over a month after the Ministry of Environment and Parks penalized the mill north of Cranbrook for nearly two dozen failures to control the release of emissions. …Tests carried out on mill effluent in the summer of 2023 found it was toxic to trout. Domtar submitted that the toxicity only lasted for a short duration. Environmental Management Act Jennifer Mayberry determined the violations were of a medium severity. …A spokesperson for Domtar said the company planned to appeal parts of the decision.

Read More

Nova Scotia waiting on cleanup plan from Northern Pulp for defunct mill

By Taryn Grant
CBC News
July 24, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, Canada East

Northern Pulp is abandoning its plans in Nova Scotia, but the province is still counting on the company to decommission its old mill and clean up the site in Pictou County that was used for heavy industrial activity for more than half a century. Environment Minister Tim Halman says his department is waiting for the company to file a reclamation plan. …Northern Pulp had been pursuing a new mill in Liverpool, and had said it would maintain the old mill for “potential logistics operations.” But the plan for a new mill was abandoned earlier this month. In a settlement agreement, Northern Pulp agreed to pay up to $15 million to the province for the mill’s closure and any necessary cleanup. …(However), it must first pay off hundreds of millions of dollars owed to its creditors as part of an insolvency process being handled in a BC court.

Read More

Kruger announces plan to diversify Corner Brook Pulp and Paper

By Diane Crocker
The Telegram
July 24, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, Canada East

Kruger is proposing to invest up to $700 million to transform its paper mill in Corner Brook into a modernized and sustainable manufacturing complex. Kruger said the comprehensive diversification strategy to secure future operations of Corner Brook Pulp and Paper, which is contingent on timely endorsement by key industry partners. The company said the project will promote the expansion of the provincial sawmill industry, provide energy and power capacity for NL Hydro, while sustaining jobs for Corner Brook and the provincial forestry sector. The proposed plan will also create a significant number of jobs during the construction phase. …The project will modernize the paper manufacturing operations, add a new pulp storage facility, upgrade site infrastructure, implement chip handling and receiving equipment, and install a biomass unloading and drying system for the cogeneration facility. It will also include investments at the Deer Lake and Watsons Pond hydro facilities to maximize their capacity.

Read More

First Nations call off talks on forestry bill, say Quebec disrespecting rights

By Maura Forrest
The Canadian Press in the Winnipeg Free Press
July 22, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, Canada East

MONTREAL – First Nations in Quebec have walked away from talks with the provincial government on a forestry bill they say would pave the way to privatizing public land. The Assembly of First Nations Quebec–Labrador says the province has not shown “genuine political will” to collaborate with Indigenous communities on the government’s forestry reform, which they say does not respect their rights. …The Quebec government tabled a bill last spring aiming to protect communities that depend on the forestry industry. The legislation would divide public forests into zones designated for conservation, multi-purpose use or forestry. …Indigenous leaders were quick to criticize the bill, saying it infringed on their rights. …In Tuesday’s open letter, assembly Chief Francis Verreault-Paul and five members of the group’s committee on forests, including Flamand, say the government has refused to engage on the zoning strategy, which they want scrapped.

Read More

Finance & Economics

West Fraser Timber reports Q2, 2025 loss of $24 million

West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd.
July 23, 2025
Category: Finance & Economics
Region: Canada, United States

VANCOUVER, BC — West Fraser Timber reported the second quarter results of 2025. …Second quarter sales were $1.532 billion, compared to $1.459 billion in the first quarter of 2025. Second quarter earnings were $(24) million compared to earnings of $42 million in the first quarter of 2025. Second quarter Adjusted EBITDA was $84 million compared to $195 million in the first quarter of 2025. Highlights include: Lumber segment Adjusted EBITDA1 of $15 million; North America Engineered Wood Products (“NA EWP”) segment Adjusted EBITDA1 of $68 million; Pulp & Paper segment Adjusted EBITDA1 of $(1) million; and Europe Engineered Wood Products (“Europe EWP”) segment Adjusted EBITDA1 of $2 million. “Demand for many of our wood-based building products slowed in the second quarter as spring building activity fell short of our expectations. This was more acute in our NA EWP segment, which experienced further easing of demand as the quarter progressed, consistent with government data pointing to softer U.S. new home construction,” said CEO Sean McLaren.

Read More

Trade panel remands Commerce’s antidumping methods in softwood lumber dispute

CUSMA Panel Review
July 23, 2025
Category: Finance & Economics
Region: Canada, United States

A CUSMA Chapter 10 binational panel remanded [for further explanation] two statistical methodologies in the US Department of Commerce’s Administrative Review 1 antidumping duty determination on Canadian softwood lumber, requiring Commerce to reassess its use of the Cohen’s d test and to apply weighted pooled variances in its meaningful-difference analysis according to the panel’s Decision and Order. …The panel affirmed all other aspect of the results challenged in this appeal…The review stems from a December 22, 2020 request by Resolute Forest Products and the Ontario Forest Industries Association. …The panel remanded Commerce’s application of Cohen’s d because the Federal Circuit’s decision in Marmen Inc. v. United States Wind Tower Trade Coalition requires that the test’s key assumptions, normal data distribution, equal variances and adequate sample size, be demonstrated before use. …The panel also remanded Commerce’s pooling of variances, directing the Department to use weighted pooled variances that reflect differing sample sizes. …Commerce must respond by October 20, 2025.

Read More

Lethargic sales in most framing lumber markets despite anticipation of increased duties on imports from Canada

By Joe Pruski
RISI Fastmarkets
July 23, 2025
Category: Finance & Economics
Region: Canada, United States

Lumber markets remained flat this week as vacation time, industry gatherings, sweltering heat and general economic uncertainty contributed to sluggish sales. Minimal immediate needs limited replenishment purchases to modest volumes while a lack of clarity regarding near-term prospects stifled speculative trading across North American framing lumber markets. 2×4 led gains in many species, but the increases were modest. Seasonal factors, including unusually heavy rainfall and normal summer heat, contributed to the ongoing sluggish pace across the South. Mills worked hard to capture modest premiums. The coming hike in duties on Canadian shipments to the US did little to alter the ongoing lack of urgency among buyers. …Sales of Western S-P-F were governed by tepid demand and uncertainty regarding the timing and scope of higher duties and potential tariffs. …Sales in the Coast region were lukewarm with most lumber markets trends holding. 

Read More

Lumber Furtures Trade Above $680

Trading Economics
July 23, 2025
Category: Finance & Economics
Region: Canada, United States

Lumber futures traded above $680 per thousand board feet, approaching the two-and-a-half-year peak of $685 recorded on March?24th, driven by a squeeze on supply meeting unfaltering construction demand. On the demand front, US housing starts held surprisingly steady at an annualized 1.6?million units in June even as existing-home sales slipped 2.7% to a nine-month low, ensuring that framing requirements remained robust. At the same time, US softwood lumber tariffs on Canadian imports continue to add roughly 9% to landed costs, while Pacific Northwest mills have withdrawn nearly 20% of regional capacity for mid-season maintenance, sharply curtailing shipments to distributors. Internationally, imports from Europe and New?Zealand are throttled by 25% duties on Russian lumber and persistent ocean-freight bottlenecks, collectively depleting distributor inventories to their lowest levels in more than two years and reinforcing today’s sharp advance in futures prices. [END]

Read More

Canada tariffs could add $14,000 to the cost of building a home by 2027, report warns

By Samantha Delouya
CNN Business
July 22, 2025
Category: Finance & Economics
Region: Canada, United States

President Trump’s tariffs could have an unintended side effect: making homeownership even less affordable for many Americans. A new report from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce estimates that the average cost of building a US home could rise by an additional $14,000 by the end of 2027 if tariffs on Canadian imports remain in place, even as many experts estimate that America needs millions more affordable homes. In 2023 alone, Canada accounted for 69% of US lumber imports, 25% of imported iron and steel and 18% of copper imports, all key construction materials, the report said. The White House pushed back on the assertion that tariffs would increase costs for Americans. …The report underscores that Trump’s tariff policy, intended to support American industry, may instead worsen housing affordability. Taking into account tariffs first imposed during Trump’s first term, the total added cost from tariffs could reach $20,000 per home by 2027, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce found.

Related coverage in the Washington Examiner: Trump tariffs on Canada could increase domestic cost of homebuilding by $14,000

Read More

Wood, Paper & Green Building

Secure your spot at Woodrise

naturally.wood
July 24, 2025
Category: Wood, Paper & Green Building
Region: Canada

This year, Vancouver is hosting the 5th edition of the Woodrise International Congress from September 22–25, 2025, at the Vancouver Convention Centre. This edition will focus on building smarter and taller with wood showcasing solutions using mass timber. Learn about sustainable and resilient building practices and gain insight into technological advancements in wood construction. Explore the future of timber construction through a series of exclusive offsite tours, exhibiting mass timber buildings here in Vancouver and surrounding regions. Highlights include four innovative projects from B.C.’s Mass Timber Demonstration Program. Join over 2,000 participants from more than 25 countries, hear from 60+ international speakers, and take part in exclusive networking and B2B opportunities.

Read More

Canadian Wood Council Applauds Nova Scotia’s Prioritization of Wood Products for Construction and Heating in Public Buildings

Canadian Wood Council
July 18, 2025
Category: Wood, Paper & Green Building
Region: Canada

OTTAWA, ON – The Canadian Wood Council (CWC) applauds the Province of Nova Scotia’s recent announcement regarding the prioritization of wood products for construction and heating in public buildings – a strategic move that supports economic growth, climate resilience, and innovation in the province’s forestry sector. By committing to mass timber and other solid wood products for construction, alongside the use of wood pellets, biomass, and other products made from forest residuals for heat and energy, Nova Scotia is taking a leadership approach to development that aligns environmental stewardship with economic opportunity. This initiative reinforces the principles of a circular economy built on sustainable forest management. This comprehensive approach to fibre utilization ensures the province is maximizing the value of harvested wood and reducing waste while simultaneously supporting jobs, stimulating rural economies, and strengthening local and regional supply chains across the forestry and construction sectors.

Read More

Forestry

Opposition to BC Timber Sales operating plans recommended to Sunshine Coast Regional District board

By Connie Jordison
Sunshine Coast Reporter
July 26, 2025
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

There was unanimous committee level support for the Sunshine Coast Regional District’s (SCRD) response to B.C. Timber Sales’ (BCTS) 2025 – 2029 operating plan review. That recommendation, approved at the July 17 electoral services committee meeting, is to be considered by the board at an upcoming meeting. The committee call was to state “the SCRD does not support logging of MCNR006 block that is designated as community drinking watershed.” In addition the recommendation stated it “does not support the logging of blocks ELPH008, G043B4NN, G043B4SG, G043C3ZP, ELPH010, MCNR006 that are upslope and in the same watershed as SCRD assets, without mitigation and monitoring plans.” Also, recommended for inclusion in the region’s response was the statement “as a water license holder and in view of our responsibility to provide safe, clean drinking water, (it) does not support logging blocks ELPH011, G043B4NV, G052B4R8 that are proposed in groundwater recharge areas of aquifers used for community drinking water.

Read More

Lake Babine Nation and West Fraser Partnership Strengthens BC’s Forest Sector

West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd.
July 24, 2025
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada, Canada West

VANCOUVER, BC — West Fraser Timber and the Lake Babine Nation Forestry Limited Partnership (LBN Forestry) welcomed the announcement by the Government of BC approving the creation of a new First Nations Woodland Licence in the Smithers area. The licence, created from timber tenures contributed by West Fraser and LBN Forestry, will be held by LBN Forestry which is owned by the Lake Babine Nation. …To enable the creation of the new tenure, West Fraser contributed portions of its licence volume held in the Bulkley and Morice Timber Supply Areas, to help create a meaningful area-based licence. Additional volume was made available through the Government-held, BC Timber Sales, helping enhance the licence’s scope and potential impact. …Sean McLaren, President and CEO of West Fraser said “This milestone recognizes Lake Babine Nation’s role as the resource steward in its traditional territory and reflects our shared commitment to sustainable forestry.”

Read More

BC Timber Sales makes plans for logging in the Bonnington area, advocates call for reform

By Samantha Holomay
Castanet
July 25, 2025
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada, Canada West

@FortisBC

A community watershed forest plan is being developed to address public concerns about water quality, wildfire risks and impacts, but some forest advocates have little hope for change. BC Timber Sales (BCTS) is planning logging and wildfire protection in the Falls Creek watershed near Bonnington, just above the Corra Linn dam. Residents will have a chance to shape the plan, but the end result will come down to BCTS… BCTS explained that consultant Cathy Scott May, a Bonnington resident and strategic natural resource management planner for rural communities, will gather residents’ questions and facilitate conversations. May will be working with BCTS to help develop a community watershed forest plan… But some forest advocates see BCTS engagement as more symbolic than impactful. …Joe Karthein of Save What’s Left Conservation Society said … he can’t recall when forest advocates have successfully stopped BCTS from logging a proposed cut block in the Kootenay area.

Read More

BC Wants Value-Added Mills. We Discovered a Big Obstacle

By Ben Parfitt
The Tyee
July 25, 2025
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada, Canada West

In an industry dominated by high-tech sawmills … a small mill in Valemount is the exception… At Cedar Valley Holdings mill virtually every unit of wood in every cedar log entering the mill, including their frequently rotted cores, gets turned into product…. It’s precisely the sort of value-added operation that Premier David Eby told Forests Minister Ravi Parmar should be the goal in BC’s forest industry. Yet the mill … is in trouble. …logs it could use are taken to Prince George where they are thrown into a chipper to make wood pulp. …the logs being chipped come from forests licensed to the Valemount Community Forest, whose mandate is to “promote small and value-added manufacturing”. …The high concentration of community forest logs in the hands of the major companies indicates that those companies do not have enough logs available to them from their own forest licences and are making up the shortfalls with community forests’ logs.

Read More

Thompson River University joins national effort to build wildfire resilience

By Thompson River University
Castanet
July 23, 2025
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada, Canada West

KAMLOOPS, BC — Thompson Rivers University (TRU) is playing a key role in strengthening wildfire resilience in Canada through the newly established Wildfire Resilience Consortium of Canada (WRCC). The WRCC is supported by an $11.7 million investment over four years from the Government of Canada through the Wildfire Resilient Futures Initiative. …The WRCC will act as a national virtual network, bringing together Indigenous knowledge holders, researchers, practitioners and industry leaders to enhance wildfire resilience by advancing knowledge sharing, technology, and Indigenous fire stewardship across jurisdictions. TRU joined the consortium in partnership with the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) and shares a seat as one of five foundational partners. Others include the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction, FPInnovations, the National Indigenous Fire Safety Council and the Forest Products Association of Canada. …For more on the WRCC and its network, please see the announcement from Natural Resources Canada.

Read More

Peace region and Liard are the ‘engine’ of B.C., says forestry minister

By Steve Berard
Energetic City Fort St. John
July 24, 2025
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

Ravi Parmar

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — B.C.’s minister of forests considers the Peace region and the northeast “the engine” of the province and its economy. Ravi Parmar spent several days earlier in July visiting Fort Nelson, Fort St. John, Dawson Creek and other territories in the northeast to learn more about the region. …“This [area] is the engine of British Columbia, in so many ways,” Parmar said. …“I think we often forget that much of that money to be able to pay for good quality infrastructure and services comes from the hardworking people here in the Peace country, and in the Liard as well.”  …He also said he recognizes the forestry industry in the northeast has struggled through recent years, between global shifts like the ongoing trade war with the United States, mill closures and repeated severe wildfire seasons.

Read More

Kootenay environmental report calls for BC Timber Sales reforms

By Bill Metcalfe
The Kimberley Bulletin
July 24, 2025
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada, Canada West

A report from the Nelson-based organization Save What’s Left calls on the provincial government to revamp BC Timber Sales and give it an environmental stewardship mandate. The 50-page report titled Public Forest, Public Trust alleges that BCTS logs old growth forests, disturbs watersheds and interferes with wildlife corridors.  BCTS is an independent organization within the Ministry of Forests that develops Crown timber for auction. BCTS plans and designs logging operations and builds logging roads, then sells the timber to the highest bidder. The document lays out 24 such allegations, stating they are based on field verification by Save What’s Left, on satellite time-lapse imagery, and on conversations with forest professionals and forest workers. “This paper both outlines the myriad of problems with how BC Timber Sales operates and presents a new path forward,” writes prominent environmentalist David Suzuki in his introduction to the report. “What we need now is courage by leaders to walk that path.”

Read More

Documentary calls for changes to forestry practices to mitigate wildfire risk

By Josh Dawson
Castanet
July 23, 2025
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada, Canada West

Murray Wilson

A longtime logger turned documentary filmmaker is calling for change in the B.C. logging and forestry industry, and B.C.’s forests critic says he’s hit the nail on the head. The documentary, titled B.C. is Burning, was screened on the campus of Thompson Rivers University on Tuesday evening to a crowd well over 100 people, including some Kamloops city councillors and local MLAs. The film calls for greater management of B.C. forests to reduce fire risk, which it argues can be accomplished through the further use of practices like forest thinning, partial harvesting, prescribed and cultural burnings and “regenerative harvesting” — replacing swaths of mature or damaged trees to make way for younger and healthier forests, similar to clear cutting. …Speaking with reporters following the screening, retired logger and creator of the documentary Murray Wilson said he thinks new policy and regulation is needed to reduce fire risk, and that is part of the reason he made the film.

Read More

Audit of Metlakatla Forestry Corporation finds good practices

BC Forest Practices Board
July 22, 2025
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada, Canada West

PRINCE RUPERT – A Forest Practices Board audit has found that Metlakatla Forestry Corporation complied with the Forest and Range Practices Act and Wildfire Act on First Nations Woodland Licence N3B. The N3B licence lies within the Great Bear Rainforest North Timber Supply Area of the Coast Mountain Natural Resource District. Auditors examined planning, harvesting, road maintenance and deactivation, silviculture and fire-protection activities carried out between Aug. 1, 2022, and Aug. 12, 2024. Auditors found evidence of good forestry practices and stewardship. Operational planning aligned with the Great Bear Rainforest Land Use Order and properly addressed resource values, including visual quality, terrain stability and cultural values. Riparian areas and wildlife tree patches were managed according to the corporation’s forest-stewardship plan.

Read More

More Mount Benson land transferred back to Snuneymuxw First Nation

Nanaimo News Bulletin
July 22, 2025
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada, Canada West

The B.C. government is transferring more than 700 hectares of land in the Mount Benson area back to Snuneymuxw First Nation. The move follows a 212ha transfer of ‘Mount Benson East’ land, in January 2024, according to a press release from provincial government, with the latest 700ha of land known as ‘Mount Benson North,’ or te’tuxwtun North. According to a land transfer agreement, more than 3,000 hectares of land in all will be returned to the First Nation. The land will be held by the Petroglyph Development Group, Snuneymuxw’s economic development group, the press release noted, for forestry use. …Ian Simpson, Petroglyph Development Group CEO, said the move allows Snuneymuxw to reclaim a vital role within its territory and continue “a legacy of sustainable growth.” “[Petroglyph], through a Mount Benson Forestry Limited Partnership, will continue working with the land to build an economic engine that drives prosperity and strengthens self-determination,” he stated in the press release.

Read More

‘Special circumstances’ allow contractor’s appeal notice to be filed

By Bob Mackin
The Penticton Herald
July 22, 2025
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada, Canada West

A contractor’s appeal of a B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS) order to pay more than $1.8 million in compensation and penalties will be heard after a May 22 decision by the Forest Appeals Commission. Panel chair Ian Miller found “special circumstances” led to last summer’s two-day delay in filing a notice to appeal and granted the extension to Jaikle Contracting. “The delay was brief, the explanations and reasons are reasonable and credible, and there would be substantial prejudice to the appellant if the right to appeal is denied,” said Miller’s ruling. On July 12, 2024, designated decision maker Laurence Bowdige of BCWS issued a contravention order against Jaikle, under the Wildfire Regulation, for harvesting timber near Mackenzie in August 2021. “Specifically, that the appellant did not keep an adequate fire suppression system at the activity site while carrying out a high-risk activity within 300 metres of forest land,” said the Miller ruling.

Read More

Lone bidder gets contract to remove more trees in Stanley Park

By Mike Howell
Business in Vancouver
July 22, 2025
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

Vancouver park board commissioners voted Monday to keep the same contractor on the job for the continued work required to remove dead and declining trees in Stanley Park that have been damaged by a hemlock looper moth infestation. The board now has to finalize a contract with B.A. Blackwell and Associates Ltd. for the final phase of mitigation and restoration work in the park. The contract will be worth more than $3 million and fall within a previously approved overall budget of $17.9 million for the project. Although 23 suppliers registered an interest to complete the work, only Blackwell chose to submit a proposal, which was reviewed by the board’s evaluation team comprised of staff from urban forestry and supply chain management. …As for why Blackwell was the only bidder, Joe McLeod, the board’s associate director of urban forestry said, “There are very few forestry professional consulting firms that have the set of unique skill set.”

Read More

Regrowing Alberta’s Forests

By Natural Resources Canada
Government of Canada
July 21, 2025
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada, Canada West

Corey Hogan and Mike Toffan

The Government of Canada, together with Indigenous communities, private and non-profit sector leaders, and provincial partners, is taking action to regenerate Alberta’s forests — protecting clean air and preserving the province’s vast natural landscapes for generations to come. Corey Hogan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Canada’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, announced, in collaboration with Project Forest, The Carbon Farmer and FIND Biomass Inc, a joint investment of over $125 million for four projects that will plant 12 million trees and restore critical habitat for species at risk throughout Alberta, such as caribou. Investments will help to create and restore biodiverse forests and wildlife habitat and sequester carbon while creating seasonal and full-time jobs for surrounding communities in Alberta. We are not just planting trees — we are building a stronger, healthier and more-resilient Canada.

Additional coverage in Global News, by Bill Graveland: Unproductive Alberta farmland to be converted back to forest

Read More

Blockade in La Doré: A predictable crisis

By Véronique Figliuzzi
Unifor
July 24, 2025
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada East

LA DORÉ – In response to the blockade set up the Mamo First Nation at the Domtar sawmill in La Doré, Unifor condemns the government’s total lack of social dialogue in its reform of the forestry regime. According to the union, the development of this reform in the absence of any real consultation with stakeholders, particularly First Nations, has resulted in a predictable conflict. “The situation has reached a critical point. It is imperative that the government listen to Indigenous peoples, offer concrete responses to their concerns, and actively involve them in the forestry economy in order to limit the impact on workers,” insisted Daniel Cloutier, Unifor Quebec Director. “Dialogue must be re-established immediately in order to rebuild bridges with all partners.” Unifor is calling on all parties to avoid escalating the situation and remain peaceful and to follow the instructions of the authorities present at the site of the blockade. 

Read More

Carbon, Climate & Bioenergy

More Sessions Confirmed for the Wood Pellet Association’s Annual Conference

Wood Pellet Association of Canada
July 24, 2025
Category: Carbon, Climate & Bioenergy
Region: Canada

Join Us in Halfax, Nova Scotia, September 23-24, 2025 for Biomass for a Low-Carbon Future. We are pleased to announce that the speaker line-up for more sessions has been finalized for the Wood Pellet Association of Canada Annual Conference in September. As the world moves toward a low-carbon future, biomass and wood pellets play a key role in ensuring Canada has renewable and responsible energy. Join us for Biomass for a Low-Carbon Future to explore the numerous opportunities biomass presents. Our keynote speaker, Dr. Jamie Stephen of TorchLight Bioresources, will explore how local biomass energy is the essential foundation for a competitive and prosperous Maritime economy. The event will also feature a Market and Policy Update: Navigating Regulatory Change. From the impacts of EU trade measures to the effects of U.S. tariffs on fibre supply and pricing, this session explores the economic and policy realities. Be a part of the dialogue transforming our future.

Read More

Ontario Investing $6.2 Million to Protect Forest Sector Jobs and Workers in Northwestern Ontario

Government of Ontario
July 25, 2025
Category: Carbon, Climate & Bioenergy
Region: Canada, Canada East

THUNDER BAY — The Government of Ontario is protecting workers and jobs in the forest sector by investing over $6.2 million in research, innovation and modernization projects in Northwestern Ontario. As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, the investments from the Forest Biomass Program will boost Ontario’s forest sector’s competitive advantage by creating new jobs, increasing productivity and opening up opportunities for new revenue streams in new markets for underused wood and mill by-products, known as forest biomass. …Ontario’s investment is supporting eight projects related to the use of underused wood and mill by-products, known as forest biomass including The Centre for Research and Innovation in the Bioeconomy, Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek and Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper. …These projects will help create good-paying local jobs while opening new markets for forest sector businesses.

Read More

Health & Safety

Arbitrator dismisses grievance, determines that West Fraser worker termination was approapriate

By Jeffrey Smith
The Canadian HR Reporter
July 24, 2025
Category: Health & Safety
Region: Canada, United States

100 MILE HOUSE, BC — West Fraser Mills (WFM) had just cause to fire a worker who violated a safety policy on May 13, 2024, and tried to minimize the risk involved, according to an arbitrator. …WFM had a lock-out procedure program and policy that were mandatory for employees performing work on energized equipment, including conveyor belts. …On May 28, WFM terminated the worker’s employment for cause. The union grieved, conceding that discipline was warranted but arguing that termination was excessive for an employee with 19 years of service and no safety-related discipline. …The arbitrator noted that the central issue as whether termination was an excessive response, pointing out that violation of safety rules constitutes a serious workplace offence and lock-out procedures are among the most important safety features in workplaces such as lumber mills. …The arbitrator also found that the worker’s conduct following the incident raised concerns over whether he would work safely if reinstated.

Read More

Summer issue of WorkSafeMagazine

WorkSafeBC
July 23, 2025
Category: Health & Safety
Region: Canada

In this newsletter you’ll find these stories and more:

  • Managing a safe return to work: People who return to their workplace as soon as it is safe to do so after an injury usually have a faster recovery and better overall health outcomes. Our latest guide provides tips and templates to help employers get injured workers back to work safely.
  • Protecting workers from wildfire smoke and heat stress: Learn how to protect workers from these risks — whether they work indoors or outside.
  • PPE that fits helps keep workers safe: Check out our latest video to learn why personal protective equipment (PPE) fit can be an issue for women in particular, and why proper fit matters for keeping workers safe.
  • Pride Vancouver – August 3: Join us at the Vancouver Pride Parade and the VanPrideFest. Our theme is “Be safe. Be seen. Be proud”. 

Read More

September 2025 public hearing on proposed regulatory amendments

WorkSafeBC
July 25, 2025
Category: Health & Safety
Region: Canada West

WorkSafeBC is holding a virtual public hearing on proposed amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation. The virtual public hearing will be streamed live on September 24, 2025, in two sessions. The first will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the second from 3 to 5 p.m. Further information on how to view or participate in the virtual public hearing will be provided closer to the hearing date. These details will be posted on worksafebc.com and communicated by enews. Public hearings provide stakeholders an opportunity to comment on proposed regulatory amendments. We welcome your feedback on these amendments either by written submission or by participation in the virtual public hearing. Written submissions will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. on Friday, September 26, 2025. You can access the proposed amendments, along with explanatory notes, using these links: Part 6, Substance Specific Requirements — Combustible Dusts and Parts 8 and 31, Standards Updates

 

Read More

Forest Fires

Placer Creek wildfire south of Princeton now held, mop-up underway

By Brennan Phillips
Pentiction Western News
July 22, 2025
Category: Forest Fires
Region: Canada, Canada West

©BCWildfireService

More rain and cool temperatures have led to the Placer Creek Wildfire south of Princeton being held. The July 22 update from the BC Wildfire Service stated that the fire is currently projected to remain within its current 3,109-hectare boundaries given the fuel and weather conditions available to it. The 141 ground personnel remain active and continue to expand the control lines around the fire’s northern and western flanks, as well as moving into mop-up activities. Those assisting in felling dangerous trees are helping to ensure work areas are safe. …The fire activity over the last two days has been Rank 1 (smouldering surface fire) and Rank 2 (low vigour surface fire), the BCWS said. …With Placer Creek moved to held status, all of the wildfires in the Similkameen are either held or under control.

Read More

Two wildfires burning out of control on Vancouver Island

By Hannah Link
Victoria Times Colonist
July 22, 2025
Category: Forest Fires
Region: Canada West

©BCWS Comox Lake

Two fires were still burning out of control on Vancouver Island on Tuesday after being discovered on Monday. A blaze at the northeastern end of Comox Lake had grown to four and a half hectares by Tuesday morning. It’s suspected to be human-caused, according to the Coastal Fire Centre. Four initial attack crews, two helicopters and two officers were deployed Monday, and a 22-person unit crew was assigned to the fire Tuesday morning, said the centre, adding that air tanker and water-skimmer support is available if needed. …Another fire discovered Monday was burning near Nanaimo River Road, southwest of the city, and had grown to three hectares by Tuesday morning. Human activity is also the suspected cause of the blaze, said the fire centre. Initial attack crews, helicopters, air tankers, an officer and a water tender were involved in the response, and the centre said the fire was visible from the north Nanaimo area.

Related coverage: Nanaimo News Now: ‘Very difficult, hard work:’ Nanaimo River wildfire ‘being held’ as crews work overnight

Read More

Only 3 wildfires now burning across Newfoundland, as rain helps quell blazes

By Elizabeth Whitten
CBC News
July 23, 2025
Category: Forest Fires
Region: Canada, Canada East

Rainfall continues to help crews fighting fires in Newfoundland and Labrador as the number of active wildfires drops from five to three, says the provincial fire duty officer. The active wildfires are the Winokapu fire in Labrador and the Chance Harbour fire in Newfoundland. The Ragged Harbour fire, which forced nearby Musgrave Harbour residents to evacuate over the weekend, also continues to burn. Wes Morgan said Wednesday morning that firefighters hit the ground on Tuesday to fight the Chance Harbour fire, located on the Bonavista Peninsula. “The precipitation that was forecasted did come true and we did see significant amounts of rain — that was a real advantage to us,” he told CBC. Morgan said they haven’t seen any additional fire growth, but it remains steady at 1,820 hectares. “Overall, it was a really great day and spirits are good and crews were back out in that way again this morning,” he said.

Read More

Volunteer firefighters missing work to battle roaring wildfire in rural Newfoundland

By Sarah Smellie
Canadian Press in CityNews Everywhere
July 22, 2025
Category: Forest Fires
Region: Canada East

Jason Chaulk (L)

ST. JOHN’S — Jason Chaulk, the mayor of Musgrave Harbour, Newfoundland is among the volunteer firefighters missing work to battle a raging wildfire in a part of Canada where unpaid town councils and first responders are shouldering increasing numbers of emergencies. Chaulk, the volunteer mayor and deputy fire chief in Musgrave Harbour, said he stayed home to fight the out-of-control wildfire threatening his community. Crews from volunteer fire departments in about a dozen other neighbouring communities have also pitched in, working alongside provincial firefighters, he said. …Chaulk and his 30-member volunteer firefighting crew have been working since the blaze began, he said. They set up air mattresses in the firehall so they can take shifts sleeping. …Craig Pollett, former chief executive of Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador, worries that too much is being asked of small volunteer councils and fire departments, especially as more storms and wildfires are expected as the climate changes.

Read More