Region Archives: Canada

Special Feature

Lumber demand sees modest seasonal uplift but first-quarter 2025 could be the high-water mark

By Kevin Mason, Managing Director
ERA Forest Products Research
May 5, 2025
Category: Special Feature
Region: Canada, United States

Kevin Mason

In mid-April, the Harvard Joint Centre for Housing Studies (JCHS) released its Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity update, forecasting R&R growth ~+1.6% per quarter between now and Q1/26. This projected growth comes after a modest pullback in R&R spending in 2024 and will be welcomed by North American solid-wood producers given expected declines in demand from new residential construction in the coming quarters. …Recent pricing trends persisted in North American lumber markets over the past month, with S-P-F prices continuing lower while SYP prices moved higher. …A modest seasonal uptick in demand from treaters appears to be one of the catalysts creating SYP price improvement, while the pause on tariffs—the threat of which had previously boosted S-P-F prices—has now precipitated a drop in S-P-F lumber pricing.

As we’ve highlighted exhaustively over the past several months, duties on Canadian lumber exports to the US are scheduled to more than double later this year, and there is still potential for incremental lumber tariffs following a Section 232 investigation (there is the potential for tariffs to extend to panels, etc., but even producers don’t have any clarity). Barring an unlikely spike in lumber demand, many Canadian sawmills are likely to discover that the economics of selling lumber into the US no longer work (unless prices move substantially higher—but that will be driven by closures in Canada). …For Canadian producers, do alternative markets exist, or could a surge in Canadian homebuilding replace some of the lost volumes to the US? In short, there are no easily accessible markets that come close to the size of the US and that can be supplied by Canadian mills.

Read More

Business & Politics

Can Carney’s $26bn prefab housing solution solve Canada’s housing crisis?

By Candyd Mendoza
Canadian Mortgage Professional
May 9, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada

Now that the Liberals have secured another term in office, the big question is whether they can deliver on their ambitious promises, particularly a $26 billion push into prefabricated homes through a new agency called Build Canada Homes (BCH). The plan includes $25 billion in debt financing and $1 billion in equity for Canada’s prefab and modular homebuilders. The goal is to cut construction times by as much as 50%, reduce costs by 20%, and lower emissions by 22% compared to traditional building, while using Canadian technologies like mass timber and softwood lumber. BCH also plans to issue bulk orders to manufacturers, aiming to create steady demand and boost apprenticeships to strengthen the skilled trades workforce. …A problem, Kevin Lee, CEO of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association explained, is that Canada’s housing market is prone to dramatic ups and downs. Prefab requires large upfront investments in facilities and overhead, and that’s risky when market demand fluctuates. 

Read More

BC premier says softwood lumber accord could build ‘momentum’ for US trade deals

By Wolfgang Depner
The Canadian Press the Times Colonist
May 7, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, United States

VICTORIA — Resolving the softwood lumber dispute could create “momentum” for a larger trade agreement between Canada and the US, Premier David Eby says. Eby said that he and several other premiers pressed that point during a virtual meeting with Prime Minister Carney after his visit with President Trump. He said softwood lumber could present an opportunity to “lead the way in terms of opening the door to meaningful discussions that benefit both Americans with cheaper building materials … as well as growth in our economy.” The premier said it doesn’t matter if Canada and the United States resolves the softwood lumber dispute before dealing with the overall trade and tariff issue….Council of Forest Industries chief economist Kurt Niquidet said he agrees. “I think Premier Eby has been doing a good job to raise the profile of softwood lumber,” Niquidet said. “It’s not just a BC  issue, it’s a national issue.”

Read More

Domtar Unveils Sustainability Targets Through to 2030

By Domtar
Cision Newswire
May 6, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada

MONTRÉAL, RICHMOND, BC, and FORT MILL, SC  – Domtar, a leading North American manufacturer of diversified forest products, released its new Sustainability Strategy, a comprehensive plan that aligns the company’s priorities with key sustainability objectives and stakeholder interests.   The Strategy includes performance metrics and benchmarks to track progress through 2030, with a focus on the company’s woodlands and manufacturing operations across Canada and the United States. It will also serve as the framework for Domtar’s first integrated Sustainability Report, covering all three business units (Paper & Packaging, Pulp & Tissue and Wood Products), which will be released later this year. “Domtar has a long history of excellence in sustainability. We said we would maintain the highest levels of environmental stewardship and sustainability performance, and today we’re unveiling how we intend to deliver,” said John D. Williams, Non-Executive Chairman of the Management Board of Domtar.

Read More

Canadian American Business Council CEO says she was ‘heartened’ by comments from Trump-Carney meeting

By Daniel Johnson
BNN Bloomberg Politics
May 6, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, United States

Beth Burke

The chief executive officer of the Canadian American Business Council says she is optimistic following the meeting between Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump. The highly anticipated meeting took place at the White House Tuesday was the first in-person meeting since the Canadian election, coming amid trade tensions between the two nations. …“I think it’s exactly what we had all hoped for, the beginning of a conversation that brings us back to business. Having a conversation about how we work well together is so important because we’ve done it in all of our history,” Beth Burke, the CEO of the Canadian American Business Council said. …Earlier Tuesday morning, Trump posted a message on Truth Social saying the U.S. doesn’t need “ANYTHING” Canada has, including cars, lumber and energy. Burke said she thinks the U.S. president’s comments on the issue are part of the negotiation.

Read More

Canada’s Carney becomes the latest foreign leader to get the Trump treatment in the Oval Office

By Chris Megerian
The Associated Press
May 6, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, United States

A meeting between the leaders of Canada and the US is not usually considered a high-stakes showdown, but here was newly elected Prime Minister Mark Carney making his first visit to the Oval Office to see President Donald Trump, who has spent months musing about turning America’s northern neighbor into the 51st state. …The interaction offered a glimpse into how Trump has transformed Oval Office meetings from brief and bland encounters into precarious affairs. …His approach can be thrilling for supporters and destabilizing for diplomats accustomed to a more deliberative approach to international relations. … It appears that Carney struck the right balance, at least in Trump’s mind. An invitation to the Oval Office has long been the height of international prestige. …Now, they’re raucous episodes in a foreign policy reality show, starring Trump. While the president can be a gracious host, he openly complains about visitors’ countries.

Read More

B.C. ‘engine’ driving newly sovereign Canada: Eby after First Ministers’ meeting

By Lauren Collins
Victoria News
May 8, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, Canada West

David Eby

Premier David Eby says he thinks B.C. will be the “engine of a newly revitalized sovereign-growing Canada.” Eby’s comments came May 8 after the virtual First Ministers’ meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney and provincial and territorial leaders. … Eby said he and the other premiers emphasized to Carney that softwood lumber is a “momentum builder.” …Eby said there was a growing consensus among major timber-producing provinces that there’s an opportunity for an agreement with the U.S. as one of the early opportunities to reset the trading relationship with the country. He said he sees a strong future for B.C. and a united Canada “that’s standing on our own two feet.” …”It’s very hard to predict what [Trump is] going to do, very unpredictable in terms of things he tweets, and then what happens and the tariffs are imposed and they’re taken off.”

Read More

Quick fire response saves log home business near Williams Lake

By Ted Clarke
The Prince George Citizen
May 7, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada West

The rapid response of firefighters and workers at Pioneer Log Homes east of Williams Lake to prevent a log pile fire from spreading to other piles in the yard is being credited for saving the construction site from being destroyed. The fire on the west side of the building site at 1527 Old Cariboo Highway 97 (Mile 153) was reported to the 150 Mile House Volunteer Fire Department just after noon Monday and after a mutual aid request fire crews from City of Williams Lake and volunteer departments in Miocene and Wildwood were also dispatched to the scene. They spent nearly half a day dousing the burning logs until the fire was fully extinguished at about 11:30 p.m. Monday. No estimate has been determined on the cost of the logs lost in the fire, which was confined to one large pile covering an area estimated at one hectare.

Additional coverage in BlackPress by Ruth Lloyd and Monica Lamb-Yorski: Fire at Timber Kings TV show’s Pioneer Log Homes held to log pile

Read More

Mountain View County supports forestry industry’s lobby

By Dan Singleton
The Albertan
May 8, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, Canada West

Brock Mulligan

MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY – Following a recent delegation appearance by Alberta Forest Products Association (AFPA) and other forestry officials, Mountain View County approved sending a letter of support for the industry to Alberta’s premier. Brock Mulligan, senior vice-president of AFPA appeared as a delegation earlier this spring at county council meeting. Jason Foote, general manager of Sundre Forest Products, was also part of the delegation. “We know there’s some mitigating measures that can be taken, both by the provincial and federal government (in support of the industry),” Milligan said. “We are asking for letters of support from municipalities to push those mitigative measures.” Those mitigating measures could include promoting the use of Alberta wood in construction, promoting market diversification and infrastructure investment, and implement a forestry manufacturing tax credit, he said. 

Read More

B.C. gov’t not expecting immediate deal to end trade war as Carney visits White House

By Sonia Aslam and Jan Schuermann
CityNews Everywhere
May 6, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, Canada West

A high-stakes meeting between Prime Minister Mark Carney and United States President Donald Trump on Tuesday is being closely watched by politicians in Victoria. Ravi Kahlon, minister of housing and municipal affairs, said the province is being pragmatic… “We’re not expecting an agreement, and we’re also realistic that any agreement made with President Trump can be changed with a tweet the next day,” Kahlon said Tuesday. …Kahlon says the key for B.C. is to rely on its resources and to increase diversified trade with other countries. …Adding that breaking down interprovincial trade barriers will also help. …Meanwhile, B.C.’s forestry minister, Ravi Parmar, says Carney needs to prioritize B.C’s softwood lumber industry during his talk with Trump. …Western Canadian director for the United Steelworkers, Scott Lunny, tells 1130 NewsRadio that if the goal for the Trump administration is to rewrite the free trade agreement, we should “quit the nonsense and get on with that.”

Read More

Ontario plans to impose new planning rules on municipalities to boost housing

By Colin D’Mello & Isaac Callan
Global News
May 8, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada East

The Ford government is planning to impose new rules on how local governments greenlight development projects, pushing the changes on municipalities as the province struggles to meet its self-imposed goal of building 1.5 million homes by 2031. The government is relying on a series of changes to Ontario’s planning rules, like reducing studies developers have to undertake and standardizing development charges, in a bid to speed up homebuilding. Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Rob Flack is set to table the legislation next week, with changes including reducing requirements for builders to conduct some municipally-focused studies, allowing builders to bypass some city committees and a raft of changes to the fees developers pay to local governments. …The legislation would give the Ford government the ability to pare down the list of requirements for a development application, establish which studies would be required and force municipalities to accept certified studies presented by the developer.

Read More

Ontario Investing $1 Billion in Skills Development Fund to Protect Workers

By the Office of the Premier
The Government of Ontario
May 6, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada East

As the next step in its plan to protect Ontario workers in the face of tariffs and economic uncertainty, the provincial government is expanding its Skills Development Fund (SDF) by nearly $1 billion over the next three years, for a total of $2.5 billion. This funding will help train and reskill Ontario workers, including those directly impacted by layoffs resulting from tariffs and ensure they have the necessary support to find good-paying jobs and help strengthen Ontario’s economy. “We’re already seeing the impact of President Trump’s tariffs and the economic uncertainty he has created on Ontario workers,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Today’s announcement of a further $1 billion in SDF funding is just the latest step in our plan to protect Ontario by investing in workers and making sure they have the support they need to succeed, no matter what comes our way.”

Read More

Finance & Economics

Interfor Corporation reports Q1, 2025 net loss of $35 million

Interfor Corporation
May 8, 2025
Category: Finance & Economics
Region: Canada, United States

Interfor recorded a Net loss in Q1’25 of $35.1 million compared to a Net loss of $49.9 million and a Net loss of $72.9 million. Adjusted EBITDA was $48.6 million on sales of $735.5 million in Q1’25. …Notable items include: Lumber prices increased during Q1’25 as reflected in Interfor’s average selling price of $712 per mfbm, up $53 per mfbm versus Q4’24; lumber shipments totalled 863 million board feet, representing a 77 million board foot decrease over the prior quarter. The decrease primarily relates to the sale of the Quebec operations, weather-related curtailments and shipment delays resulting from tariff uncertainty. …The Company is well positioned with a diversified product mix…only about 24% of the Company’s total lumber production is exported from Canada to the US and exposed to a potential tariff. …Interfor expects that over the mid-term, lumber markets will continue to benefit from favourable underlying supply and demand fundamentals.

Read More

Canfor Corporation reports Q1, 2025 operating loss of $29 million

Canfor Corporation
May 8, 2025
Category: Finance & Economics
Region: Canada, International

VANCOUVER — Canfor Corporation reported its Q1, 2025 results. The Company reported an operating loss of $28.5 million for the first quarter of 2025, compared to an operating loss of $45.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2024. …These results largely reflected improved lumber segment results and, to a lesser extent, the pulp and paper segment. Canfor’s CEO, Susan Yurkovich said, “While improved lumber benchmark prices provided some relief, rising global economic and trade uncertainty, and US lumber duties, create a challenging backdrop. Through our diversified operating platform in Canada, the US South and Europe, we are positioned to mitigate these challenges, while remaining focused on what we can control. …“For our pulp business” Yurkovich added, “this was another solid quarter with improved results and a strong operational performance. However, global economic uncertainty is also putting pressure on global softwood pulp markets in the near term.”

Related coverage: Canfor Pulp reported Q1, 2025 operating income of $11 million

Read More

Trump talks tough on Canada — while importing more cars, lumber, and oil

By Catherine Baab
The Quartz Daily Brief
May 6, 2025
Category: Finance & Economics
Region: Canada, United States

Fresh trade data shows deepening US reliance on Canadian goods, even as the president claims the opposite. …According to the US Census Bureau and Bureau of Economic Analysis, the US goods trade deficit with Canada widened to $4.9 billion in March, up sharply from prior months. The surge was driven by higher imports of Canadian-made cars, crude oil, and finished wood products — the exact categories Trump dismissed. Automotive imports rose by $2.6 billion, including a $2.1 billion spike in passenger vehicles, many of which are assembled in Canada. Oil and lumber purchases also increased, contributing to a 14% month-over-month jump in the broader US trade deficit, which hit a new monthly high of $140.5 billion in March. …The US typically runs a services surplus with Canada, and American firms rely heavily on Canadian supply chains in autos, energy, and materials, as the fresh BEA data suggests.

Read More

Western Forest Products reports Q1, 2025 net income of $13.8 million

Western Forest Products Inc.
May 6, 2025
Category: Finance & Economics
Region: Canada, Canada West

VANCOUVER – Western Forest Products reported improved financial results in the first quarter of 2025, as compared to the same period last year. Net income was $13.8 million in the first quarter of 2025, as compared to a net loss of $8.0 million in the first quarter of 2024, and a net loss of $1.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2024. …lumber production of 134 million board feet (versus 145 million board feet in Q1 2024); average lumber selling price of $1,533 per mfbm. …North American markets are expected to be volatile due to concerns around the economic impact caused by potential further US tariffs and retaliatory tariffs. The spring building season which typically leads to gains in softwood lumber demand could be more muted. …In Japan, the spring housing demand is stronger than expected and channel inventories have declined. …Demand for our Industrial lumber products in North America are expected to strengthen as supply remains tight across all species.

Read More

Cascades reports Q1, 2025 operating income of $50 million

By Cascades Inc.
Cision Newswire
May 8, 2025
Category: Finance & Economics
Region: Canada, Canada East

KINGSEY FALLS, Quebec — Cascades reports its unaudited financial results for the three-month period ended March 31, 2025. Highlights include: Sales of $1,154 million (compared with $1,211 million in Q4 2024 and $1,109 million in Q1 2024); Operating income of $50 million (compared with $16 million in Q4 2024 and $9 million in Q1 2024); and Total capital expenditures, net of disposals, totaled $36 million in Q1 2025, compared to $29 million in Q4 2024 and $41 million in Q1 2024. Hugues Simon, CEO, commented: “Our first quarter performance was driven by lower volumes across our businesses as uncertainty regarding tariffs led to a deterioration in consumer and business sentiment beginning in mid-February, resulting in lower sales and profitability levels sequentially.

Read More

Acadian Timber Corp. Reports First Quarter Results

Acadian Timber Corp.
May 7, 2025
Category: Finance & Economics
Region: Canada, Canada East

Edmundston, NEW BRUNSWICK  – Acadian Timber Corp. reported financial and operating results for the three months ended March 29, 2025. “Regional demand and pricing for our products remained stable during the first quarter of 2025, despite heightened levels of economic uncertainty. However, warm weather and limited contractor availability in Maine impacted our ability to deliver to our customers,” commented Adam Sheparski, President and Chief Executive Officer. “The establishment of our own logging operations in Maine during the first quarter reduces our dependence on external contractors going forward and we look forward to catching up on our planned volumes over the course of the rest of the year.” Acadian generated sales of $24.8 million, compared to $28.8 million in the prior year period. The first quarter of 2024 included $4.9 million in carbon credit sales, while no carbon credit sales occurred in the first quarter of 2025. 

Read More

Stella-Jones reports Q1, 2025 net income of $93 million

Stella-Jones Inc.
May 7, 2025
Category: Finance & Economics
Region: Canada, Canada East

MONTREAL — Stella-Jones announced financial results for its first quarter ended March 31, 2025. Highlights include: Sales of $773 million, relatively unchanged from Q1 2024; Operating income of $143 million, including insurance settlement of $38 million; EBITDA of $179 million, or 23.2% margin; Acquisition post-quarter of a steel transmission structure manufacturer, aligned with strategy to support North American infrastructure. …Eric Vachon, President and Chief Executive Officer of Stella-Jones said “Though macroeconomic headwinds continue to impact volume growth, at this stage we remain confident in our ability to achieve our financial objectives. …“The Company entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Locwel., a leading manufacturer of lattice towers and steel poles for electrical transmission. This transaction marks a step forward in Stella-Jones’ long-term vision, allowing us to enhance our infrastructure offering and establish a presence in the growing steel transmission structure industry.”

Read More

Wood, Paper & Green Building

Mass timber passive house in Courtenay setting a new standard

By Dean Stoltz
Chek News
May 7, 2025
Category: Wood, Paper & Green Building
Region: Canada West

Tom Grimmer built his first passive house in Comox about seven years ago. It was among a small handful of passive homes on the Island at the time. Now, he’s building another one in Courtenay. This time, it’s a mass timber passive house, possibly the first on the Island. Mass timber is described as “a family of engineered wood products known for their strength, durability, versatility and sustainability,” according to naturallywood.com. …The house is built air-tight to the highest standard in the world, resulting in high efficiency. …The house will cost about $400 per square foot to build because much of it is prefabricated overseas and then shipped to Vancouver Island. But Grimmer says he hopes to see local demand increase and maybe someday see local facilities built to make the pieces.

Read More

$42M Toronto Metropolitan University Student Wellbeing Centre breaks ground

The Daily Commercial News
May 9, 2025
Category: Wood, Paper & Green Building
Region: Canada East

TORONTO — Set to rise on a tight site at the intersection of Bond and Gould streets, construction of Toronto Metropolitan University’s new Student Wellbeing Centre is officially underway. Designed by Siamak Hariri, founding partner of Hariri Pontarini Architects, the project involves preserving and restoring the heritage O’Keefe House of 1855. An eight-storey, hybrid mass-timber tower will then emerge from the former student residence and features a transparent esthetic to create an inviting appeal. Students can access medical, health, wellness and academic support services currently scattered across the university. …Exposed timber decking will be used and the project is targeting Fitwel 2-star certification, an evidenced-based measure of the built environment’s impact on human health and wellbeing. …The $42-million project is largely funded by a student health and well-being fee and will open in 2027.

Read More

Forestry

Registration Open: CIF 2025 National Conference & AGM

Canadian Institute of Forestry
May 8, 2025
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada

This multi-day Conference, Finding Opportunity in Complexity, will explore the interconnected dimensions of climate change, forest fire management, biodiversity conservation, Indigenous forest stewardship, socio-economic considerations, and the evolving forest industry. From October 5-8, 2025, you can experience beautiful Binesii-wiikwedong (Thunder Bay), on the shore of Anishinaabewi-gichigami (Lake Superior) and the surrounding area. The boreal forests of the “Lakehead”, the traditional territory of Fort William First Nation, have provided a cultural and spiritual foundation for Indigenous Peoples for generations, along with a diverse suite of ecosystem services. Over time the area’s forests have also become a source of economic prosperity, making the region a hub of forest management, scientific inquiry, and policy development. Join us as we transform the challenges of complexity into opportunities by considering the history of forest management, celebrating the contributions and diverse perspectives of our peers, and looking toward resilient and healthy future forests.

Read More

CIF Annual Awards Program – Nomination Close May 15!

Canadian Institute of Forestry
May 8, 2025
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada

Each year the Canadian Institute of Forestry presents a number of Awards in recognition of outstanding and unique accomplishments to forestry in Canada. Recipients may earn distinction through demonstration of exceptional accomplishments in the field of forestry. The nomination deadline for all National Awards is May 15th, 2025. More than ten awards are open for nominations, including: The Canadian Forestry Achievement Award; the Canadian Forestry Scientific Achievement Award; the Gender, Diversity and Inclusion Award; the Presidential Award; and the Forest Capital of Canada Designation. Who will you put forward for recognition?

Read More

Sustaining Canada’s Forests: A Model for Responsible Management

By Kate Lindsay, Etienne Bélanger, and Darren Sleep
LinkedIn & the Hill Times
May 7, 2025
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada

Forests are fundamental to Canadians. As “hewers of wood and drawers of water,” forests are as much a part of Canadian DNA as hockey sticks and maple syrup. …Canada harvests a relatively small portion – less than 0.5% – of its forests annually, adhering to sustainable practices. Every hectare harvested is carefully managed to ensure full regeneration, maintaining ecosystems and biodiversity while continuing to support the communities and livelihoods that depend on them. Harvesting takes years of meticulous planning. In fact, before a single tree is cut, forestry companies study and analyze the forest ecosystems before developing and presenting the government and the public with 100 to 200-year plans, repeating the process every ten years with improved information. [The Hill Times requires a subscription for full access to this story]

Read More

Alberta Newsprint, West Fraser share 2025 forestry plans with Whitecourt region residents

By Brad Quarin
The Whitecourt Star
May 8, 2025
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

James Norman

Representatives of the Alberta Newsprint Company (ANC) and West Fraser and Blue Ridge Lumber met locals during joint open houses in early May. The open houses were held in Whitecourt, Edson, Fox Creek and Swan Hills so region residents could learn about forestry operations plans for this year. “Plans are pretty much business as usual,” said James Norman, ANC fibre supply superintendent on Tuesday evening. “We’re cutting about the same amount we’ve cut in the last few years, about 400,000 cubic metres a year.” The purpose of the open houses from May 5 to 8 was for locals to see plans for harvesting, road development, reforestation and herbicide treatment, according to ANC. …Meanwhile, West Fraser stated that “Blue Ridge Lumber plans to layout roughly 1.1 million cubic m of timber.” West Fraser handouts stated the company plans to plant approximately eight million lodgepole pine, white spruce and black spruceseedlings in 2025, from mid-May to late July.

Read More

Okanagan Forest Task Force founder uses thermal imaging drone to help prevent wildfires

By Rob Gibson
Castanet
May 7, 2025
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

When Kane Blake, founder of the Okanagan Forest Task Force, isn’t busy cleaning up the backcountry he uses a night drone looking for unattended campfires. Blake has spotted and doused hundreds of fires. “My truck has big water tanks on it. When it gets dry and we’re doing cleanups, dragging cars and heavy things across rocks — I want our group to be safe — I don’t want to be the group that started a fire,” Blake said. He uses a drone with thermal imaging to spot fires and he’s even able to see people light up with the technology. …According to the BC Wildfire Service, anyone found in contravention of an open fire prohibition may be issued a violation ticket for $1,150, required to pay an administrative penalty of up to $10,000 or, if convicted in court, fined up to $100,000 and/or sentenced to one year in jail.

Read More

From Langford to Leadership: Honourable Ravi Parmar’s Journey in B.C. Politics

By Chief Dallas Smith
Rez Dog Walkers
May 6, 2025
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

Join us live from Penticton as we dive into an engaging conversation with the Honourable Ravi Parmar, the Minister of Forests! In this episode, we explore the exciting changes happening in British Columbia’s forestry sector, including the recent timber review and the ongoing softwood lumber issues. Ravi shares his journey from a young political enthusiast to a minister, reflecting on his experiences with mentors like John Horgan and the importance of building relationships across party lines. We discuss the challenges and opportunities in forestry, the significance of reconciliation, and how First Nations are taking a leading role in resource management. Tune in for insights on the future of forestry in B.C., the importance of community engagement, and the collaborative efforts needed to ensure a sustainable and inclusive approach to resource management. Whether you’re a forestry professional, a community member, or just curious about the political landscape, this episode is for you.

Read More

Sundre council adds voice to forestry advocacy

By Simon Ducatel
The Albertan
May 8, 2025
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada, Canada West

Forrest Battjes

SUNDRE – The Town of Sundre’s council has agreed to add its voice in support of the forest sector’s advocacy in the face of U.S. tariff threats as well as what the industry considers regulatory hurdles at home. Forrest Battjes, a forestry educator with the Alberta Forest Products Association, presented to council on April 7 during a regular meeting. The association represents companies across the province from High Level down to Crowsnest Pass including operations ranging from pulp and bio-energy to engineered wood products. The sector reportedly supports approximately 30,000 jobs across Alberta and in some communities like Sundre, home to West Fraser ­– Sundre Forest Products, is among the largest local employers. Battjes discussed trade barriers in Alberta’s industry as a whole as well as some proposed solutions to face the challenges. “The stakes are high right now for our industry,” said Battjes.

Read More

Mosaic Seeks Public Input on Responsible Recreation

Mosaic Forest Management
May 1, 2025
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

A survey launched by Mosaic Forest Management on May 1st seeks to gather public input on a range of topics related to responsible recreation including illegal dumping, wildfire risks, impacts on wildlife, and gates. Mosaic welcomes responses from those who have camped, cut firewood, or recreated on Mosaic managed land located on Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast, and from those who may have never done so but have thoughts on outdoor recreation. The eight-minute online survey is open until May 23. Afterward, Mosaic will compile its findings and report back on what the public had to say. “This survey will guide Mosaic’s commitment to responsible forest stewardship—balancing public recreation with environmental protection,” said Steve Mjaaland, Manager of Forest Protection at Mosaic. For anyone interested in sharing their take on responsible recreation, gates and all, visit MosaicForests.com/Survey from now until May 23.

Read More

Students learn to lead on the land in ground-breaking university program

By Sonal Gupta
National Observer
May 6, 2025
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada, Canada West

Garry Merkel

Canada’s first Indigenous land stewardship degree puts Indigenous law, governance and connection to land at the heart of environmental education. Hayley Toderian, 29, waited two years to enrol. Now, she’s part of the inaugural class in a groundbreaking undergraduate program at the University of British Columbia, the first of its kind. The four-year degree was created in response to growing recognition of the need for Indigenous-led approaches to land management and environmental challenges, land reclamation and environmental policy. …The program, housed within UBC Forestry, goes beyond ecological practices to include the political, legal and ethical frameworks of Indigenous land stewardship. …Garry Merkel, a Tahltan forester and the director of the Centre for Indigenous Land Stewardship at UBC Forestry, said students explore Indigenous systems of land tenure, resource allocation and dispute resolution — frameworks developed and maintained by communities over centuries.

Read More

Forests taking longer to recover from severe ‘megafires’ since 2010

By Orla Dwyer
Carbon Brief
May 5, 2025
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada, Canada West

The research, published in Nature Ecology & Evolution, finds a “significant increase” in the severity of forest fires from 2001-10 to 2010-21 – especially in western North America, parts of Siberia and south-eastern Australia. It also finds that recovery from large fires has become “more difficult” for forests in recent years, particularly in the boreal forests of the far-northern latitudes.  Furthermore, fewer than one-third of all forests studied recovered successfully within seven years of a “megafire” – a broad term used to refer to extreme fires. A “surprising discovery” was that fire severity had the largest impact on forest recovery – even more than climate change, one of the study authors tells Carbon Brief. One researcher, who was not involved in the study, notes that the findings are “expected, but not previously reported on such a large scale”.

Read More

Canada’s woodlands have a health problem, says report

By Matt Prokopchuk
Superior North News
May 7, 2025
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada East

THUNDER BAY — The health of Canada’s forests is an issue if the county is to meet its climate targets, according to a recent study. Co-authored by Julee Boan, partnership director for the Global Nature International Program at the Natural Resources Defense Council, with Rachel Plotkin, the boreal project manager at the David Suzuki Foundation, the report Counting on Canada’s Commitments: To Halt and Reverse Forest Degradation by 2030, Canada Must First Admit It Has a Problem, makes the case that forest heath — not just size — must be prioritized. The incoming federal government needs to provide leadership in how forests are managed in Canada, particularly around establishing regulations to ensure that overall woodland health is prioritized, says the report. …The report focuses on “degradation” of forests (essentially meaning, what the researchers are arguing, is a decline in their health), rather than deforestation… “…the quality of the forests is being degraded…,” Plotkin said.

Read More

Innu Nations in northern Quebec want better protection of the woodland caribou

By Savanna Craig
APTN National News
May 7, 2025
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada East

©NRCan

Two Innu Nations in northern Quebec say they’re not satisfied with how the provincial government is handling protections for Woodland Caribou herds. Both Essipit and Mashteuiatsh Nations say they’re pushing for a legal resolution. “Quebec right now is not doing much and it doesn’t look good in the near future,” said Michael Ross, director of development and territory for Essipit First Nation. Ross said his community submitted new documents to the court on May 1 to request for a mediator to hold Quebec accountable and come to a resolution. Both parties have yet to come to a mutual agreement on how to protect the caribou. Ross said the woodland caribou population has been declining in Quebec since the late 1990s. …The Woodland Caribou, also known as the boreal caribou, has been listed as endangered in Canada since 2003, according to the federal government and has fewer than “34,000 individuals.”

Read More

Carbon, Climate & Bioenergy

Driving Decarbonization and Cost Savings with Bio-heat

The Wood Pellet Association of Canada
May 9, 2025
Category: Carbon, Climate & Bioenergy
Region: Canada

May 14 @ 10 a.m. Pacific — Explore how bio-heat can tackle Canada’s heating challenges while reducing emissions and costs. With rising energy prices and reliance on imported fossil fuels, bioheat presents a renewable, low-emission, and economically viable alternative. Jonathan Levesque from Biomass Solution Biomasse will discuss real-life success stories, such as a Maritime church that cut heating costs by over 50 percent, showcasing the economic and environmental benefits of bio-heat. Bio-heat alleviates grid pressure, supports remote and rural energy needs, and addresses industrial heating demands. Globally, countries like Sweden and Austria demonstrate bio-heat’s potential through strong policies and incentives. Let’s “heat local” and build a cleaner, resilient energy future. (Busy schedule? You can also register and watch the webinar later.)

Read More

Trump agenda fuels calls to move annual Climate Week from New York to Montreal

By Darius Snieckus
The National Observer
May 8, 2025
Category: Carbon, Climate & Bioenergy
Region: Canada, United States

US President Donald Trump’s anti-environment and protectionist agenda could chase one of the world’s biggest climate events north to Canada. Discussion is growing in global climate circles around moving Climate Week NYC from its historic home in New York City to Montreal, as concerns mount about the chilling effect the US government could have on engagement with international delegates. Catherine McKenna, a former Canadian environment and climate change minister said that the idea had been sparked by “climate advocates/experts who don’t want to go to the US because of border concerns — and general clampdown on discussing climate in the US.” …McKenna said “A lot of people have reached out. The reality is it’s not going to happen this September” when the event is currently scheduled. “But in a year’s time, it could be very different,” she said.

Read More

Health & Safety

Planned burn could have killed trapped firefighters, says B.C. safety report

By Brenna Owen
Canadian Press in Victoria Times Colonist
May 7, 2025
Category: Health & Safety
Region: Canada West

British Columbia’s worker protection agency says a planned burn by the province’s wildfire service during the devastating 2023 fire season could have killed or injured multiple firefighters who became “trapped by extreme fire behaviour” that cut off their escape. Inspection reports by WorkSafeBC say the BC Wildfire Service didn’t adequately ensure safety during the burn in the Shuswap region on Aug. 17 that year, and a group of trapped Brazilian firefighters had to retreat to a “safe zone.” WorkSafeBC says they had to burn off fuel around their truck and spend the night because of low visibility, smoke, fire activity and falling trees. They were picked up the next day by another crew that “cut their way into the site.” …The employer did not provide adequate information, instruction, training or supervision for the crews involved, the report says, and the incident “could have resulted in multiple serious injuries or fatalities of workers.”

Read More

B.C. minister urges personal preparedness to best respond to emergencies

Comox Valley Record
May 7, 2025
Category: Health & Safety
Region: Canada West

B.C.’s Emergency Management Kelly Greene says personal preparedness goes such a long way in making sure people and their families can bounce back in the face of emergencies. May 4 to 10 is Emergency Preparedness Week across the country, and Greene said it’s a great time to think about what your household needs to be prepared for an emergency. “We know that in British Columbia, we’re facing escalating impacts from climate-fuelled weather events, and so thinking about what you might need for your household like a grab-and-go bag, updating your home insurance, renter’s insurance, making sure that you’re ready for whatever the year might throw at you,” Greene said in an interview with Black Press Media. Greene said the province is “always ready to respond to emergencies.” She added emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca has active emergency information on it and is updated 24 hours a day.

Read More

Forest Fires

BC Wildfire Service air tankers cross U.S.-Canada border to combat Washington wildfire

By Sarah Crookall
Castanet
May 7, 2025
Category: Forest Fires
Region: Canada

BC Wildfire Service air tankers have crossed the border to help combat the Wannacut fire in Washington. In a social media post, BCWS said it was aware of the wildfire approximately 18 kilometres south of Osoyoos, on the south side of the US-Canada border. “At this time, we are supporting with air tanker resources and are in communication with our partners in the U.S.,” BCWS said. BCWS told Castanet one birddog and two air tankers have been deployed to combat the blaze. Winds appear to be pushing smoke from the wildfire north and BCWS said it will be highly visible to communities in the south Okanagan. The Town of Osoyoos and the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen Emergency Operations Centre said it is aware of the wildfire and no action is required at this time.

Read More

Wildfire near Fort Nelson River grows to 55 hectares

By Steven Berard
Energetic City
May 6, 2025
Category: Forest Fires
Region: Canada, Canada West

FORT NELSON, B.C. — A holdover fire near Fort Nelson has grown by more than 50 hectares. According to the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) website, the fire – located northwest of the Fort Nelson river – has now burned a total of 55 hectares. The blaze – a holdover wildfire from last year – was initially measured as having burned just 0.5 hectares when it was first rediscovered on Saturday, May 3rd. Despite being a holdover, the BCWS listed it as if it were a new fire due to it becoming more active. It’s currently “out of control,” meaning it’s anticipated to continue spreading. According to BCWS, crews are currently on site to assess whether or not the fire will stay within the area that it burned last year, and firefighters are ready to respond if it does.

Read More

‘As bad as it gets’: fire destroyed buildings and homes, Newfoundland residents say

By Alex Kennedy and Abby Cole
CBC News
May 7, 2025
Category: Forest Fires
Region: Canada East

Newfoundland and Labrador — Residents in the community of Small Point-Adam’s Cove-Blackhead-Broad Cove have been forced to flee from a raging wildfire that has destroyed buildings and homes. The town issued a state of emergency on Wednesday. It also comes with an evacuation order for residents of Adam’s Cove north of Cave Lane. The RCMP has closed the road between Adam’s Cove and Western Bay… Newfoundland Power also cut electricity in nearby Ochre Pit Cove, Burnt Point and Kingston. …Wildfires cropped up across the Avalon Peninsula throughout Wednesday, the most dangerous of which is in Small Point-Adam’s Cove-Blackhead-Broad Cove in Conception Bay North. Residents of the area who spoke with CBC News described large flames and black smoke that crossed roads. …Earlier in the day, provincial forest fire duty officer Jeff Motty told CBC News the fire is big, very active and out of control — and that homes had been “ignited.”

Additional coverage from CBC’s Elizabeth Whitten: At least 12 homes destroyed as wildfire state of emergency continues in C.B.N.

Read More