OTTAWA — The Canadian Kitchen Cabinet Association (CKCA) supports the Government of Canada’s launch of a safeguard investigation into imported kitchen cabinets and related wood products, an important step toward restoring a fair and level playing field. Canadian manufacturers are facing a flood of imports into Canada. A safeguard is necessary to restore balance and protect domestic manufacturing capacity from imminent collapse. As a member of the Canadian Wood Products Alliance, CKCA supports efforts to maintain a strong and competitive domestic manufacturing base and urges the Government to implement a provisional tariff during the safeguard investigation to prevent further harm. The investigation alone will not be sufficient to provide the stability our industry needs. Without a provisional tariff, Canada’s safeguard investigation risks being undone by massive inventories of product into the Canadian market, and many Canadian producers will close and continue layoffs in the coming months.
The Trump administration is demanding what amounts to an “entry fee” from Canada to engage in trade talks toward a revised Canada-United States-Mexico Free Trade Agreement (CUSMA), four sources said. “The Americans are setting conditions before negotiations begin,” said one high-ranking individual. The US demand was also confirmed by former Quebec premier Jean Charest, who was appointed to Prime Minister Mark Carney’s new advisory committee on Canada-US economic relations. …On the US side, there are suggestions that Canada should try to get Trump’s attention by making an immediate concession, especially since the president is juggling several major issues right now. However, Canadian sources said they have twice offered concessions to the US administration without receiving anything in return. …Former Canadian diplomat Louise Blais, in her capacity as a strategic advisor to the Canadian Council on International Affairs, said the Americans “perceive Canada as unwilling to come to the table.”
Canada’s new government is forging a new economic and security relationship with the United States. Prime Minister Carney has secured the best deal of any major U.S. trading partner – 85% of our trade with the United States remains tariff-free, the lowest average tariff rate in the world. As Canada approaches the Joint Review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), our aim is to preserve that unique Canadian advantage and to build on it. To that end, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, today announced the creation of the new Advisory Committee on Canada-U.S. Economic Relations. The committee will serve as a forum for expertise and strategy on all aspects of the Canada-U.S. economic relationship. The Advisory Committee will include leaders from major sectors of the Canadian economy, representing extensive experience in business, investment, trade, and labour. It will be chaired by the President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs, Internal Trade and One Canadian Economy, Dominic LeBlanc.
The Trump administration has begun processing refunds for billions of dollars in tariffs that the US Supreme Court struck down in February. In what is to be the biggest repayment programme in history, companies can apply online for money they were charged under the “Liberation Day” tariffs – plus interest – to be returned. …But individual consumers, who were hit by the tariffs indirectly through higher prices, are not expected to be compensated. …”All importers of record whose entries were subject to IEEPA duties are entitled to the benefit” from the high court’s ruling, Judge Richard Eaton wrote. As of early April, more than 56,000 importers had completed the necessary steps to apply for refunds online when the portal opened, with their claims worth $127bn. The portal, known as the Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries (Cape), went live on Monday. 
OTTAWA – Prime Minister Carney has 
Canada-United States Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc said the government wants to resolve trade frictions with the Trump administration as part of a comprehensive agreement, rather than through “one-off” deals. LeBlanc said the irritants U.S. officials raise privately are the same ones they’ve outlined publicly. A recent report by U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer’s office flagged Canada’s supply-managed dairy system, regulations affecting major US technology firms and other long-standing trade concerns. “If we’re going to resolve some of these issues that Ambassador Greer referred to, Canada is ready and willing to do that work,” LeBlanc said. But he said any progress must come as part of a “larger agreement” that would ease pressure on tariff-affected sectors of Canada’s economy and provide greater certainty around the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement review process. The minister’s comments shine a light on the strategic considerations of the US, Canada and Mexico in the trade discussions.
A disputed $31-million fire loss at a Delta, B.C., sawmill has triggered three separate lawsuits involving Lloyd’s Underwriters, Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) and BFL Canada, with arson allegations now at the center of the coverage battle. The case stems from an April 8, 2024, blaze that gutted Acorn Forest Products’ remanufacturing facility on the Fraser River, burning a 30-meter swath through the plant despite a response from 30 firefighters in seven trucks. Lloyd’s has since voided Acorn’s primary and excess policies, alleging the loss was caused by arson carried out by, or under the guidance of, the company’s “directing minds,” according to a report from Business in Vancouver. In court filings, Acorn and its parent company, the San Group, denied the allegation and said the London market is using arson as a pretext to avoid a nearly $31 million payout. …The Delta fire is not the first large sawmill loss involving the San Group and Lloyd’s.
Geopolitics, macroeconomics, and specialty markets take centre stage as three global experts open 
NANAIMO, BC — The debate over a contentious rezoning proposal came to a head Thursday night at Nanaimo council, with what may have been a record crowd for the public hearing. …At stake, Nanaimo Forest Products, which owns Harmac Pacific, wants to rezone roughly 72 hectares of land to heavy industrial. Harmac Pacific’s CEO said “Nanaimo is desperately short of industrial land and council initiated this process when approving the official community plan in 2022. …Paul Sadler, CEO and the General Manger of Harmac Pacific said the company wants to maintain ownership and choose businesses that are complementary to its own such as sawmills or companies that “can take advantage of its green energy supply” …The company, in discussions with Nanaimo City Council, has agreed to an average 100 meter buffer from the park. …But the majority of speakers were opposed. …The Snuneymuxw First Nation also has serious reservations. …The hearing continues April 22.
Vancouver, BC — DWB Consulting Services Ltd. and Chartwell Resource Group Ltd. today announced they are moving forward under a new unified name: Kintera. This rebrand marks a significant milestone in the merger of the two firms, reflecting their shared vision and the next step in their evolution as a single, integrated organization. For decades, DWB and Chartwell have built strong reputations in British Columbia’s natural resource sector—known for making complex challenges understandable and delivering practical, meaningful solutions. Since merging in August 2025, the combined organization has continued to build on that foundation, strengthening its technical capabilities and expanding its service offering. The transition to Kintera reinforces this momentum, positioning the company to deliver enhanced expertise, greater capacity, and increased value to clients across the sectors it serves. Clients can expect the same high level of service, responsiveness, and trusted relationships that have defined both organizations.
On Saturday, March 28, 2026, a fire at Evans Lake resulted in the loss of two buildings, including four cabins. We are deeply grateful that no campers were on site and all staff are safe—but the loss to our community is significant. We want to sincerely thank Squamish Fire & Rescue, Britannia Beach Volunteer Fire Department, RCMP, Conservation Officers, our team, and a member of our community for their quick and compassionate response. Right now, our focus is on recovery. While we are insured, there are always substantial costs that aren’t fully covered. As we begin to rebuild, many have asked how they can help. Donations made here will directly support urgent recovery needs, replacement of essential spaces, and ongoing operations—helping ensure we can continue to provide meaningful outdoor experiences for thousands of children and families.
The Sunshine Coast Regional District Board is set to weigh in on 15 new or modified cutblocks BC Timber Sales is proposing over the next five years — and may withhold support for eight of those. On April 30, the SCRD board is slated to consider a large package of local comments responding to 
Creston, BC — The Creston Community Forest (CCF) is featured in a new film as part of a province-wide project led by the BC Community Forest Association, showcasing the work and impact of community forests across British Columbia. The film highlights how the CCF is managing its forests to support local priorities, including wildfire risk reduction, recreation, and long-term sustainability. “We’re excited to share this film as a way to show the work that happens on the ground and what this community forest means to the community of Creston,” said Daniel Gratton, Registered Professional Forester and Forest Manager at the CCF. Unlike traditional forestry models focused primarily on timber, the CCF has been taking a broader approach. Its work reflects the needs and values of the residents first, balancing ecological health, economic activity, and public use of the land.
Months after Premier Tim Houston of Nova Scotia locked down the province’s forests, instituting a $25,000 fine on anyone who dared to enter a wooded or boggy area that they did not personally own, he’s received his first review from the courts. It’s poor: the ban on human travel through the “woods,” the Nova Scotia Supreme Court said last Friday, was unreasonable and therefore illegal. The result is a win for common sense. The actual reasoning of the court, less so. …Justice Jamie Campbell declared the ban was unreasonable — because the natural resources minister, back before he banned walks in the woods, didn’t adequately consider how his decision might interact with the Charter rights of those affected. While it wasn’t a constitutional case, the Charter ended up being the deciding factor in a backdoor sort of way.
In a province that is largely carpeted with forests, it is no surprise that timber production has long been a mainstay of Nova Scotia’s economy. Yet recent years have not been kind to the sector. Several major pulp mills have ceased production. …Worsening trade relations with the US have created further headwinds. Yet out of the apparent demise of traditional lumber, some see opportunity for. “Cheap, low-grade pulp was the key to the past,” says Royden Trainor, at the Greenspring Bioinnovation Hub, a public-private partnership working to promote the low-carbon bioeconomy in Nova Scotia. The way forward, he says, is to focus on opportunities where value can be added to forest raw materials. This involves looking towards the fibres that can be used to produce chemical products and advanced materials. Trainor highlights how residues from pulp mills or food processing plants can be used to produce biofuels, biochar and biochemicals.
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Vancouver and Victoria are the worst places to live in Canada for those with tree pollen allergies, according to a new report. The report from Aerobiology Research Laboratories shows the two B.C. cities are home to some of the most allergenic trees in the country, like birch and maple, and have a longer pollen season. The Ontario-based lab, which monitors airborne pollen with a network of 30 stations across the country, says conditions in the region create what it calls a “perfect storm” for allergy sufferers. “[The two cities] are so close to the coast and you get very mild temperature,” said laboratory director Daniel Coates. “Pollen loves warm weather.” He says allergy season in Vancouver and Victoria has already been intense this year and is expected to worsen in the coming weeks. The West Coast has been facing elevated pollen levels since January, much earlier than the rest of the country…