Plant diseases threaten many of Canada’s most important timber crops and tree species. Over the years forest pathologists from Mexico to Alaska have worked together to develop important knowledge on how to manage North American forest diseases. Experts work across borders to discuss climate change, mistletoe, foliage and twig diseases, hazard trees, nursery disease, root disease and rusts. Like people, plants catch viruses too. Blueberry Scorch Virus infects our blueberry crops in BC, and infected plants su er with sluggish growth that reduces yields. Another example is Blister Rust of white pine trees; this fungal disease severely a ects this tree’s survival. Pathologists use a range of tools to combat these diseases, but not creating the conditions for them to ourish is one of the most important steps.
Eugene Beaulieu, an international trade expert at The School of Public Policy (University of Calgary), joins Danielle Smith’s show (AM 770) to talk about a new report that uses the softwood lumber issue as the case study, showing what really matters to Canada in the NAFTA renegotiations. The report was authored by Elaine Feldman, former trade negotiator for the government of Canada and lead negotiator during Softwood Lumber IV. [click 
Vancouver is the chosen venue for the triennial global Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) General Assembly, the organization’s highest decision-making forum, taking place from October 8-13, 2017. Over 800 delegates from over 80 countries representing the environmental, social and economic chambers of FSC are expected to attend this important event to discuss the direction of FSC’s policies regarding global responsible forest management. Canada’s Boreal Forests will be one of the key topics discussed and this year’s GA is honoured to hear from representatives of Canadian federal and provincial governments who will deliver speeches during the event.