Premier David Eby used his COFI 2026 keynote to back a working forest model and address fibre access, DRIPA uncertainty, and the need for a softwood deal. In related news: Ontario calls for full removal of duties; BC eases carbon tax for pulp mills; Clearwater Paper reduces Arkansas paperboard production by half; Mirax Group acquires Errington, BC sawmill; and Newfoundland sawmillers remain optimistic. Meanwhile—also at COFI 2026—the Economy Panel said structural headwinds persist; the Forester Panel said predictability and access are key; and BC Conservative Interim Leader Trevor Halford said change is coming.

In Forestry/Wildfire news: Tom Schultz, US Forest Service Chief, explained his new approach to land management, as wildfire and ecology experts pointed out the downside risks; drought and snowpack up the wildfire risk in Utah; and California is waiting on disaster funding to protect housing. Meanwhile: West Fraser scales back logging in Kananaskis; Trans Mountain strands $4M in BC timber; Ben Parfitt says wood pellets are little better than fossil fuels; and FSC Canada’s latest news & views.

Finally, more stories from COFI on Friday here, as well as previous coverage from Thursday.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog News Editor