Category Archives: Business & Politics

Business & Politics

If Trump Tariffs Are Ruled Illegal, Refund Chaos Is Expected

By Laura Curtis
Bloomberg News in Transport Topics
October 6, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, United States

President Trump has warned of disaster if the Supreme Court overturns his signature tariffs. For starters, it would unleash a bureaucratic nightmare involving reams of refund paper checks. Should the court uphold a US Court of Appeals ruling that Trump’s country-based tariffs are illegal, the government could owe the bulk of the $165 billion in duties collected so far this fiscal year back to companies that paid them. But they won’t have an easy time getting their money back; refunds are typically issued slowly and while the administration could streamline the process, experts fear that’s unlikely. …That means Trump likely won’t part with the funds easily if the tariffs are struck down, and the administration is expected to move quickly to reimpose levies using other legal authorities if that happens. The Supreme Court is expected to hear arguments in November in the case.

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‘We will get an even better deal,’ Carney says after Oval Office meeting with Trump

By John Paul Tasker
CBC News
October 8, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada

Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canadian and American officials are currently “negotiating terms” of a deal on tariffs a day after he met with the U.S. president to try and bring the trade war to a close — and Canada will come out ahead when the two sides come to an agreement. Speaking in question period … about what he accomplished out of his Oval Office sit-down with U.S. President Donald Trump, Carney said Canada already “has the best deal with the Americans” — most products are still being sold into the U.S. tariff-free despite Trump’s trade action — and “we will get an even better deal.” …Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre said Carney “pathetically” offered up “a trillion-dollar gift” to Trump when speaking with the president, and it was an instance of him “bowing before the president in weakness.” …Daniel  Smith said Carney is developing a rapport with the president…

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‘There’s a reason why Americans want Canadian wood’: Derek Nighbor on the forestry sector’s comeback

By Sean Speer
The Hub
October 7, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada

Derek Nighbor, president and CEO of the Forest Products Association of Canada, discusses how the forestry sector is shifting from a story of decline to one of innovation and growth—helping to address the country’s housing crisis, advance practical climate solutions, and support economic and social well-being in rural and Indigenous communities across Canada.

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Carney set to return to Ottawa without a deal to end the U.S. tariffs

The Canadian Press in CTV News
October 7, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, United States

WASHINGTON — Prime Minister Carney is set to return to Ottawa today with no deals to remove US tariffs from Canadian goods, but he’s leaving his key minister on Canada-US trade behind to keep pressing the Canadian case. US President Trump lavished praise on Carney during a meeting in the Oval Office on Tuesday and said the prime minister would walk away “very happy.” The president showed no signs of relenting on tariffs, however, and no deal was announced. Carney was scheduled to have a working breakfast this morning with Joshua Bolten, CEO of the Business Roundtable, while Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand was set to meet with Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Canada-US Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc will be staying behind in Washington. LeBlanc told reporters Tuesday that substantial progress was made in the White House talks this week.

In related coverage:

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Canada Piles on New Multibillion Dollar Lumber Subsidies In Attempt to Scuttle President Trump’s Trade Law Enforcement

The US Lumber Coalition
October 6, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, United States

“President Trump rightly chose to support U.S. forestry workers with a fair and measured Section 232 tariff to help address Canada’s ongoing and egregious unfair trade practices, which put U.S. jobs at risk and demonstrate Canada’s contempt for our country’s trade rules,” stated Andrew Miller, Chair and Owner of Stimson Lumber Company. “After repeated findings that Canada’s industry is heavily subsidized… what does Canada do? It doubles down on its unfair trade practices by announcing billions of dollars in subsidies in one program after another for its softwood lumber industry,” added Miller. …“For some reason, Canada feels entitled to access the US market while simultaneously engaging in egregious and harmful unfair trade practices proven to be detrimental to U.S. lumber producers,” said Zoltan van Heyningen. …“The US lumber industry applauds the President for his continued efforts to stop these harmful trade practices,” added van Heyningen.

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Steelworkers union urges Carney to defend Canadian jobs and industries in Trump talks

United Steelworkers
October 7, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, United States

TORONTO – United Steelworkers union National Director Marty Warren issued the following statement as Prime Minister Mark Carney travels to Washington, D.C., to meet with US President Trump. …“Canada’s softwood lumber industry is on the brink of collapse. Thousands of workers and entire communities are hanging by a thread while Trump’s tariffs deindustrialize our economy and threaten good jobs across the country. We need urgent action – not more concessions. If free and fair trade in strategic sectors cannot be restored, the federal government must be ready to retaliate and take all necessary measures to protect the integrity of Canadian industrial production and employment. …We cannot allow foreign producers to use Canada as a back door for cheap, dirty, or diverted imports. …If Washington wants access to our market, it must come with respect for fair trade and for the workers who keep our economy running.”

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Pushed by Trump, Canada enters a new era of economic nationalism

By Mark Rendell
The Globe and Mail
October 4, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, United States

Mark Carney

As trade negotiations with the United States sputtered over the summer, Prime Minister Mark Carney started talking about a new, domestically oriented solution for Canada’s tariff-battered industries. …On the surface, this looks like a suite of emergency measures to help companies bridge a temporary loss of demand similar to those announced as the COVID-19 pandemic spread. Taken together, however, it represents a more fundamental shift in Canada’s political economy. If key Canadian industries can’t sell into the US market, the argument goes, perhaps the government can cultivate domestic markets to pick up the slack. …In effect, US President Trump’s America First economic vision is pushing Canada to follow suit. …And it unveiled a new “Buy Canadian” procurement policy for steel and lumber. …Derek Nighbor, of the Forest Products Association of Canada, said there’s an incremental opportunity to sell more lumber in Canada. [to access the full story a Globe & Mail subscription is required]

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Statement by the Canadian Lumber Trade Alliance on the U.S. Section 232 Tariffs on Canadian Softwood Lumber

By Canadian Lumber Trade Alliance
BC Lumber Trade Council
October 3, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, United States

The Canadian Lumber Trade Alliance (CLTA) issued the following statement. …Luc Theriault, President, Wood Products at Domtar and Co-Chair of the Canadian Lumber Trade Alliance, said “The U.S. government’s decision to impose a further 10% tariff – on top of existing duties of 35% – is disappointing. These measures unjustly punish Canadian producers, while also driving up costs for our neighbors in the US.” …“Canadian lumber does not pose a national security risk to the United States. Our industry directly supports 200,000 jobs and sustains over 300 forest-dependent communities across Canada. We will continue to work closely with the Government of Canada to defend against these unfortunate trade actions and to safeguard Canadian forestry jobs.” …In its recent Section 232 proclamation, the US signaled a willingness to pursue negotiations. The Canadian industry is ready to engage. It is essential that the Government of Canada match this commitment and play an active role in defending our industry.

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Carney to meet Trump next week, potential movement on steel and aluminum tariffs expected

By Stephanie Ha and Judy Trinh
CTV News
October 3, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, United States

Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to head to Washington early next week to meet with US. President Trump. …Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand, Industry Minister Melanie Joly and Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc will accompany Carney. This latest visit comes as Canadian and U.S. officials try to reach a deal on punishing American tariffs, and as a review of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement gets underway. …Over the summer, the U.S. hiked its tariffs on steel and aluminum imports to 50%, with Canada imposing a 25% counter-tariff on U.S. steel and aluminum. …The source says next week’s meeting follows weeks of groundwork by LeBlanc, Canadian Ambassador to the US Kirsten Hillman and Clerk of the Privy Council Michael Sabia, with the team being aware the discussions could go sideways.

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Policy-driven growth is possible: Improving competitiveness through smarter regulation

By Derek Nighbor, Forest Products Association of Canada
National Post
October 2, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada


Canada must do everything it can to strengthen itself. To control the controllable. That starts with committing to an outcomes-based regulatory framework that upholds Canada’s trusted reputation with international customers. In Canada, over 90 per cent of forestry takes place on lands managed by the provinces. Forest management planning at the provincial level involves rigorous consideration of ecosystem values, Indigenous and non-Indigenous community-based consultations and balancing local needs with economic, social and environmental benefits. In recent years, the federal government has overlapped multiple regulations and frequently intervened in provincially approved forest management plans. This has chilled strategic investments and has been a productivity and competitiveness killer, driving more investment south of the border. The adverse impacts of increased costs and regulatory duplication and delays on top of market challenges, have been immense. …Prime Minister Mark Carney’s cabinet mandate calls for innovative governance to boost productivity, reduce trade barriers and attract private investment. 

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LeBlanc: No timeline for reaching tariff deals, but talks not at a ‘dead end’

By Kyle Duggan
The Canadian Press in Business in Vancouver
October 2, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, United States

Dominic LeBlanc

OTTAWA — It’s futile to predict how long trade talks with President Trump’s White House might last, Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc told the House of Commons trade committee Thursday. He told a Senate foreign affairs committee that Canada is still in discussions on dropping the sector-specific tariffs putting pressure on Canadian industries and he does not see “a dead end in those conversations.” …The minister told senators he is hoping to make progress on one-off, sector-specific tariff deals before the official review of North America’s trilateral trade pact launches next year. He added that “nobody has yet suggested” Ottawa should fold the sector-specific talks into the broader review. …The president escalated his trade war again this week, through an executive order adding a 10% tariff on softwood lumber and 25% tariff on wooden furniture.

Related coverage:

By Sean Boynton in Global News: Trade war ‘resolvable’ but U.S. ties have ‘fundamentally’ changed

By Ashley Burke in CBC News: Carney to return to Washington as Trump’s tariffs hit sectors hard

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No room for timber talk: Forestry leader fumes

By Dave Branco
CKPG Today
October 9, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, Canada West

PRINCE GEORGE – Prime Minister Mark Carney met with President Donald Trump to discuss the connection between energy cooperation and support for Canada’s steel and aluminum industries. However, this meeting raised some eyebrows among forestry industry leaders, who wondered why softwood was left out of the conversation. Brink Forest Products owner John Brink believes that the omission of softwood tariffs in discussions with the president is yet another setback for an already struggling sector. MLA Kiel Giddens also voiced his disappointment that softwood lumber was left off the agenda, especially since forestry ranks among Canada’s leading employers. Brink notes that wood manufacturing plants are still shutting down across the province, and he believes the West must unite to send a strong message to Ottawa. 

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Kamloops-North Thompson MLA says B.C. forestry industry in ‘crisis’

By Brendan Shykora
Terrace Standard
October 8, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, Canada West

Ward Stamer

Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Ward Stamer says B.C.’s forestry industry is in crisis due to over-regulation and a “lack of respect for the people who actually work in our forests.” Speaking in the B.C. Legislature Oct. 6, BC Conservative MLA, Stamer put the blame for closed sawmills in McKenzie, Chetwynd and Houston on “failed government policy” that led to not enough timber being available to harvest. …B.C.-based forestry giant Canfor announced last year it was abandoning its plans to replace its closed sawmill in Houston. “The ability to reliably access enough economic timber to run our manufacturing facilities is critical for our business,” Canfor president and CEO Don Kayne said at the time. Kane attributed a declining harvest level partly to “natural disturbances,” but also to “the cumulative impact of policy changes and increased regulatory complexity.” …”With courage, accountability, and respect for rural British Columbians we can turn this crisis around,” said Stamer.

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‘Extended’ and sudden maintenance shutdown of Interfor mill in Grand Forks

By Timothy Schafer
Castanet
October 8, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, Canada West

Plans to institute an “extended maintenance shutdown” of the Interfor lumber mill in Grand Forks is not a permanent shutdown, according to the company. On Sept. 4 Interfor Corporation announced plans to reduce its lumber production by approximately 145 million board feet at all operations between September and December of 2025, representing approximately 12 per cent of its normal output. The temporary curtailments will be through a combination of reduced operating hours, prolonged holiday breaks, reconfigured shifting schedules and extended maintenance shut-downs. The curtailments are expected to impact all of Interfor’s operating regions, with both the Canadian and U.S. operations expected to reduce their production levels by approximately 12 per cent each. “The curtailments are in response to persistently weak market conditions and ongoing economic uncertainty,” read a statement from the company.

Additional coverage in the Castlegar News, by Karen McKinley: Grand Forks Interfor mill shut down ‘indefinitely,’ not a permanent closure

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New U.S. tariffs on lumber are ‘bizarre,’ says B.C. forestry CEO

CBC News
October 7, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, Canada West

Members of the B.C. forest industry are keeping a close eye on meetings between Prime Minister Mark Carney and President Donald Trump ahead of new U.S. lumber tariffs coming on Oct. 14. Brink Forest Products CEO John Brink called the new tariffs “bizarre” and said he’s disappointed they weren’t discussed during Tuesday’s Carney-Trump news conference.

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Endless Opportunities for Forestry with Premier Danielle Smith

By Aspen Dudzic, Forest Talks
Alberta Forest Products Association in Youtube
October 2, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada West

In this special episode of Forestry Talks, host Aspen Dudzic is joined by Alberta’s Premier, the Honourable Danielle Smith — the first sitting Premier to attend the Alberta Forest Products Association AGM in over a decade. The two dive into the big-picture view of Alberta’s forestry industry, including its growing importance to Indigenous and rural communities, the economic impact across the province, and the case for managing wildfire risk through active forest management. Premier Smith also shares her candid thoughts on U.S. trade tensions, new international markets, and how Alberta is positioning itself as a global leader in forest product manufacturing. From softwood lumber disputes to innovation in biofuels and international trade missions — this is a must-listen for anyone who cares about Alberta’s forest future.

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Houston lobbies for new mill at old Canfor site

By Jake Wray
Houston Today
October 4, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, Canada West

The District of Houston had one major priority when seeking meetings with provincial ministers this year—keeping Houston-area logs milled locally. That was the objective on the minds of a contingent from the District who attended the 2025 Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) convention in Victoria from Sept. 22 to Sept. 26. …Mayor Shane Brienen said that the District is working on ideas for what to do with the old Canfor mill site, which was, at one point, the top employer in the area before the company shut it down on May 9, 2024. The Houston contingent to UBCM met with the Ministry of Forests to discuss potential funding and other details, as they had in July when Minister Ravi Parmar was touring the North. “We’re figuring something out there,” Brienen said. “We want to keep our logs milled locally.”

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American tariffs on BC lumber are absurd, means Russia now has preferential access to the US market

By Wolfgang Depner
The Victoria Times Colonist
October 1, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, Canada West

David Eby

Ravi Parmar

It is “completely absurd” that softwood lumber exports from BC to the United States face higher duties than the same product from Russia, Premier David Eby said Wednesday. He said the softwood lumber industry is “under direct attack” after US President Trump imposed an additional tariff of 10% on imported softwood lumber starting Oct. 14. “I want you to just keep in mind the perspective that Russia now has preferential access for their softwood to the US compared with Canada and British Columbia,” Eby said. …This new levy means that Canadian softwood lumber entering the US will see total import taxes exceeding 45%, while Russia is exempt. …Forests Minister Ravi Parmar said “Russia is the largest exporter of softwood lumber in the world. BC, a small province, is the second-largest. So, the US has a choice. Do they want to do business with British Columbia or do they want to do business with Russia?”

BC Government Press Release: Premier’s, minister’s statements on Section 232 tariff decision from United States

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Future of the Kénogami plant: Unifor reassured by Domtar management

Radio Canada
October 8, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, Canada East

The Unifor union emerged reassured from its meeting last week with Domtar management regarding the survival of the Kénogami paper mill. The mill has been affected by numerous work stoppages for some time. Unifor’s Quebec director, Daniel Cloutier, received confirmation that the company wants to continue producing paper there and that its hydroelectric facilities, which supply power to the region’s mills, are not for sale. We were nevertheless able to be reassured about certain elements regarding Hydro-Saguenay. The dams are not sold, they are not for sale, according to Domtar’s statements. …The Kénogami and Alma paper mills are powered by the five hydroelectric power plants that Domtar, formerly Resolute Forest Products, owns on the Shipshaw River. [translated by Google Translate]

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Cascades announces the sale of its Flexible Packaging plant in Mississauga to Five Star Holding

Cascades Inc.
October 8, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, Canada East

KINGSEY FALLS,  Quebec — Cascades announced that it has reached an agreement to sell its Flexible Packaging plant activities to Five Star Holding based in Houston, Texas. The $31 million transaction is effective immediately. Cascades’ will retain ownership of the site real estate. Located in Mississauga, Ontario, Flexible Packaging is Cascades’ only plant that manufactures printed flexible plastic packaging and films. …The Flexible Packaging operations employs 45 people, all of which will be retained by Five Star at closing. …The transaction includes a supply agreement between the two parties to ensure the continued production and supply of the flexible film that is used by Cascades’ Tissue and Packaging sectors. “Today’s decision will allow us to reduce our debt and support the optimization of our operational platform,” said Hugues Simon, CEO of Cascades.

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Deal reached to save northern Ontario paper mill from closure

By Dan Bertrand
CTV News
October 4, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, Canada East

ONTARIO — Upper levels of government have reached funding agreements to support the Town of Kapuskasing’s Paper Mill, averting a planned closure and providing what local leaders are calling “a critical step” toward securing the region’s economic future. Kap Paper announced the newfound support in a social media post on Friday evening. “Next week, we’ll be working out the details for a restart plan,” the post said, adding that updates would be shared “as soon as everything is confirmed.” Kapuskasing Mayor Dave Plourde, called the deal a “critical step forward for Kapuskasing and the entire region,” in a statement posted to the town’s social media page. …“We now have a second chance – a window of opportunity to come together, calmly and deliberately, to build a plan for modernization and long-term competitiveness,” said Plourde …“Today, I am pleased to confirm that both the federal and provincial governments have agreed to provide support.”

In related coverage:

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New Brunswick softwood lumber industry braces for hit from Donald Trump’s latest tariffs

By Jordan Gill
CBC News
October 5, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, Canada East

Companies reliant on New Brunswick’s softwood lumber industry are bracing for hard times after US President Trump announced new tariffs on Sept. 30. …In a letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney, New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt pleaded for the federal government to make softwood lumber tariffs a top priority. “In some communities in New Brunswick, one in every 11 workers depends directly on forest products,” Holt wrote. …Ron Marcolin, the New Brunswick vice-president with Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, said the latest tariffs and duties are a big deal in a long-running drama over softwood lumber.  …While New Brunswick may largely rely on the American market, Marcolin said Americans also rely on New Brunswick’s products. …”The thing is, too, they realize their product is inferior. Their softwood lumber is not as good as a Canadian stick of lumber.”

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Kapuskasing strong’: Hundreds rally to save papermill

By Maija Hoggett
Timmins Today
October 2, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, Canada East

KAPUSKASING – In the shadow of the Kap Paper mill and with empty rail cards in the background, hundreds of people rallied today to save the Kapuskasing facility that the company announced on Monday would be idled. The ask is for a three-month loan from the province to give the company time to apply for a federal government longer-term fund. “The money will ensure Kap Paper can transition to a long-term stable market. We need Ontario and the federal government to work with us on a solution and not point fingers at each other. The fate of our town’s mills, workers and families are too important for these games,” Kapuskasing, Mayor Dave Plourde said. GreenFirst announced today that its sawmill operations in Kapuskasing, Hearst, Cochrane will be reduced for one week starting on Oct. 6. While Politis said it was heartwarming to see the crowd standing together, he’s disappointed in politicians.

Related coverage in CBC News: Union says Kapuskasing mill workers were told it was ‘business as usual’ 2 weeks before shutdown

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Advanced Wood Manufacturing Companies in Ontario Condemns Punitive Tariffs

Wood Manufacturing Cluster of Ontario
October 2, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, Canada East

The advanced wood manufacturing sector in Ontario and across Canada condemns the latest United States administration’s decision to impose unjustified punitive tariffs on kitchen cabinets, select wood furniture, and manufactured softwood lumber products. Immediate action is required by by our Federal and Provincial governments on all political sides to work diligently and aggressively to get these tariffs lifted; this is to guarantee jobs and prosperity for our communities across the country. The advanced wood manufacturing sector in Canada represents over $20 billion in revenues, over 100,000 employees, and includes a majority of small and medium-sized employers. …These tariffs will have a devastating impact on companies that export to the United States. They will also disrupt the North American housing sector supply chain, raise costs for housing in the United States, and destroy the shared prosperity and integrated trade relationship provided.

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Northern Ontario officials call on feds, province to stop Kap Paper mill closure

By Joseph Ryan
CityNews Everywhere
October 1, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada East

Officials and residents of Kapuskasing gathered Wednesday to call on provincial and federal governments to work with the town to keep a paper mill from closing, urging them to “not point fingers at each other.” Kap Paper announced it will begin winding down after failing to secure immediate financial support from the federal government. …the timing “doesn’t appear to be aligning” for a solution to keep the mill open. …Ottawa said Tuesday that it would keep working to help save the mill, with Industry Minister saying it had offered supports such as the Strategic Innovation Fund and targeted programs. …Meanwhile, the provincial government said Monday it has provided Kap Paper with millions to help cover operating expenses and is “disappointed” that the federal government has failed to join in providing immediate support. …Peter Politis, mayor of nearby Cochrane, Ont., said the issue impacts the entire northern Ontario community.

Related coverage from the Ontario Forest Industries Association: OFIA Statement on Kapuskasing Paper Mill and Sawmill Curtailments 

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Announcing the 2025 John J. Mulrooney Award Recipient

North American Wholesale Lumber Association
October 7, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: United States

Donna Whitaker

The North American Wholesale Lumber Association (NAWLA) is thrilled to present the prestigious John J. Mulrooney Award to Donna Whitaker. Donna Whitaker brings more than 32 years of experience in the lumber industry, holding pivotal roles and building a legacy of leadership and mentorship. She began her career with Rayonier and was part of Interfor’s historic first acquisitions in the Southern U.S. As Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Interfor, Donna has also contributed her leadership to numerous boards, including the Southern Forest Products Association (SFPA). …Known for her strategic insight, collaborative leadership and tireless advocacy, Donna has helped pave the way for women in an industry long dominated by men. Entering her next chapter, she remains deeply committed to advancing women in the forest products industry, creating environments where they are empowered to grow, lead and thrive.

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APA – The Engineered Wood Association Names New Chair and Trustee to Board

APA – The Engineered Wood Association
October 7, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: United States

John Beers

Brian Cullen

APA – The Engineered Wood Association has made two changes to its Board of Trustees. John Beers III of Georgia-Pacific has been elected board chair, and Brian Cullen of PWT has joined the board. Beers is president of the structural panels business at Georgia-Pacific. As an industry veteran, Beers has a wealth of knowledge and experience acquired over the past 25 years. He began his career in sales with Grant Forest Products in 2002, joining Georgia-Pacific in 2010 as part of the company’s Grant acquisition. …Cullen is senior vice president of operations at PWT. He began his career at Weyerhaeuser in 2002, spending more than 13 years there in plant management, process improvement and industrial engineering. From there, Cullen went to Amazon, where he was a senior fulfillment operations manager. In 2016, he returned to the wood products industry, joining Boise Cascade Co. as production manager for the Eastern region.

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APA – The Engineered Wood Association Honors Jim Enright as 2025 Bronson Lewis Award Recipient

APA – The Engineered Wood Association
October 6, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: United States

Jim Enright (centre)

PWT President and CEO Jim Enright has been awarded the 2025 Bronson J. Lewis Award. Now in its 20th year, the award recognizes individuals for their leadership and outstanding contributions to the engineered wood industry. Enright received the award October 6 at the APA Annual Meeting in Phoenix. … Enright devoted more than 28 years to the industry and is widely respected for his leadership, insight, and dedication. Beginning as an APA trustee in 2003, Enright went on to serve on APA’s board for more than 15 years… Over the course of his career, he has held key roles at organizations such as WoodWorks – Wood Products Council, Willamette Industries, Rosboro, Standard Structures and Murphy Company. “There’s really no one more deserving of this prestigious award than Jim,” said Jeff Wagner, former APA Board of Trustees Chair.

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Decorative hardwoods industry urges Trump to expand products under section 232 tariffs proposal

By Larry Adams
The Woodworking Network
October 4, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: United States

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Oct. 1, 2025, nine presidents and CEOs representing American manufacturers of hardwood plywood, engineered wood flooring, and hardwood veneer asked President Trump to add their products to the recently announced Section 232 tariffs on wood products. The current 232 tariff proposal focuses on cabinets, vanities, lumber, upholstered furniture, and other products. Section 232 tariffs are trade restrictions, such as import duties, that the President of the United States can impose on goods that are found to threaten national security. According to the group of companies, more than 100,000 American manufacturing jobs are threatened by the “flood of dumped and subsidized decorative hardwood product imports from outside of North America.” The group pointed to the news that Roseburg Forest Products had closed its last hardwood plywood mill and exited the hardwood plywood market as a result of these imports, which the company said dominate 80% of the U.S. market.

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Intertribal Timber Council Appoints Cal Mukumoto As Executive Director

City Biz
October 8, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: US West

The Intertribal Timber Council is proud to announce the appointment of Cal Mukumoto as its first Executive Director, effective October 1, 2025. Mukumoto brings more than four decades of experience in forestry, Tribal enterprise leadership, and public service to ITC. His distinguished career includes serving as Oregon State Forester, where he managed a $650 million annual budget and a workforce of more than 1,300 employees while advancing forest health, sustainability, and economic value for the state. He also served as CEO and Board Chair of the Coquille Economic Development Corporation, overseeing casino, broadband, and other Tribal business ventures, and leading them through critical periods of growth and stability. His professional roots date back to the 1980s, when he worked with the Makah Tribal Council to establish the Makah Forestry Enterprise, which improved the profitability of Tribal timber sales. 

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Erik Wilson Joins Pacific Lumber Inspection Bureau as Executive Vice President

Pacific Lumber Inspection Bureau
October 3, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: United States, US West

Erik Wilson

FEDERAL WAY, Washington – The Pacific Lumber Inspection Bureau (PLIB) has hired Erik Wilson as their new Executive Vice President. In this newly established leadership role, Erik will be working closely with PLIB President Jeff Fantozzi and the Board of Directors and staff directors to drive PLIB’s strategic objectives and reinforce relationships with its stakeholders, regulatory agencies, and industry partners. His responsibilities will also include staff development, brand enhancement both domestically and internationally, and the expansion of LIBs educational programs. “Appointing Erik to the EVP role accomplishes an important milestone in PLIB’s strategic and succession plans,” said PLIB President Jeff Fantozzi. His integrity and wide-ranging industry experience brings valuable depth and expertise to our already exceptional team. We are extremely excited about this new chapter in PLIB’s evolution.”

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Hancock Lumber sales leader named NeLMA chairman

The HBS Dealer
October 7, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: United States, US East

Matt Duprey

Hancock Lumber’s Sawmill Chief Sales Officer, Matt Duprey, has been elected as the newest Chairman of the Northeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association (NeLMA). …Duprey has been with Hancock since 1994 after earning his Forestry and Wood Science + Technology degree. First starting in the yard at Hancock’s Casco Mill, Duprey eventually worked his way through various positions and into his current role as Chief Sales Officer of Eastern White Pine. Prior to his appointment as NeLMA Chairman, Matt also served as the chair of its marketing committee for a decade. …Current NeLMA President, Jeff Easterling said, “NeLMA is pleased to see Matt continue his ascent within the organization as he steps into the Chairman of the Board of Directors role.” Duprey said: “I feel quite proud of this appointment.”

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Weyerhaeuser to Invest $1 Million in West Virginia Community

Weyerhaeuser Company
October 6, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: United States, US East

BUCKHANNON, West Virginia — Weyerhaeuser announced a commitment to invest $1 million in Buckhannon, West Virginia, through the company’s THRIVE program. The investment will be made over the next several years with input from local elected officials, business leaders, nonprofits, employees and other community partners. …”Rural operating communities like Buckhannon are so important to the success of our business and to the greater health of the forest products industry,” says Devin W. Stockfish, CEO. “We want to make sure these communities remain great places to live, work and do business for years to come.” …Weyerhaeuser’s THRIVE program goes far beyond the financial investment. In selected communities, Weyerhaeuser leaders engage deeply with local stakeholders to identify and prioritize the challenges to be addressed through long-term collaboration, investment and advocacy. Potential opportunities in Buckhannon include youth education and workforce development.

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EPA to look into wood-industry pollution in Missoula’s rivers

By Laura Lundquist
The Missoula Current
October 6, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: United States, US East

MISSOULA, Montana — The US Environmental Protection Agency has agreed to analyze samples from local rivers to see how much contamination is from wood-processing plants, including the Smurfit-Stone pulp mill site. During Thursday’s meeting of the Frenchtown Smurfit-Stone Citizens Advisory Group, a few group members hit the highlights of a brief tour of the Smurfit mill site they took with Congressman Ryan Zinke and his staff on Sept. 24. During the tour, Zinke was told about a new development where the EPA has agreed to have some of their “displaced scientists” analyze several years’ worth of fish-tissue and water data collected from the Clark Fork, Bitterroot and Blackfoot rivers. …However, Smurfit isn’t the only source of contamination. Wood-processing businesses exist in several places along the Clark Fork, Blackfoot and Bitterroot rivers, and they all likely pollute the rivers with dioxins, furans and dioxin-like PCB contaminants. 

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Sappi Europe announces closure of PM2 at its Kirkniemi Mill in Finland

Sappi Limited
October 7, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: International

LOHJA, Finland — Sappi Europe announced in August the commencement of a consultation process for the potential closure of Paper Machine 2 at its Kirkniemi Mill in Lohja, Finland. The consultation process, aimed at improving the mill’s profitability and cost competitiveness, has been completed resulting in the planned closure of Paper Machine 2 by the end of the calendar year 2025. As a result, Sappi’s annual production capacity of coated mechanical paper will be reduced by 175,000 tonnes. The closure will lead to a reduction of 93 positions. …The shutdown of Paper Machine 2 is part of Sappi’s strategic plan to align production capacity with market demand and to optimise the utilisation of the mill’s remaining paper machines. Production of Paper Machine 2 grades will be transferred to Kirkniemi’s Paper Machines 1 and 3, which will continue operating. Deliveries to customers will continue without disruption. 

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EU to impose antidumping duty of 6.2% on softwood plywood from Brazil

The European Commission
October 9, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: International

The European Commission proposed preliminary antidumping duties on imports of softwood plywood from Brazil, following an investigation launched earlier this year into alleged unfair pricing practices. The proposal, published on October 7, sets a provisional duty rate of 6.2% on Brazilian softwood plywood, expressed on the CIF Union border price, customs duty unpaid. The Commission said the rates will not take effect until the provisional measures are formally adopted. The move follows a complaint filed in January by the Softwood Plywood Consortium (SPC) on behalf of EU producers, alleging that Brazilian plywood was being sold in the Union at dumped prices, harming the bloc’s manufacturers. The investigation period, covering January–December 2024, examines both dumping and injury to the EU industry.

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UPM Finland to close paper production in Kaukas and relocate operations to Rauma

Tissue Online
October 8, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: International

FINLAND — UPM has completed employee consultation processes following its late July announcement to permanently end paper production at its Kaukas mill in Lappeenranta, Finland. Coated mechanical paper production will be relocated to the Rauma mill, Finland. Paper machine 1 in Kaukas will be permanently closed during Q4 2025, resulting in a reduction of 220 positions. Following the closure, coated mechanical paper production capacity in Finland will decrease by 300,000 tonnes annually. UPM’s pulp, sawn timber, biofuels production, and R&D activities at Kaukas will continue unchanged. …The closure will affect 220 employees and reduce coated mechanical paper capacity in Finland by 300,000 tonnes per year. …An after-care team will be established to ensure safe conditions at the mill following the closure.

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Australia’s last paper mill, Tasmania’s Boyer Mill, locked in energy security negotiations with Aurora

By Madeleine Rojahn
ABC News, Australia
October 6, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: International

TASMANIA — Australia’s last paper mill and supplier of newsprint remains locked in negotiations for power security, with Tuesday’s meeting to resolve an impasse over costs concluding with no outcome. As one of Tasmania’s major industrials, the Boyer pulp and paper mill in New Norfolk is also one the state’s largest power users. Aurora Energy is seeking a $7 million bank guarantee to cover energy costs for the mill as it looks to electrify and move away from its coal-powered boilers, a figure Boyer owner David Marriner has labelled “obscene”. A spokesperson for the Boyer Mill said discussions had been “constructive”, and remained committed to ensuring a positive outcome. Aurora Energy said it would “continue to negotiate in good faith”. …The Boyer Mill, which is currently Tasmania’s fourth-largest carbon emitter, is working to convert its coal boilers to electric after years of energy concerns.

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Metsä Group to initiate statutory negotiations to improve its profitability and operational efficiency

Metsä Group
October 2, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: International

On 31 July 2025, Metsä Group announced it would launch the planning of a EUR 300 million cost savings and profit improvement programme. Planning is now complete, and Metsä Group will initiate statutory negotiations concerning its personnel as part of it. “Our profitability has been undermined by three factors. First, increased uncertainties in global trade have reduced demand for our products. Second, changes in exchange rates have weakened our result and will continue to do so. Third, the increase in raw material costs and the general cost level has eroded our profitability,” says Jussi Vanhanen, President and CEO of Metsä Group. …According to preliminary assessments, the planned measures may lead to a permanent reduction of 800 permanent jobs. A significant share – 540 jobs – are expected to be in Finland. In addition to redundancies, the planned changes may lead to changes in duties.

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New Era as Ric Sinclair Takes Helm as Forestry South Australia Chair

By Jason Ross
Wood Central Australia
October 3, 2025
Category: Business & Politics
Region: International

Ric Sinclair

SOUTH AUSTRALIA — Ric Sinclair has been appointed as Chair of ForestrySA, succeeding June Roache, who has served as Chair of South Australia’s government-owned forest manager since 2018. “It is a great honour to be appointed Chair of ForestrySA for a 3-year term,” said Sinclair, who from 2008 until 2021 served as the long-time CEO of Forest Wood Products Australia (FWPA). …Sinclair, who was instrumental in establishing FWPA’s long-running social license partnership with Planet Ark and the award-winning WoodSolutions programme, will take over from Roache, who has increased ForestrySA’s net asset position and returned a dividend to the government. …ForestrySA oversees 10,500 hectares of plantation pine—supplying logs for regional domestic markets and select exports—and more than 16,000 hectares of native forest. These support conservation, recreation, and eco-tourism whilst adhering to a certified Forest Management System under Responsible Wood’s Australian Forestry Standard.

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