Despite lumber tariffs, forest companies in Western Canada are booming according to The Motley Fool. Strengthening demand from China, a recovering US housing market and improving efficiencies are behind soaring stock prices for Canfor, West Fraser and Interfor. Meanwhile, the union that represents forest sector workers across Canada is crafting an agreement with Resolute Forest Products that Unifor rep Stephen Boon says will form a template for the rest of the country and “reflect workers’ priorities”.
In Wood news, insurers are being advised to “take a second look” when writing risks for tall wood structures; and manufacturers of MDF and hardwood plywood face new formaldehyde standards – the president of the Composite Panel Association explains.
Community forests are in the news:
- Haida Gwaii Community Forest – locals expectations differ from what government is suggesting;
- Logan Lake Community Forest turned a profit this year and they were “happy to give it back to the District of Logan Lake”;
- Valemount Community Forest is restructuring, transferring assets to a new Limited Partnership.
The Council of Forest Industries opens their annual convention today in Prince George. We wish COFI and conference delegates a successful event.
–Sandy McKellar, Tree Frog Editor