Don Kayne

Ray Ferris

John Mohammed

Always a crowd favourite, COFI’s CEO panel didn’t disappoint. Moderated by Bridgitte Anderson, Vancouver Board of Trade CEO, Don Kayne, President and CEO of Canfor spoke of the roller coaster ride that was 2020-2022 market, the surprising strong demand driven by DIY and single-family housing, and the likelihood that lumber prices will remain elevated for some time given supply limitations. On the supply chain crisis, Ray Ferris, President and CEO of West Fraser, said “although it was exacerbated by the pandemic and weather events in BC, the supply chain has been a long term challenge”, and given BC’s export focus, “investments in transportation infrastructure are key to future business growth”. John Mohammed, President and Owner of A&A Trading spoke on the path to reconciliation with First Nations noting the partnerships that have been forged with industry over the last two decades, the importance of respect and trust in the process, and the fact that the process is evolving with no finish line.

On ESG (Environment, Social and Governance), Kayne and Ferris said industry is already a leader but that more can be done. On recruitment and the future workforce, Mohammed  said “we need to speak to more than just money and the job but also what we can accomplish for the greater good”. On investing in BC, Ferris spoke of BC’s opportunity given its inherent advantages, but also the import of fibre certainty and cost competitiveness. And finally, on what the CEOs are most excited about going forward, Mohammed emphasized forestry’s green credentials and fibre certainty though First Nation reconciliation; Ferris spoke of the sector’s skill base, fibre quality and growing ESG credentials; and Kayne emphasize innovation and modernization with the likes of robotics and new products such as aviation fuels.

Other conference highlights in the Tree Frog News: COFI keynotes speak to industry headwinds, geopolitical risks