Unifor workers at the Ear Falls sawmill have overwhelmingly approved a four-year deal with Interfor. In other Business news: gridlock possible as US election results unclear; Georgia approves tax break for timber producers; and Mosaic signs agreement with Search and Rescue. On the Market front: US housing affordability falls; lumber futures are down; and wood chip prices soar.
In other news: FPAC’s ‘Capturing Carbon‘ documentary is featured at COP27; McDonalds get pushback on its UK switch to paper cutlery; BC hasn’t taken the fed’s offer on old-growth; the evolution of tree roots may have have driven mass extinctions; and how nature has become popular at tech conferences.
Finally, tomorrow is Remembrance Day in Canada, a day to honour those who died in military service. Nearly 8 decades since he and his family were liberated in World War II, forestry entrepreneur John Brink speaks to the day’s import. The Frogs are back on Monday.
Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor
Rising mortgage rates, high inflation, ongoing building material supply chain disruptions, and elevated home prices contributed to housing affordability falling – yet again – to its lowest point since the Great Recession in the third quarter of 2022. According to the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index, just 42.2% of new and existing homes sold between the beginning of July and end of September were affordable to families earning the U.S. median income of $90,000. This marks the second consecutive record low for housing affordability in more than a decade, trailing the previous mark of 42.8% set in the second quarter.
Vancouver, BC – The BC Council of Forest Industries and partner Canadian Forest Industries Magazine, announce the return of the annual photo contest. This year’s theme is ‘New Ideas. Great Forestry. BC’s Story’ and calls for submissions that bring to life the province’s forestry story, and the new ideas that are contributing to a more sustainable sector. “We encourage contestants to highlight some of the new ideas that are shaping the future of the forest sector. Whether it’s through the adoption of new technologies to help us do things better and more sustainably, partnerships with Indigenous Peoples, or new uses of forest products, we are excited to see the entrants of this year’s contest. BC’s forest sector has a great story to tell and we are pleased to once again showcase those who are passionate about making it great.” says Linda Coady, President and CEO, COFI.
In August, as Minister of Environment and Climate Change Steven Guilbeault prepared to visit an old-growth forest, his office drafted a news release. It was never sent out. The federal government had committed up to $50 million to permanently protect B.C.’s old-growth forests and was “awaiting the matching commitment from the province,” said the draft release. In the lead up to the UN biodiversity conference Canada will host in December, the federal government is eager to see permanent protections announced for B.C.’s old-growth forests as part of Ottawa’s commitment to protect 30 per cent of the country’s land and waters by 2030. But with less than a month before the conference, the B.C. government has yet to accept Ottawa’s offer. That leaves environmental groups and the B.C. Green Party questioning the sincerity of the B.C. government. …When pushed… the Ministry of Forests said: “The $50 million pledge is a welcome first step.”
Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) is pleased to announce that its Capturing Carbon documentary was selected to be shown at COP27, the United Nations International Conference on Climate Change and Sustainability. The film will be the focus of a session co-sponsored by FPAC and the B.C. Council of Forest Industries (COFI) – bringing together Indigenous, government, and forest sector leaders who will discuss the vital role sustainable forestry can play in addressing climate change and shaping a greener future in Canada and around the world. …“This is a significant opportunity for Canada’s forest sector to bring our experience, innovation, and know-how to the global policy table, and to meet with international partners and stakeholders to advance collaboration and work together on climate action,” said FPAC President and CEO Derek Nighbor. Key topics are explored by five individuals who speak to misconceptions about Canada’s forest sector… View the documentary here: 
Nanaimo, BC — Mosaic Forest Management is pleased to announce the signing of seven access agreements with Search and Rescue organizations on Vancouver Island. The agreements provide important access for training exercises, data-sharing opportunities, and overall support for these organizations dedicated to public safety. The agreements follow Mosaic’s landmark signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Arrowsmith Search and Rescue in 2021. …Mosaic’s new access agreements are with the Alberni Valley Rescue Squad, Arrowsmith Search and Rescue, Campbell River Search and Rescue, Juan de Fuca Search and Rescue, Ladysmith Search and Rescue, Nanaimo Search and Rescue, and Westcoast Inland Search and Rescue. “We’re proud to support the dedicated volunteers of these Search and Rescue organizations,” said Domenico Iannidinardo, Mosaic’s Senior Vice President and Chief Forester. “They play a critical role in public safety, providing a vital lifeline to those who are lost or injured in the Vancouver Island wilderness.”