The Canadian gov’t and softwood lumber industry are applauding a partial victory as a NAFTA panel says the US injury determination is flawed. No response from the US Coalition yet but Western Red Cedar producers are disappointment they’re still lumped in with structural lumber. 

In other Business news: Western Forest Products and USW begin mediation; Canfor extends its Taylor pulp mill curtailment; BC’s Forest Critic points to solutions; and more on Interfor’s Hammond Mill closure. Elsewhere, Lahaie Lumber expands in Ontario, JD Irving opposes new tax on machinery; and Domtar/Seaspan are panned for past inaction on pollution.

Finally, the Canadian cement industry is none-too-pleased with the Ontario carpenters’ endorsement of mass timber.

Kelly McCloskey, Tree Frog Editor