Derek Nighbor

Derek Nighbor, president of the Forest Product Association of Canada, had some encouraging words for the region’s forestry industry. Nighbor was the keynote speaker during the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce Leaders Luncheon during a visit to the city, Wednesday. The markets for softwood lumber are strong in the U.S., believes Nighbor, which spell good news for Canadian producers who are concerned over trade disputes with the United States. Nighbor is hopeful for a good deal for Canada with the U.S. and said there should be no impacts on the local mills in the near term. However, he noted those trade deals are critical for jobs in Canada. Innovation is another positive for Northwestern Ontario. There is a huge opportunity because of the move away from the fossil fuel based economy and more environmentally friendly products.