Premier Christy Clark says there may be a “ray of hope” for B.C.’s softwood lumber industry, as negotiations for a new trade agreement with the United States threaten to turn into a legal battle. The provincial and federal governments have been negotiating with the U.S. to try and finalize a new softwood lumber trade agreement…
A lawyer for J.D. Irving, Limited has entered not guilty pleas to each of 15 pollution charges under the federal Fisheries Act related to alleged pollution from the pulp mill in Saint John. Charles Whelly told the court the trial will likely take about six weeks. He declined to comment outside the courtroom. The charges allege…
As leaders from government, industry and First Nations gather in Prince George for the 14th annual Natural Resources Forum, it’s worth taking a fresh look at the important role natural resources play in B.C.’s economy, today and in the future. 1. B.C.’s natural resources are diverse, and effective stewardship means they’ll continue to support sustainable…
New U.S. duties on lumber imports will leave Canada with excess production that could be difficult to sell. Russ Taylor, president of International Wood Markets Group Inc., said lumber shipments to the U.S. will likely drop by 15% next year. The new duties will come into effect on May 4 following the expiration of the…
Catalyst Paper has gone dark. The B.C. paper company announced Friday, January 27, that it is no longer a publicly trade company. Following recapitalization with its three major shareholders, the company – which formally was listed under the stock symbol CYT – is now privately owned by Oaktree Capital Management, Mudrick Capital Management, LP and…
A third attempt is underway to get international recognition for a large section of boreal forest along the Manitoba-Ontario boundary. The two provinces have spent millions of dollars over the last 13 years in hopes of getting the area known as Pimachiowin Aki named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Two earlier bids were deferred. Project…
Eastern Canadian lumber producer Tembec says it’s open to quotas on exports to the United States, in a break from the positions of some Canadian rivals and the Quebec government. While chief executive James Lopez agrees that Canadian lumber should be exempt from restrictions because provincial systems are now market-based, he’s advocating for a compromise…
With its chief trading partner awash in uncertainty, will Canada’s softwood lumber industry double down on China and other further-flung markets? It’s complicated. As U.S. President Donald Trump’s protectionist bent shifts from rhetoric to reality, the United States International Trade Commission (USITC) is in the midst of investigating softwood trade with Canada, which very well…
When you see news stories showing millennials protesting an oil and gas, mining or forestry project, note that those protesters are actually in the minority and don’t represent their age demographic. That’s great news because Canada’s natural resource sector is very important to our economy and tremendous potential exists with continuing to develop the sector…
After more than a year of discussions, paper and pulp companies in British Columbia have an improved way of accessing fibre for processing. A memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the companies, including local pulp mill Harmac, Catalyst Paper, Paper Excellence Canada, Zellstoff Celgar Ltd. Partnership and the First Nation Forestry Council was signed to better…