Montreal, QC–The Canadian Hardwood Bureau’s (CHB) annual meeting was held here recently and this year’s event attracted over 100 delegates. The session provided an opportunity for delegates to learn and to network. The program kicked off with a spirited industry hockey game. CHB Chairman Shaun Rowe, of Quality Hardwoods, welcomed everyone to the session and summarized CHB activity, including the promotions program and the upcoming short course.
The keynote speaker was Derek Nighbor, President and CEO of Forest Products Association of Canada, with a presentation entitled “Moving Canada’s Forestry Solutions Forward.” Nighbor spoke to the role forestry and forest products can play in accelerating the move to a net-zero carbon economy – and support community values and Canadian economic growth along the way. He also spoke to where things are working well with the federal government – and where we need to see improvement in this important partnership. He noted as our cities grow and the demand for low-carbon product solutions rises, more and more countries around the world are looking to use more wood and wood fiber-based products. Canada is home to 9 percent of the world’s forests and 36 percent of the world’s third-party certified forests so we have a natural advantage that positions us well to be a global leader in sustainable production and to bring wins for the environment and the economy. Continuous improvement matters in managing our forests in a changing climate and to support biodiversity, he concluded.
Dallin Brooks, executive director, National Hardwood Lumber Association, spoke about NHLA activities, focusing on their training school and grading courses, as well as Hardwood promotion and The Real American Hardwood program. He also spoke on strengthening the North American Hardwood industry as a whole.
The breakfast speaker was Dominique Pelletier, National Manager, Forestry Section, Plant Protection Division, Canadian Food Inspection Agency. The Forestry Section establishes import and domestic movement requirements for forestry products, oversees domestic pest eradication and management programs, oversees exports and imports to and from the U.S. and collaborates on programs of common concerns. His speech touched on the Spotted Lanternfly and other plant health concerns and included some information concerning the consultation process and timelines.
The event was deemed another successful Canadian Hardwood Bureau meeting. The CHB thanks all for attending, and special thanks to this year’s sponsors, including HUB International and Stella-Jones Inc.
The next CHB meeting is at the NHLA convention in early October. All presentations are available on the CHB website at www.canadianhardwoodbureau.com.
