Innovation: The way to sustainability
The forestry sector is always looking at sustainability and waste management while also looking at how to make it more affordable and attainable, even for the smaller woodlots. In episode 4 of our Forestry Uncut podcast, you met Joe Lewis of BioBurn Pros, a company dedicated to transforming the way biomass is managed. Joe is part of a growing movement hoping to revolutionize the biomass processing industry.
The forestry sector is always looking at sustainability and waste management while also looking at how to make it more affordable and attainable, even for the smaller woodlots. Traditional methods like open burning or leaving wood waste to decompose naturally have significant environmental drawbacks. While open burning releases harmful pollutants and greenhouse gases, unmanaged waste can attract pests, spread disease, and increase the risk of wildfires. The unsustainable approach makes it challenging for our industry to balance productivity with environmental responsibility.
* photo credit: https://www.bioburnpros.ca/
In episode 4 of our Forestry Uncut podcast, you met Joe Lewis of BioBurn Pros, a company dedicated to transforming the way biomass is managed. Joe is part of a growing movement hoping to revolutionize the biomass processing industry.
Here’s an example of how the technology Joe is using helps the forestry sector with sustainability: Air curtain burners offer a variety of benefits, particularly for forest management. One of the primary advantages is the significant reduction in air pollution. The air curtain effectively traps smoke and particulate matter, preventing harmful pollutants from being released into the atmosphere..
Beyond pollution control, BioBurn Pros’ technology helps preserve forest health by swiftly disposing of wood waste, which can attract pests and diseases. The controlled burning process also lowers the risk of accidental wildfires. As with any process or new technology, there are some downsides. Other competing companies can produce bi-products that may be more valuable or have some greater efficiencies from utilising this excess wood waste, but those facilities can take larger investments and a longer time to build. In the meantime, Joe’s technology works and is operational as we write this blog post.
Joe will tell you he specializes in reduction, “Elimination and reduction is the best. So, you know, we're a biomass processing company, but really what we specialize is reduction, we reduce biomass to a biochar, 99%, reduce processes, we reduce emissions, reduce capital expenditures.”
The forestry sector faces critical challenges in balancing sustainability with cost-effective waste management. Innovative solutions like BioBurn Pros’ air curtain burners, as highlighted by Joe Lewis in our Forestry Uncut podcast, are paving the way for a more sustainable and affordable future. As the industry continues to evolve, adopting these forward-thinking approaches will be key to achieving long-term sustainability and productivity.
The Growing Impact of Wind
There’s no doubt that a changing climate impacts the forestry sector. From heavy snow and ice to droughts and wildfires, it can feel like we’re always trying to recover. The growing frequency of wind events is the latest to impact our forests.
There’s no doubt that a changing climate impacts the forestry sector. From heavy snow and ice to droughts and wildfires, it can feel like we’re always trying to recover.
The growing frequency of wind events is the latest to impact our forests.
David McMillan of McMillan Forestry says, “Because we're in a province that gets way more wind events, we've had significant blow down occur in the last two big winds that we had this winter. Those were not hurricane-rated winds. When you listen to the experts, they'll talk about how Nova Scotia, PEI, we get 150 more wind events than New Brunswick or Maine.”
(We speak with David’s wife and business partner, forester Julia McMillan in Episode 2 of our podcast, Forestry Uncut.)
While not always classified as hurricanes, high wind storms can cause severe damage, particularly in the form of blowdowns where entire sections of forests are felled by strong winds.
Because Nova Scotia is, essentially, stuck in the Atlantic Ocean, McMillan says, “We've got to modify what we're doing and come up with a model to manage our forests sustainably and ecologically in such a way that it's hurricane-proof.”
The challenge has broad implications. Wind damage not only devastates standing forests—disrupting ecosystems and reducing the economic value of timber—but it also undermines progress made in ecological forest management, such as the recommendations in 2018’s Lahey Report.
New forest management models must take into account the frequency and intensity of wind events, with a focus on enhancing forest resilience.
This could involve diversifying tree species, changing planting densities, or altering harvest practices to reduce the risk of blowdowns. Sometimes these alternate forest management practices may not look as nice or as clean as we would like.
These changing weather patterns are not normal, so it is important to note that a woodlot owner’s response to management may not look normal either.
Therefore, it may be important for people to realize when they drive by a woodlot in their area, that there is more at play when it comes to making forest management decisions.
Forest Nova Scotia aims to give away 20,000 seedlings to Nova Scotians
Our Trees campaign works with communities and elementary schools to educate about the forestry sector and support a more sustainable future for generations to come.
Brookfield, NS September 25, 2024 –
Today, Forest Nova Scotia launched its second annual Our Trees campaign, intending to give Nova Scotians 20,000 tree seedlings to plant and help continue cultivating the sustainability of the province's forests.
To coincide with the campaign launch, Forest Nova Scotia is releasing its new Forestry Uncut podcast series dedicated to uncovering the raw truths and realities of the forestry sector.
The Our Trees campaign aims to educate Nova Scotians on the industry’s sustainable forestry practices and involve communities across the province in a sustainable initiative that can also be a fun family activity.
“Nova Scotia’s forestry sector is focused on the long-term sustainability of our forests. The Our Trees campaign is a way for Nova Scotians to join us in these efforts while creating memories with their family planting and nurturing the growth of the seedling,” said Todd Burgess, Forest Outreach Coordinator, Forest Nova Scotia.
The inaugural 2023 campaign resulted in 16,000 seedlings being planted across Nova Scotia. These seedlings are on track to eliminate 35 tons of carbon from our atmosphere, supply clean air for 100,000 people daily, and facilitate 1.0 million gallons of water evaporation, mitigating flood risks.
Nova Scotians are encouraged to visit www.OurTrees.ca to reserve their seedlings. In late September and early October, they will be distributed to farmers’ markets and schools across the province. The Our Trees campaign will be featured across multiple social and digital media platforms.
Paper Excellence Canada is providing financial support and donating 20,000 seedlings from its Debert, Nova Scotia nursery, for the Our Trees campaign. The hardwood and softwood seedlings include red spruce, yellow birch, and sugar maple trees.
“Whenever a Nova Scotian looks at a tree they planted as part of this campaign, they will be reminded of the importance of our trees and forests,” said Burgess.
Forest Nova Scotia has also launched a new Forestry Uncut podcast series. The 10-part series, hosted by award-winning broadcaster Erin Trafford, delves into the world of forestry, dispelling myths and highlighting the vital role it plays in solving some of the biggest environmental challenges we face today.
As of today, listeners can listen to, subscribe to, and download the first three Forestry Uncut podcasts on major podcast platforms, including:
About Forest Nova Scotia
Forest Nova Scotia is the largest forestry organization in Nova Scotia. Our members include woodlot owners, sawmills, contractors, and pulp and paper companies. Collectively, we plant more than 12 million trees per year, and our products help lock carbon away for decades. We offer services and programs to those in the forest sector and work with members, the public, and the government to create the conditions for the forest and the forest economy to thrive. Learn more about Forest Nova Scotia at www.ForestNS.ca.
Media Contact:
Gillian Reid
902-456-1513
Gillian@forestns.ca
Benjamin Bridge Supports Forestry Education
Nova Scotia winery Benjamin Bridge is supporting forestry education in the province. Through a fundraising initiative with the Nova Scotia Forestry Association, the sector's charitable arm. This effort will see Benjamin Bridge contribute to a scholarship program that will support Nova Scotians as they pursue a career in forestry.
Up to $40 per case goes towards fundraising efforts. There are five specialty cases of wine featured in the fundraiser:
Cellar Specials
Nova Scotia Favourites
Three different low to no-alcohol cases
You can purchase these cases at the winery or online.
When you purchase online, you can enjoy flat-rate shipping across Canada and complimentary delivery in the Halifax and Wolfville areas twice weekly. You can also order online and pick it up at the winery.
Place your order for the Canada Day long weekend by clicking the button below.
From Nova Scotia to Finland: Growing Relationship Will Benefit the Sector
Finland and Nova Scotia governments signed a cooperation agreement to help the forestry sector grow.
The agreement will help:
The traditional forestry sector
Nova Scotia increase the use of biomass and district heating
Train more Nova Scotians to work in forestry
Find new uses for forest fibre and waste
At the time, Forest Nova Scotia executive director Stephen Moore said, “As an organization, we want to ensure the sector is ready to capitalize on the opportunities created by this agreement.”
“We want all the forestry groups to sit at the same table to discuss how we can take action to help the sector grow,” added Moore.
Nova Scotian delegates included Stephen Moore (Forest NS), Todd Burgess (Forest NS), Ian Ripley (Athol), Geoff Clarke (Port Hawkesbury Paper), Dennis Boulet (Port Hawkesbury Paper), and Matt Bezanson (forestry student).
June 2024 Trade Mission
Todd Burgess (left) and Matt Bezanson (right).
Earlier this month, six Nova Scotians joined a trade mission hosted by Business Finland. The participants viewed the latest training and technology being developed in Finland. Forestry student Matt Bezanson also joined us.
On the trade mission, the Nova Scotia delegation visited and met with officials at the headquarters of Stora Enso, UPM, Valmet, and others. These visits focused on future uses for forest fibre and waste, paving the way for a more sustainable future. Research is working on turning forest fibre into batteries, materials for wound care, and textiles for more sustainable clothing.
Delegates visited the headquarters of Ponsse, the leading manufacturer of forestry equipment. While at Ponsse, guests spoke with company leaders, toured its facilities, and saw how the company helps make foresters more productive and efficient.
Productivity and efficiency are central to the Finnish forestry sector. The trade mission visited Riveria, Finland’s leading forestry training institute. While Ponsse designed and tested its equipment to ensure maximum efficiency, the training institute was detail-focused, and its philosophy focused on producing operators who were as efficient as humanly possible.
Just one example is how Riveria tracks eye movements. Students at Riveria have their eyes tracked using technology. This happens because students can shave seconds off each movement by tracking how they view a work site. Over time, these seconds add up and amount to substantial savings every year.
What’s Next?
Forest Nova Scotia plans to bring other forestry groups together with representatives from Business Finland. By working with the other groups, Forest NS plans to identify concrete steps it can take to benefit Nova Scotia forestry and strengthen our relationship with Finland.
“We value our Finnish friends,” said Forest Nova Scotia executive director Stephen Moore. “We want to see the sector band together in Nova Scotia so we can work with representatives in Finland.”
Moore said Forest Nova Scotia will provide its members with ongoing updates on the steps it is taking to work with Business Finland as it grows the sector in Nova Scotia.
Why Nova Scotia Needs a Mill
News that Paper Excellence and the Province of Nova Scotia reached a settlement agreement is welcome. This positive development could see over $1 billion invested in rural Nova Scotia and create hundreds of jobs. These jobs can lift families out of poverty, make home ownership a realistic goal, and reduce our province's rampant reliance on food banks.
Economic Impact
An economic impact assessment showed that forestry jobs pay well above the provincial average. It found that the direct employees at the mills earn an average income of $66,500. The average income for those employed in indirect activities, including forestry and support services, is $58,200. Nova Scotia’s average income is just over $43,000.
These jobs are also green. In Nova Scotia, the forestry sector takes more carbon out of the environment than it emits. We plant more than 12 million trees per year, around eight million trees are regrown annually on the land we manage, and the products we produce lock carbon away, preventing its release into the environment.
Moreover, a mill is an essential part of ecological forestry. The province tasked Professor Bill Lahey with reviewing forestry practices. His report showed what Nova Scotia needs to do to implement ecological forestry on Crown land.
Under the ecological forestry model, Crown lands are divided into three groups: conservation areas where no activity happens, areas where we can perform light touch forestry like thinning, and areas dedicated to tree farming. Only 10 percent of Crown land can be used for tree farms.
If the mill in Liverpool moves forward, it will become a major buyer of what the sector calls low-grade wood or fibre. This is material that comes from thinning, removing downed trees, or the leftovers from lumber production. Lahey’s report argued that we need new markets for this material.
Scare Tactics Won’t Work
Unsurprisingly, professional activists want to block this important development and spread disinformation about the state of our forests.
Each year, the Province of Nova Scotia produces a Registry of Buyers Report, which outlines harvest levels and economic activity in the province.
According to the latest report, total harvests are dramatically down. In 2005, we harvested over 6 million cubic meters. In 2022, this number fell to 2.6 million cubic meters. In less than 20 years, harvest rates declined substantially. When placed in historical context, these harvest levels are nearly at all-time lows. The last time we harvested this amount was in 1937.
This means we are harvesting one-third of what can be harvested sustainably. There is plenty of room for forestry to grow without sacrificing the health of our forests.
New Mill, New Tech
A new mill will also bring the latest technology. Gone are the days of smelly emissions and heavy use of clean water. The latest mills reduce odour and water use. They also reduce the waste they produce. For example, the newest mill in Finland purifies wastewater and repurposes waste into new products such as biogas and pellets.
We can bring hundreds of good-paying jobs to rural Nova Scotia. These jobs are greatly needed. In Nova Scotia, over 20 percent of children live in poverty. Whenever we let professional nay-sayers chase away good jobs, we are further locking families into a cycle of poverty and denying them the opportunity for a better life.
Court Approves Paper Excellence’s Settlement
Last week, the Province of Nova Scotia and Paper Excellence announced they reached a settlement agreement.
The deal means the company has withdrawn a $450-million lawsuit against the province and will start its feasibility study to determine whether there is a business case for a mill in Liverpool, Nova Scotia.
Click here to learn more about the settlement agreement and Paper Excellence’s plans.
Not Your Grandfather’s Mill
Äänekoski mill in Finland
Last week, Paper Excellence announced a settlement with the Province of Nova Scotia. If the BC Supreme Court approves the settlement, the company will begin a feasibility study to see if a new mill in Liverpool makes sense. If the mill moves forward, it will mean hundreds of good-paying forestry jobs and over $1 billion in investment.
This is massive news because a new pulp mill has not been constructed in North America for over half a century.
Images of North America’s aging mills paint an unflattering picture of what a pulp mill looks like today. Anyone who says a new mill will look, smell, or function like one of the old mills is lying to you. As Paper Excellence begins exploring the feasibility of a new, modern kraft pulp mill in Liverpool, Nova Scotia, Nova Scotians need to know what a mill for the 21st century is like.
4 Things to Know About A New Mill
1. Goal is to eliminate odour
Modern kraft mills look very different from older mills. New technology minimizes odour so the surrounding community and workers do not have to live with the smell.
2. Reduce waste by turning it into a product
Wastewater treatment significantly improved, as well. Older mills only managed effluent by using screening and settling ponds. New mills use far-improved wastewater treatment plants. These facilities not only purify the wastewater but also repurpose byproducts into biogas and pellets, as seen in the Äänekoski bioproduct mill in Finland.
Turning waste into commodities changes a mill's economics, reduces its environmental footprint, and further shows how the sector is dedicated to creating green business opportunities.
3. Reduced water usage
Modern pulp mills also focus on reducing water usage, a critical aspect of sustainable operation. Water recycling and management innovations have allowed mills to reduce the amount of freshwater needed from natural sources drastically. This conserves precious water resources and lessens the strain on local ecosystems. By implementing these water-efficient practices, the new generation of pulp mills sets a precedent for industrial water conservation, further demonstrating their commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
4. Sustainably sourced fibre
The mill will also source its fibre from sustainably managed forests, ensuring adherence to the highest forestry practices. This move aligns with initiatives like the Lahey Report for ecological forestry in Nova Scotia, aiming to make sustainable forestry a lived reality.
Our sector prides itself on its sustainable practices. A new mill will adhere to the highest environmental standards. Modern mills are not just production facilities; they are clean, safe workplaces for skilled operators and a testament to the balance that can be achieved between industrial demands and environmental responsibility.
New Mill, New Jobs
New mills bring new, green jobs. These jobs are year-round jobs that pay well above the provincial average.
The Forestry Economic Task Force released an economic impact assessment for the forestry sector. It found that:
The direct employees at the mills are well-paid, with an average income of $66,500.
The average income for those employed in indirect activities, including forestry and support services, is $58,200.
Nova Scotia’s average income is just over $43,000.
Better still, these jobs are green. Research shows that our sector removes more carbon from the environment than it emits, and we plant over 12 million trees annually.
Don’t Fall for the Scare Tactics
Professional activists are spreading misinformation and turning their backs on ecological forestry and rural Nova Scotians. Environmental activists Ray Plourde and Mike Lancaster spoke to CBC, saying a new mill was unnecessary and the forests could not support it. Both statements are false.
Professor Bill Lahey produced a report that said markets for low-grade wood, the material that a new pulp mill will use, are essential to ecological forestry. Initially, activists endorsed the report. In 2021, Plourde, the Health Forest Coalition, and other environmental activists complained that ecological forestry took too long to implement.
Those same professional activists are trying to block efforts to bring ecological forestry to Nova Scotia.
When activists try to block new markets for low-grade wood, we harm the forest’s productivity and health. This means:
More downed trees will be left to dry out and rot, adding to wildfire risk.
More than 20,000 woodlot owners cannot make enough money to manage their woodlots properly.
Hundreds of jobs are lost, as are the opportunities created by those jobs.
The forestry’s ability to sequester carbon is limited.
Our forests can sustain a new mill.
According to the latest data, total harvests are dramatically down. In 2005, we harvested over 6 million cubic meters. In 2022, this number fell to 2.6 million cubic meters.
Source: 2023 Registry of Buyers Report (Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources and Renewables)
In less than 20 years, harvest rates declined substantially. When placed in historical context, these harvest levels are nearly at all-time lows.
Source: 2023 Registry of Buyers Report (Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources and Renewables)
The last time we harvested this amount was in 1937.
New Mill, New Opportunities
Our province has one of the worst-performing economies in North America and some of the highest child poverty rates in Canada. You cannot watch the news without hearing about a cost-of-living crisis, a housing crisis, and an increase in food bank use.
Government spending cannot solve these problems alone. These problems get solved when good-paying jobs are created.
A new mill will bring new jobs. These jobs can lift families out of poverty, make buying a home a real possibility and help future generations of Nova Scotians stay here to live and work.
Activists Turn Their Backs On Commitment To Ecological Forestry
Following news that Paper Excellence is eyeing Liverpool for its new home, environmental activists began spreading disinformation. Worse still, they turned their backs on ecological forestry and rural Nova Scotians.
Environmental activists Ray Plourd and Mike Lancaster spoke to CBC, saying a new mill was unnecessary and the forests could not support it. Both of these statements are completely false.
Worse still, their statements show they are turning their backs on ecological forestry in Nova Scotia.
Ecological Forestry: An Overview
In 2018, Professor Bill Lahey released an independent review of forest practices in Nova Scotia, which outlined the triade forestry model.
Under this model, Crown lands are divided into three groups:
Conservation areas
Matrix zones - places where things such as light thinning can happen
Tree farms - where forestry can continue
Under this model, only 10 percent of Crown land can be used for tree farms.
Ensuring each zone exists and functions properly is important for the forest, the provincial economy, and forestry families who rely on forestry for their livelihoods.
Environmental Activists Initially Endorsed The Report
Initially, activists endorsed the report. In 2021, Plourde, the Health Forest Coalition that Lancaster represents, and other environmental activists complained that ecological forestry was taking too long to implement.
At the time, Plourde said, “We demand an immediate suspension of all logging on Crown lands until the government is ready to actually implement the recommendations of Lahey’s 2018 report …”
He went from demanding immediate action on Lahey’s report to demanding key sections of the report be ignored. By trying to block the mill, Plourde is trying to block the development of a new market for low-grade wood. Lahey’s report argued that we need new markets for low-grade wood from thinning, downed trees, or the leftovers from lumber production.
Lahey noted a lack of buyers for this material, “[There is] a significant loss in the regionally based demand for low‐quality wood, much of which could be sold as pulpwood. This results in an absence of buyers of wood from woodlots in the region having a significant percentage of low‐quality wood, or an absence of buyers willing to give the owners of these woodlots a value for their low‐quality wood that is acceptable to the owners.”
He also noted that much of Nova Scotian forests are not managed, possibly because of the lack of customers to sell to. According to Lahey, “My conclusion is that the low productivity of Nova Scotia forests stems from the fact that much of the forest is not really managed at all, due either to landowner choice or to the lack of opportunity or incentive available to landowners.”
When activists try to block new markets for low-grade wood, we harm the forest’s productivity and health. This means:
More downed trees will be left to dry out and rot, adding to wildfire risk.
More than 20,000 woodlot owners cannot make enough money to manage their woodlots properly.
Hundreds of jobs are lost, as are the opportunities created by those jobs.
The forestry’s ability to sequester carbon is limited.
Lancaster Misleads on Harvest Levels
Mike Lancaster, the coordinator of the Healthy Forest Coalition, doesn’t think another mill is necessary. He said the forests cannot support another mill, which is false.
“It is immoral and unacceptable for a professional activist to celebrate the loss of good-paying jobs,” said Forest Nova Scotia executive director Stephen Moore. “The mill's closure cost 500 families their livelihoods, yet he says their jobs are unnecessary.”
“Worse still, he’s actively spreading misinformation,” added Moore.
The Province of Nova Scotia produces a Registry of Buyers Report each year. This report outlines harvest levels and economic activity in the province.
According to the latest report, total harvests are dramatically down. In 2005, we harvested over 6 million cubic meters. In 2022, this number fell to 2.6 million cubic meters. In less than 20 years, harvest rates declined substantially.
Source: 2023 Registry of Buyers Report
When placed in historical context, these harvest levels are nearly at all-time lows. The last time we harvested this amount was in 1937.
Source: 2023 Registry of Buyers Report
We are harvesting approximately one-third of what is sustainable, and less than one percent of our forests are harvested yearly.
Forestry Jobs Are Green Jobs
The sector harvests trees and plants them. Each year, Nova Scotia forestry professionals plant 12 million trees, and an additional 8 million more are regrown naturally on land we manage.
Because of our tree planting and forest management activities, forestry removes more carbon from the environment than it emits.
And they are good-paying jobs. An economic analysis prepared for the Forestry Economic Task Force shows:
The direct employees at mills are well-paid, with an average income of $66,500.
The average income for those employed in indirect activities, including forestry and support services, is $58,200.
Nova Scotia’s average income is just over $43,000.
Activists Are Not Experts
Both Plourde and Lancaster embraced Lahey’s recommendations. They went from calling for faster implementation of ecology forestry to actively blocking key recommendations. They cannot be trusted to guide public policy or to have reasonable, grown-up discussions.
Nova Scotia’s economy is the worst-performing economy in North America, and we have some of the worst child poverty rates in Canada. We are facing serious challenges and problems.
We can only solve these problems when serious people have grown-up conversations.
Are you a woodlot owner? Do you want a better future for forestry families? If so, become a member today.
Mayor Jim Ryan Celebrates Loss of Hundreds of Jobs
Town of Pictou Mayor Jim Ryan celebrated the loss of hundreds of forestry jobs. The Town of Pictou didn’t receive tax revenue from Northern Pulp, so the mayor’s statements are unsurprising.
He called the loss of hundreds of good-paying jobs “transformational” and added, “We have a fair bit of both housing and commercial development happening in the town since then.”
Just how well is the Town of Pictou doing?
Town of Pictou Struggles
Image from Town of Pictou report.
The Town of Pictou published a draft of its Integrated Community Sustainability Plan. The document is a snapshot of the town’s financial and economic health. Things are not good.
According to town staff, “Generally, the Town of Pictou has a declining population, has seen a recent substantial residential assessment growth (relating mainly properties selling/removal of cap), has a slowly growing commercial tax base, consistent tax rate, improving but still deficient asset replacement program and a divergent population age.”
This means:
Fewer people shoulder an increasing tax burden
More commercial development is needed
The latest Financial Condition Indicators Report, produced by the Province of Nova Scotia, says the Town of Pictou is aging and notes a five-year population decline of -7.3 percent.
The report states, “Pictou’s median household income is lower than the provincial town average, and it has decreased since 2011.” The report also noted, “The Town of Pictou’s employment rate is below the provincial town average.”
The report concludes that the town is a moderate risk: “This means that while the Municipality has some challenges, it is considered moderate risk for fiscal instability.”
This means the Town of Pictou is in worse shape than most towns in the province.
Poverty High in Pictou County
Chart taken from Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives report.
According to a report from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, over 21 percent of children in Pictou County live in poverty. That number is up by 10.7% since 2020.
In September 2023, Barb O’Hearn from the Pictou County East Food Bank told Saltwire, “It’s the working-class man that is coming to the food bank and has never had to come before.” Last year, the organization helped approximately 2,000 people monthly.
Development Subsidized By Other Regions, Behind Schedule
The mayor told CBC about the development underway in the town. However, he told XFM that the town’s largest development project is behind schedule.
“Looking ahead, Ryan said the council hoped to be a bit further ahead with some of its major projects with respect to the waterfront plan in the town, noting they are behind.”
Moreover, the town has repeatedly noted it will rely on funding from other levels of government to fund its development plans. According to a presentation the town’s staff developed, its total development plans will cost $35.9 million.
Chart taken from Town of Pictou report.
Its plans depend on receiving $22 million in grants from other levels of government. This means the town needs 61% of development funding from elsewhere to meet its goals.
It is common practice for towns and municipalities to use funds from other levels of government. However, this mayor celebrated the loss of jobs and industry. It is very hypocritical for a mayor to celebrate the loss of industry while expecting other levels of government, who benefit from industry, to dedicate money to its projects.
Good-Paying Jobs Needed
Here’s what we know:
The province says the Town of Pictou is in worse shape than most towns.
The Town of Pictou itself says things aren’t good - more people will have to shoulder a larger tax burden, and there isn’t enough commercial development.
Child poverty is a growing problem.
Its development plans depend on seasonal, service and tourism-focused jobs.
This is not a plan that will solve the town’s problems.
The mayor celebrated the loss of hundreds of forestry jobs. These are full-time, year-round jobs that pay well. The direct employees at mills are well-paid, with an average income of $66,500. The average income for those employed in indirect activities, including forestry and support services, is $58,200. Nova Scotia’s average income is just over $43,000.
Instead of celebrating the loss of these jobs, the town should be looking to attract industry.
Paper Excellence Looks to Liverpool
As announced yesterday, Paper Excellence and the Province of Nova Scotia reached a settlement agreement. The settlement agreement is subject to approval by the Supreme Court of British Columbia.
If approved, Paper Excellence will begin a feasibility study to determine if a new mill is viable in Liverpool, Nova Scotia. This process would take between nine and 12 months. The project could bring over $1 billion of investment to rural Nova Scotia if viable.
In a release, Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston said, “We’ve come a long way and have come to a resolution that is fair to all sides – settling legal and financial issues, protecting pensioners and setting a new path forward.”
4 Things To Know About The Settlement
1. A New Mill Might Be Possible
Paper Excellence is funding a feasibility study to determine whether a new Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft (NBSK) pulp mill is feasible. If so, the Northern Pulp group will seek third-party project financing to design, construct, and operate the mill.
2. The Pictou Site Will Be Maintained
Paper Excellence will maintain the former Northern Pulp site in Pictou for potential future woodland logistics operations. The Pictou site will remain in cold hibernation during the feasibility study. Northern Pulp will continue to comply with its obligations under the existing ministerial order, environmental laws, and regulations and provide ongoing care and maintenance of the site.
3. Pensions Are Fully Funded
Former Northern Pulp workers’ pensions will be fully funded, regardless of the outcome of the feasibility study.
4. Lawsuit Against the Province Dropped
In December 2021, the company filed a lawsuit against Nova Scotia for $450 million. As part of this settlement, Paper Excellence is dropping the lawsuit.
Economic Impact of Northern’s Closure
In 2022, Nova Scotia’s forestry sector generated $1.8 billion in economic impact. The sector’s impact will be even higher if the mill reopens. Northern Pulps’s closure in 2020 carried a substantial impact, resulting in multiple cases of job loss and financial hardship to those most closely tied to the mill’s operation.
“The closure of Northern Pulp was hard on many forestry families,” said Forest Nova Scotia executive director Stephen Moore. “It also cost people their jobs, families their livelihoods, and the province revenue.”
Between 2018 and 2022, the sector’s GDP declined by 15 percent, exports by 18 percent, and employment by 14 percent.
“500 families lost their jobs and income because of the mill’s closure,” said Moore.
Potential Benefits for Public Safety
As detailed elsewhere, active forest management reduces the risk of wildfires. However, it is expensive and time-consuming.
Active management involves trimming, vegetation management, and removing downed trees. The industry refers to this as low-grade fibre. Northern Pulp purchased more than one million tonnes of this every year. Without a customer to purchase this, there was no way to get it out of the woods.
If this low-grade fibre were left in the woods, it would dry out and decay. In short, it would become forest fire fuel. If a mill were to reopen, reducing the amount of forest fire fuel would become easier and more economical.
More Work to Do
There is no guarantee that a mill will reopen, but the industry is here to support the effort. We also need to continue promoting district heating, renewable fuels, the forest bioeconomy, and increased use of wood products in construction.
Ultimately, the sector wants to drive up demand for our resources, which will lead to more jobs and investment in Nova Scotia.
Are you a small woodlot owner? Do you want to see a new pulp mill in Nova Scotia? If you do, become a member of Forest Nova Scotia. Join the movement to grow forestry in Nova Scotia.
Governments of Nova Scotia and Finland Sign Forestry Agreement
The governments of Finland and Nova Scotia signed an agreement that will impact the forest and bioeconomy sectors in Nova Scotia. At the time of publication, the Department of Natural Resources and Renewables did not make a copy of the agreement available to Forest Nova Scotia.
According to a press release from the Government of Finland:
“Forest-based bioeconomy is a central theme of the action plan signed on 26 April 2024. New wood-based products have been developed in the past few years, some of them based on new production technologies and some on more efficient utilisation of materials such as forest industry side streams.”
The release continues:
“In the cooperation between Finland and Nova Scotia the aim is also to increase contacts between the research, development and education sectors of the two countries.”
Nova Scotia’s Minister of Cyber Security and Digital Solutions, Colton LeBlanc, signed the agreement on behalf of Natural Resources and Renewables Minister Tory Rushton.
“We’ve had many productive conversations and visits to further our joint efforts for healthy forests and to take full advantage of the valuable resource we have in sustainably harvested biomass. This action plan cements our good relationship and we look forward to this continued collaboration,” said LeBlanc in the release.
Finland and Forest NS
From left to right: Blair Dickerson, Vice President of Public Affairs for Paper Excellence; Stephen Moore, Executive Director of Forest Nova Scotia; Minister Ville Tavio, Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade for the Government of Finland; Minister Kim Masland from the Government of Nova Scotia; and Ambassador Jari Vilen from the Government of Findland.
Forest Nova Scotia welcomed a Finnish delegation to its AGM in February 2024. The Finnish trade minister and Finland’s Canadian ambassador, as were several forestry experts and companies, were in attendance.
Attendees learned about the Finnish approach to wildfire management, the widespread adoption of biomass for electricity and heat, and the structures and networks that make its woodlots profitable and sustainable.
Nova Scotia Forestry Must Mobilize
According to Forest Nova Scotia executive director Stephen Moore, there is much to gain from ongoing cooperation with the Finnish forestry sector.
“We have nothing but respect and appreciation for our Finnish friends,” said Moore. “As an organization, we want to ensure the sector is ready to capitalize on the opportunities created by this agreement.”
Moore said that once Forest Nova Scotia has the full text of the agreement, the organization can work with other forestry groups to ensure the province’s sector maximizes its benefits.
“We want to mobilize to support this effort,” said Moore. We want all the forestry groups to sit at the same table to discuss how we can take action to help the sector grow.”
Details About Contractor Funding Released
The Nova Scotia Community College and the Nova Scotia Forestry Contractors Association released details about the Ecological Forest Equipment Program. The Forest Innovation and Transition Trust funds this $9.85 million initiative. The forestry trust announced the funding in November, and a briefing with officials today outlined the program details and explained how to apply.
Program Details
The program will help contractors and landowners adapt to the practice of ecological forestry. Ecological forestry requires different types of equipment, and this funding can be used to purchase new equipment or to retrofit existing equipment. NSCC outlined three goals for the program:
Scaling and expanding the capacity of forestry contractors.
Support private landowners in adopting ecological forestry.
Advance ecological forestry by improving sustainable forest management practices.
Successful applicants can receive up to $250,000 for new equipment purchases and up to $150,000 in funding for used equipment or equipment retrofits. Each applicant can submit more than one application but cannot receive more than $500,000 in total funding.
You can view the full program details and eligibility requirements by clicking here.
Why It’s Needed
Conducting ecological forestry requires new or different equipment, frequently costing over $1 million. Following the closure of Northern Pulp, contractors were placed under tremendous financial strain—they needed support to purchase equipment so we could implement ecological forestry. This program will help contractors as the sector transitions and implements ecological forestry.
Forestry’s Impact
The contractor base is an essential part of the sector. They ensure mills and plants have the materials they need. Forestry generates $1.8 billion of economic impact every year. In addition to this economic impact, forestry employs over 6,400 Nova Scotians—2,700 direct full-time positions and 3,700 spinoff jobs, including about 900 in wood supply and support services. Additionally, the sector generates $171 million in tax revenue for the provincial and federal governments—$84 million provincially and $87 million federally.
In addition to creating thousands of jobs and billions in economic value, the forest sector is a net carbon sink. This means the sector takes more carbon from the environment than it emits. The sector also plants 12 million trees per year. When the forestry sector grows, it creates green jobs and prosperity
Forestry: A Proactive Approach to Wildfire Prevention
In the summer of 2023, Nova Scotians experienced loss and fear because of record wildfires. While forest fires can have short-term effects on our personal lives, they have long-term effects on our environment. The British Columbia Centre for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE) and Innovation Breakthrough Energy Technologies (IBET) released a report about the effects of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) and its necessity for limiting global warming.
Wildfires Make Climate Change Worse
The “Catalyzing Carbon Dioxide Removal at Scale” report examines the technological and economic aspects of removing carbon dioxide from our atmosphere. It stresses its essential role in reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.
While it covers the various impacts that contribute to carbon dioxide emissions, wildfires are highlighted for their role in global warming. It stated that Canada’s recent wildfire season released over 2.3 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide, which is triple the nation's average. The report also reveals a 40 percent reduction in B.C.’s wildfire emissions could prevent over 140 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent annually.
Wildfires Hurt Biodiversity
Besides direct impacts on global warming, wildfires are a threat to biodiversity. From 2020 to 2021, the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) reported that the fire potentially affected the habitat of 508 vertebrate species.
Wildfires can also alter the forests themselves. A case study conducted in southeast Australia has found that although plants have adaptations that have been developed within their natural fire regimes, they may not be able to withstand the severity of a wildfire, causing them to be unable to survive. This could have long-lasting impacts on the understory and its seed bank.
Active Forest Management Reduces Wildfire Risk
We are now well aware of wildfires' global impacts on our health, safety, and climate. The CDR report states that much of our forested lands that are lost globally to wildfires are unmanaged forests.
The 2020 to 2021 California megafires and their impacts on wildlife habitat article from PNAS states, "Management actions, such as prescribed fires and mechanical thinning, can curb severe fire behavior and reduce the potential negative impacts of uncharacteristic fires on wildlife.”
Forestry Prevents Fires
With many of us, our loved ones, friends, and neighbors displaced this summer; we have a deeper understanding of the need for managed forest in mitigating wildfires and climate change. With preventative management, we could lessen the risk and impact of wildfires.
Want to learn more about how to Climate-Smart Conservation? Read our blog post and paper..
Forestry Generates $1.8 Billion in Economic Impact
In 2022, Nova Scotia’s forestry sector generated $1.8 billion in economic impact, according to a new report authored by Gardner Pinfold.
The Forestry Economic Task Force - a collaboration of forestry sector stakeholders whose purpose is to design and implement a strategic economic roadmap for Nova Scotia, commissioned the report with funding from the Forestry Innovation Transition Trust.
“Even after all the challenges our sector faced, it generates nearly $2 billion of economic impact every year,” said Forest Nova Scotia executive director Stephen Moore. “This shows that the forestry sector is still part of Nova Scotia’s engine.”
“We can generate this kind of economic impact while being the province’s greenest sector - we take more carbon out of the environment than we emit.”
Forestry employs over 6,400 Nova Scotians - 2,700 direct full-time positions and 3,700 spinoff jobs, including about 900 in wood supply and support services. These jobs generate $380 million in income:
The direct employees at the mills are well-paid, with an average income of $66,500.
The average income for those employed in indirect activities, including forestry and support services, is $58,200.
Nova Scotia’s average income is just over $43,000.
Additionally, the sector generates $171 million in tax revenue for the provincial and federal governments - $84 million provincially and $87 million federally.
“We employ thousands of people and pay them well above the provincial average,” said Moore. “The average pay cheque is $43,000 in Nova Scotia. We pay as much as 54 percent more than that.”
Northern Pulps’s closure in 2020 carried a substantial impact, resulting in multiple cases of job loss and financial hardship to those most closely tied to the mill’s operation.
“The closure of Northern Pulp was hard on many forestry families,” said Moore. “It also cost people their jobs, families their livelihoods, and the province revenue.”
Between 2018 and 2022, the sector’s GDP declined by 15 percent, exports by 18 percent, and employment by 14 percent.
“500 families lost their jobs and income because of the mill’s closure,” said Moore.
The Forestry Economic Task Force has created an economic roadmap that looks to sustain and unlock the significant growth potential of the forestry sector.
“We believe the forestry sector has immense potential for sustainable growth,” said the Forestry Economic Task Force executive director Harvey Gray. “Building upon the strength of our foundational manufacturing segments and supply chain, we are focused on finding and capitalizing on growth opportunities that will create green jobs and prosperity for generations.”
“An economic contribution that approaches $3 billion annually is within reach.”
The task force has identified several opportunities, including:
The replacement of petroleum-based products with wood-based products, including bio-fuels, bio-chemicals, and bio-coal, and
The expansion of residential, commercial, and industrial construction using mass timber
Forest Nova Scotia Podcast Coming Soon
We are excited to announce that we are launching a new podcast with the help of the Story Studio Network. The Story Studio Network is a new media company based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. It was founded by Erin Trafford, a journalist formerly from News 95.7 and Global Halifax.
They produce incredible podcasts for incredible brands, and storytelling is the basis of what they do. They’re involved with the Forest Product Association of Canada’s podcast and Erin's grandfather was a scaler in Northern Ontario, and she spent many summers as a kid 'in the bush' learning about trees and the forest. So, Erin is no stranger to the sector!
Meet them at the AGM
Erin and SSN Associate Producer Jen Hudson (from Moncton) will join us for the AGM's first day.
They are coming to capture insights, interviews and the excitement of the meeting. While you don't have to talk to them, we encourage you to!
Both are warm, curious and committed to our mission at Forest Nova Scotia. We are really excited about the podcast project this year and can't wait to share more with you in the coming months.
5 Reasons To Be Excited for the 2024 Forest NS AGM
Our big AGM is at White Point Beach Resort next week, and we are almost fully booked. Fortunately, we still have a few tickets remaining. This year’s AGM will feature international speakers, industry VIPs, and many learning and networking opportunities.
Here are the five reasons to be excited.
1. Meet Government and Industry Officials from Finland
As special guests at this year’s AGM, Finland’s Ambassador to Canada and Finland’s International Trade Minister will be guests at this year’s AGM.
They are part of a trade mission bringing Finnish forestry experts and companies to our AGM.
2. Meet Provincial Decision-Makers
We have three provincial ministers joining us for this year’s AGM. This year, we will be joined by:
Hon. Tory Rushton, Minister of Natural Resources and Renewables
Hon. Susan Corkum-Greek, Minister of Economic Development
Hon. Kim Masland, Minister of Public Work
3. Learn How Forestry Fights Climate Change
Nova Scotia’s forestry sector removes more carbon from the environment than it emits. We can still do more in the fight against climate change. This year’s panels will show how forestry fights climate change while capitalizing on green growth opportunities.
Our panel topics include:
How to expand and grow the bio-economy in Nova Scotia.
The potential carbon credit market in Nova Scotia.
Lessons learned from the Heat New Glasgow district heating project
4. Our Annual Awards and Reception
On Tuesday, February 6, we have our annual rewards ceremony and reception.
The awards honour those in our sector who achieve top marks for safety and sustainability. The reception following the rewards ceremony will feature live music and entertainment.
5. Networking Opportunities Abound
This year’s AGM features many of the leading suppliers and executives in forestry. This group only assembles once a year, and this is your chance to meet these individuals, introduce yourself, and make connections that can last for years.
Head over to Eventbrite and buy your tickets today!
Job Alert! Executive Director, Maritime College of Forest Technology.
Established in 1946, the Maritime College of Forest Technology (MCFT) has graduated over 3,300 students over the last 70 years and is grounded in its deep commitment to producing quality graduates primed for work in the natural resource sector.
With campuses in Fredericton and Bathurst, MCFT specializes in natural resource education, offering a Forest Technology Diploma program focused on forestry dynamics, data collection, wildlife habitat, management, and current issues as well as an Advanced Diploma Program in Fish and Wildlife Technology focused on developing the skills and knowledge associated with monitoring and assessing wildlife species and their habitats.
Now, MCFT is seeking its next Executive Director to champion its vision to be the recognized leader in forestry and natural resources education and to provide a world-class educational experience that equips graduates to lead in the forestry and natural resources sectors.
This Year’s 5 Biggest Forestry Stories
This was a big year for forestry. Forestry was front and centre, from wildfires to funding to our first Our Trees campaign. Because of the support of our members, there is a growing acknowledgement of the importance of our sector and the work we do.
Wildfires
This year, 220 wildfires destroyed 25,000 hectares of land and 200 homes. That was in Nova Scotia alone. Nova Scotians now understand that if we want to get serious about combating wildfires, we must get serious about forestry.
Investment Tax Credit
The federal government’s fall economic statement contained good news for the forest economy. The statement included news that it will include forest biomass conversion technologies for heat and electricity generation in its Clean Manufacturing and Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credits (ITCs).
This announcement will make it easier to attract investment to our forest sector. Northern Pulp’s closure led to a massive surplus of low-grade wood in Nova Scotia. This tool will make it easier to attract businesses to our province to use this low-grade wood.
Funding for Contractors
The Nova Scotia Forestry Innovation Trust announced $9.85 million in new support for forestry contractors. The Nova Scotia Community College will administer the program, and the criteria and application process are currently under development. An eligible business could receive up to $500,000 from the program.
Northern Pulp
Northern Pulp requested a six-month extension until June 30, 2024, focusing on reaching a mediated resolution with the Province of Nova Scotia and submitting a detailed Environmental Assessment (EA) report. A Supreme Court judge in British Columbia extended creditor protection for Northern Pulp through the end of next June on Tuesday, but officials predict there will be a resolution before then.
Our Trees Success
In 2023, thousands of Nova Scotians helped us plant 16,000 seedlings around the province. Thousands of Nova Scotians requested seedlings as part of this program. Because of all our effort, 16,000 seedlings were planted around the province.
Click here to explore the campaign’s positive environmental impact.
Did we forget something? Leave a comment below and let us know.
Northern Pulp Seeks Six-Month Extension
A preliminary site rendering for a transformed Northern Pullp.
On December 8th, Northern Pulp filed our CCAA materials with the Court before our December 12th and 13th hearing. We have requested a six-month extension until June 30, 2024, focusing on reaching a mediated resolution with the Province of Nova Scotia and submitting a detailed Environmental Assessment (EA) report.
We anticipate by early 2024, we will know if a mediated resolution can be reached with the Province or if we will need to seek an alternative approach. We continue to move forward, but since they are confidential discussions, we cannot provide details of the mediation.
Our team continues to advance the EA for a transformed mill. We have identified the relevant studies completed since 2018 that can meet the requirements of the current environmental assessment, saving both cost and time. We are working diligently to write the EA report in time for the March 2024 deadline.
During this stay, the Mill site will remain in cold shutdown to maintain the status quo at the least possible cost, and our woodland division will continue its operations. To support our employees and retirees, we have requested to continue providing retiree benefits and honour our employee and retiree obligations throughout this period.
Since October 2020, part of our community engagement has been through an independent, community-based Environmental Liaison Committee. The committee has done significant work to better understand stakeholder issues and concerns with mill operations and developed a vision for a reimagined mill. For the coming stay period, and in keeping with our decision to suspend external studies, the activities of the Environmental Liaison Committee will be suspended until we know if a mediated resolution can be reached with the Province.
We thank the Environmental Liaison Committee members for their time and work over the past three years. The information and insights provided by the committee informed the development of the Tomorrow’s Mill transformation plan. We will continue to move forward in a manner that aligns with the Environmental Liaison Committee’s desired path for Northern Pulp, which respects the environment, promotes economic and social well-being, and respects Indigenous communities' unique culture and traditions.
As the Lahey Report has indicated, Nova Scotia’s forestry sector needs a pulp market to make the transition to ecological forestry possible. A modern pulp mill in Nova Scotia, either a transformed Northern Pulp or an investment in developing a new mill elsewhere in the province, is the solution.