2025 Forest NS AGM Recap

The 2025 Forest Nova Scotia Annual General Meeting successfully brought together the community during a time of significant uncertainty. With active participation from members and stakeholders, we shared valuable insights and engaged in important discussions about the future of our sector. Thank you to our guest speakers, attendees, sponsors, and organizers who contributed to making this event so meaningful.

AGM Summary

The Forest Nova Scotia Conference 2025 was held at the Halifax World Trade and Convention Centre, focusing on key issues in the forestry sector. The event began with a timely discussion on U.S. tariffs featuring Angela Houston, Executive Director of Trade and Economic Policy at Nova Scotia Intergovernmental Affairs, and Douglas Ledwidge, Ledwidge Lumber. This was followed by remarks from Todd Burgess and Jocelyn Taylor Archibald.

The first keynote presentation was delivered by David Coletto from Abacus Data, who discussed the effects of inflation and scarcity on political opinions in Canada. Stephen Crabbe from Crabco Inc. then addressed the role of mass timber in economic growth and sustainability in Nova Scotia. A panel discussion moderated by Tyler Cameron featured Nancy Dicks from Heat New Glasgow, Andrew Parsons from Simply Blue Group, and David Boulard from Ensyn Technologies Inc., focusing on the significance of low-grade wood for forest health.

On day two, Dave Reynolds provided insights into legal and succession planning in the forestry sector, followed by Derek Nighbor, who shared the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. Rod Badcock presented on Nova Scotia's bioeconomy, while Dr. Jamie Stephen outlined strategies for a sustainable energy future.

The conference concluded with a panel discussion featuring Amanda Lynds from the Nova Scotia Teachers Board and Matt Benzanson from the University of New Brunswick. They discussed the future of forestry, emphasizing the importance of education, funding, and collaboration. Overall, the event successfully fostered dialogue among industry leaders on pressing forestry issues.

Congratulations to all AGM Award Winners

Stewardship Awards

James Tomkins - Highland Pulp Ltd.

Stephen Cole - ArcFor Ltd.

Tom and Judy Mailman

Stephen Marsters - Timberland Holdings Ltd.

Mac Davis - MacDav Forestry Consulting

Angus Bonnyman - 3315033 NS Ltd.

Andrew McMullin - Guysborough Line Logging

David and Julia MacMillan - MacMillan Forestry Inc

Jason Casey - JC Contracting Ltd.

John Demont - Woodlot Owner

Kevin Corkum Memorial Safety Award

Trevor and Laura Schmidt - Bushwhackers Forestry Ltd

Don Eldridge Memorial Forest Stewardship Award

Matt Willet - Forester

Log A Load Fundraiser:

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the $1600+ raised during our Log A Load Prize Draw.

Log A Load for Kids is an annual campaign that began in 1988, when loggers and others in the forest products community generously donated the value of a load of logs to their local Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Hospitals. The foundation’s mission is to raise funds to improve children’s health by supporting treatment, education, and research initiatives at CMN Hospitals and other local children's hospitals.

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