Driving Forward Together: Uniting Nova Scotia's Forestry Sector for a Brighter Future
In 2020, Nova Scotia's forestry industry faced a pivotal moment. When the Northern Pulp Mill (Domtar) closed its doors in January, it sent ripples through the sector, leading to job losses, disrupted supply chains, and financial struggles for independent harvesting contractors. It was a turbulent time, but a strong response emerged amidst the challenges.
Enter the Forestry Economic Task Force (the Task Force)—a dedicated coalition of industry leaders and stakeholders who came together to sculpt a new economic roadmap to sustain existing benefits and unlock growth potential for Nova Scotia’s forestry sector.
Led by Executive Director Harvey Gray, a 30-year veteran of the forestry sector, the Task Force embarked on a thorough exploration of our industry’s viability, first using committee-informed research and analysis. The area studies included research into fibre supply availability, stakeholder perspectives, and opportunities in emerging markets, like solid wood products and bioproducts. These extensive studies helped shape the Task Force's official document, "A Roadmap for Growth and Prosperity.”
While many of the recommendations that surfaced in the early research would take time to realize, many, mainly related to transportation, could have significant and immediate benefits for not only the forestry sector but any sector with substantial reliance on ground transportation in manufacturing or distributing products. Of most significance, the increase in Allowable Gross Vehicle Weight (AGVW) on existing configurations, the introduction of new configurations, and the accelerated review and reclassification of road weight tolerances were key recommendations from the Task Force’s research. The research phase confirmed that many of these recommendations had direct improvements in cost and efficiency, traffic safety, workforce, and emission reduction.
Despite the clear benefits, changing transportation practices isn't as simple as it seems. Initially, multiple sector voices advocated for different priorities. “As an industry, we knew we needed to speak as one voice to decrease any confusion on the sector's priorities,” Gray acknowledged.
So, in the summer of 2024, Forest Nova Scotia and the NS Forest Contractors Association revitalized the Forest Products Provincial Transportation Committee – last active in 2022. The committee is now made up of representatives from across the forestry industry, including members from the Task Force, Forest Nova Scotia, NS Forest Contractors Association, several wood products manufacturers, and Gray as the committee Chair. “Using one united voice, we can present industry-backed priorities to government for action, supported by solid review and analysis,” says Gray. This collaborative effort is not just about resolving transportation concerns; it’s about building a resilient and thriving forestry sector that benefits everyone in the broader community.
Gray states, “The reformation of the Transportation Committee serves to further re-enforce the strength in a collaborative effort. By working together, we will pave the way for long-term growth and innovation in Nova Scotia's forest industry.”
Together, through unity and collective action, we can ensure a better future for our forestry sector and the entire province. Continuous improvements lie ahead with ongoing collaboration, and we are excited to see the positive impact unfold for all Nova Scotians!