The President and CEO of the Forest Products Association of Canada says their industry is dealing with a mixed bag across the country because of COVID-19.
Derek Nighbor says demand for pulp products is high, while the lumber markets have really fallen off a cliff.
Nighbor says the forest industry isn’t looking for a bailout they are just seeking some government help.
“We’ve got to step up for any workers who lose their jobs. Swift government response for those support payments. Number two is cash flow supports for those sawmills, those forestry businesses that are struggling. We’ve got a bright future we just need to get through these next number of months.”
Nighbor recently appeared before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance.
He provided the Committee ideas on how the industry and government can work together to get through the difficult months ahead, and quickly turn to recovery and growth again in 2021.
Nighbor stresses they have received great responses from both levels of government but notes he would like to build on that as they don’t know how long the pandemic will go on for.
“We are a highly integrated sector. Our sawmills are our industry’s heartbeat. We need to find a way now to keep our sawmills operating so chips can continue to feed our pulp and paper mills. If we don’t have chips flowing, our industry’s biggest artery is cut off and thousands more will be out of work.”
Nighbor says Kenora MP Eric Melillo and Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford understand this.
Nighbor notes there are also concerns of outside influences.
“I get nervous watching the U.S. response to COVID and just want to open everything up right away. If U.S. housing starts fall off as they have in a big way, that’s a big hit to our lumber market.”
Nighbor adds the sector has embraced its role as an essential provider and “Our workers and partners along the supply chain have been incredible. We can’t say ‘thank you’ enough to our mill workers, further manufacturers, truck drivers, railroaders, and retailers.”
To here more from Derek Nighbor, visit the Audio link below.
