2010 Power Smart Forum & Excellence Awards The BC Hydro 2010 Power Smart Excellence Awards and Forum will be taking place October 25 - 27, 2010 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. As planning for this exciting event begins, BC Hydro is inviting the wood products and forestry sectors in BC to participate and is issuing a call for nominations for the BC Hydro Workplace Conservation Leader award, as well as a call for speakers at the Power Smart Forum. Click here for more information

B.C. Coastal Forest Sector Hem-Fir Initiative This quarterly bulletin provides up-to-date information on projects related to the five-year Coastal (Hemlock and Amabilis Fir) Initiatives Click here for more information

SFI Inc. Launces New Standard ; Leads Forest Certification Forward Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI®) Inc. has released a new standard that reinforces its important role in supporting and promoting sustainable forest management as one of the world’s leading third-party forest certification programs Click here for more information

"Adding Value to the BC Forest Sector Through Carbon Offsets" Recently presented to the Coast Forest Products Association Board of Directors, The Pacific Carbon Trust's presentation gives a comprehensive overview of its role in supporting the growth of BC's low-carbon economy. Click here to download the presentation

Canadian Lumber Standards Accreditation Board appoints new President and CEO Mr. Léandre Cormier, CLSAB Chairman of the Board and Mr. Gary Desrosier, CLSAB Chairman of the Executive Committee recently announced the appointment of Mr. Chuck Dentelbeck as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. Click here for more information

BC Forestry Climate Change Working Group Status Report - December 2009 The BC Forestry Climate Change Working Group (comprised of COFI, CFPA, ILMA, FPAC, Pulp and Paper BC, Canada Wood, BC Bioenergy Network and several independents) was formed in February 2008 to facilitate a single industry voice on BC climate change policy. Click here for more information

Canadian Wood Council Searches for new President The Canadian Wood Council (CWC) is the national association representing the wood products industry. The board of CWC is searching for a new President to oversee a budget of 8 million and a staff of 16. The President leads the Board in the development of strategy and is responsible for the implementation of strategy. Click here for more information

Assurance of Legal and Sustainable Origins of all B.C. Forests Products Provided by Minister of Forests November 13, 2009: Minister Pat Bell today met with Japan Forestry Agency Director General Mr. Taisuke Shimada, and provided the attached letter attesting to the legal and sustainable origin of all forest products entering Japan from British Columbia. This letter can be used to support member companies in responding to customer enquiries about the legality of harvesting and sustainable forest management in BC. Click here for more information

China Trade Mission Ends Successfully British Columbia’s largest ever forestry trade mission to China ended on a high note with new orders to close off another record-breaking sales year, announced Forests and Range Minister Pat Bell. Click here for more information

University of British Columbia Searching for New Dean of Forestry Dr. Jack Saddler, Dean of Forestry, UBC, will step down from his current position at the end of June 2010 and a search has begum to find his successor. Information on the search has been posted at the following link: Click here for more information

Provincial Government Releases HST Transition Rules to Provide Clarity to Businesses and Consumers The Government of B.C. has released proposed general transitional rules to help guide businesses and consumers in a smooth changeover to the proposed Harmonized Sales Tax (HST), Finance Minister Colin Hansen announced today. Click here for more information

Coast Forest Products Association's Recent Activities Regarding BC Hydro's Large General Service Rate Application The Coast Forest Products Association recently applied for Intervener status for the BC Hydro and Power Authority's Large General Service Rate Application Inquiry. Click here to view Coast Forest's letter Click here for more information on the Inquiry

The 2010 Budget Consultation Hearings: Recommendations from the Coastal Forest Industry Rick Jeffery, President & CEO of the Coast Forest Products Association recently presented to the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services regarding the 2010 provincial budget and priorities for the coastal forest industry. Click here to view the presentation and recommendations

B.C. Coastal Forest Sector Biomass Study The following Technote, issued by FPInnovations, summarizes a recent assessment of economically accessible biomass, as part of the ongoing BC coastal forest sector Hem-Fir initiative. The full report is available to Canadian companies upon request by sending an email request to: FERICVancouver.Admin@fpinnovations.ca Click here for more information

Wood Use Promoted to Tackle Climate Change "Tackle Climate Change, Use Wood", produced in conjunction with B.C.’s Forestry Innovation Investment Ltd., the Forest Products Association of Canada and the B.C. Forestry Climate Change Working Group, informs global markets and consumers about B.C. forests and how they produce renewable, climate-friendly products that sequester carbon. Click here for more information on BC forests and sustainability Click here to download the news release and booklet

Canadian Wood. Renewable by Nature. Sustainable by Design. Information and inspiring images on the usage and sustainability of Canadian wood in architectural design from The Canadian Wood Council, published in conjunction with the Forest Products Association of Canada and bcforestinformation.com. Click here to view

Canada's Forest Industry: Recognizing the Challenges and Opportunities A Report of the Standing Committee on Natural Resources has recommended changes in federal policy affecting the forest industry to encourage new investment and new opportunities. Click here to read the report