Todd Burgess, Executive Director of Forest Nova Scotia, extends holiday greetings and expresses hope for the forestry sector's future. A big thank you to the staff for their efforts in organizing events and producing the podcast, to the trust of Forest Nova Scotia members and the guidance of the board of directors. And gratitude to collaborative partners from the provincial government, elected officials, and nonprofit organizations.
And don't forget the annual general meeting in Halifax in February 3 - 4, 2026
To learn more about the forestry sector or Forest Nova Scotia, visit forestns.ca.
Exploring viable solutions through economic Opportunities and prosperity in the forestry sector.
In this episode of Forestry Uncut, host Todd Burgess (Executive Director, Forest Nova Scotia) sits down with Kevin Merriam, Executive Director of the Maritime Lumber Bureau, and Patrick Crabbe, CEO of The Mass Timber Company.
They explore how Atlantic Canada’s forestry sector can move “from tree to city” through mass timber, panelized and modular construction, and other value‑added wood products. The conversation covers:
If you’re a forestry professional, developer, architect, engineer, policymaker, or landowner wondering how wood can play a bigger role in housing and infrastructure, this episode is for you.
Subscribe to stay updated on future episodes of Forestry Uncut, and learn more about Forest Nova Scotia at forestns.ca.
00:00 – Opening thoughts: Adversity and opportunity in forestry
00:31 – Todd introduces Forestry Uncut and today’s guests
01:22 – Kevin’s background and path to the Maritime Lumber Bureau
02:39 – From inspector to executive director: Kevin’s career progression
03:32 – Patrick’s roots in a family sawmill business
05:55 – 2008 downturn, receivership, and Patrick’s pivot to mass timber
07:35 – WoodWORKS and early work on mass timber and building codes
08:49 – Founding The Mass Timber Company and project status
09:36 – “Tree to city”: A circular, fully integrated wood economy
10:29 – Nova Scotia’s wood‑first policy and early market activity
12:03 – Hidden value chain: Why landowners don’t see the full picture
12:47 – State of the sawmilling sector and U.S. tariffs/duties
14:36 – Why develop domestic markets? Origins of Atlantic WoodWORKS
15:39 – Why mass timber took so long to arrive in Atlantic Canada
17:00 – Strength testing Atlantic SPF and the “aha” moment
19:13 – “We’ve veiled the gold”: Realizing the true value of the wood basket
20:10 – Beyond mass timber: Panelized and modular wood systems
21:55 – Wood, cost‑effectiveness, codes, and speeding up housing delivery
23:38 – How developers can engage WoodWORKS and technical teams
23:48 – Prefab vs volumetric modular – where mass timber fits
26:13 – Case study: Crosswoods project and exposed mass timber floors
28:13 – How much Nova Scotia lumber could mass timber actually use?
29:25 – 7–20x value: Increasing value per cubic metre of wood
30:13 – Emerging Atlantic companies: East Cut, Atlas, truss manufacturers
31:29 – Perfect storm: Market disruption and local circular solutions
35:07 – Forestry’s role in affordable housing: Call for government–industry dialogue
36:18 – Who needs to be at the table? Municipal, provincial, federal
36:59 – Closing thoughts and call to action for collaboration
37:30 – Outro: About Forest Nova Scotia and where to learn more
In this episode, we’re joined by Derek Nighbor, President and CEO of the Forest Products Association of Canada, who offers an inside look at the tough challenges and bold opportunities shaping Canada’s forestry sector today.
Derek takes us through the complexities of trade tensions with the United States, revealing how tariffs, shifting policies, and a changing global landscape have impacted thousands of jobs and entire communities across Canada. He shares the importance of unified advocacy, government partnerships, and building strong, solution-focused relationships with environmental groups to drive both industry and environmental progress.
Throughout our conversation, we explore how Canadian forestry is finding new life through innovation, like biomass energy and modular mass timber, and seizing opportunities in export markets abroad. Derek provides thoughtful insights on why collaboration, openness to new ideas, and resilience are key to moving the sector from managing decline to renewed growth.
We also examine the vital role of sustainability, community support, and hope for a future where Canada’s forests continue to fuel prosperity for generations to come, making this episode essential listening for anyone invested in the future of forestry.
To learn more about the forestry sector or Forest Nova Scotia, visit forestns.ca.
In this episode, we’re joined by Spencer Coulstring of Freeman Lumber, whose journey from science communications to passionate forestry advocate highlights the evolving face of Nova Scotia’s forest sector.
Spencer shares her unique pathway into forestry, from species conservation in British Columbia to building a career and community back home in Nova Scotia. Throughout the conversation, we dive into the power of mentorship and inclusion, exploring how groups like Women in Woods are breaking barriers, creating safe spaces, and redefining what it means to succeed in a traditionally male-dominated field.
Together, we tackle public perception and the role of education in shaping the next generation’s view of forestry. Spencer provides insights on inspiring youth, the changing demands of the sector, and the importance of supporting one another, especially women, as the industry seeks greater diversity and resilience.
We also uncover the challenges and hopes for a more sustainable, welcoming forestry sector, making this episode a must-listen for anyone invested in the future of the industry.
To learn more about the forestry sector or Forest Nova Scotia, visit forestns.ca.
This week on Forestry Weekly News:
-Government of Nova Scotia cabinet shuffle and new minister.
- Shannon Park as a part of 13 Billion Build Canada Homes project.
- Forest Project Association of Canada national policy convention in Ottawa.
- Our trees campaign HRM tree planting.
- Industry Workforce Training Needs study by the Forestry Sector Council.
To learn more about the forestry sector or Forest Nova Scotia, then visit our forestns.ca.
In this episode, we’re joined by George Ernst, CFO and controller at Freeman Lumber, one of Nova Scotia’s oldest and most respected lumber producers. George, a fourth-generation forester, shares both professional expertise and personal stories from his family’s longstanding involvement in the industry.
Together, we dive into the dramatic impact of the new 10% tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber, examining how these measures ripple beyond headlines to affect local sawmills, communities, and family-run businesses throughout Nova Scotia. George breaks down the financial realities facing mills today, explains the unique position of Nova Scotia in the North American softwood trade, and lays out why federal support isn’t easily accessible for the province’s operators.
We also tackle the high cost of crown land, the evolving demands of forestry management, and the urgent need for efficiency in a tough export environment. George issues a call for intentional action from both industry and government on the concrete solutions needed to keep Nova Scotia’s forestry sector competitive and sustainable into the future.
To learn more about the forestry sector or Forest Nova Scotia, visit forestns.ca.
This week on Forestry Weekly News:
- Forest sector faces 45% tariffs, urgent action required by government and the forest sector.
- The wood ban restriction lifted in Annapolis valley as of October 15th.
- US Tariffs' impact on the Christmas tree industry.
- Wrapping up our trees, Come see us at the Wolfville Farmer's Market.
-The Forest Products Association of Canada 2025 Policy Conference in Ottawa next week, stay tuned for more details.
To learn more about the forestry sector or Forest Nova Scotia, then visit our forestns.ca.
In this episode, we sit down with Sean Meister, President and CEO of Global Bluenosers, to explore his remarkable journey from growing up in a multi-generational forestry family in rural Nova Scotia to building a global network of Nova Scotians passionate about giving back to their home province. Sean shares insights on the values and lessons learned in the woods, the challenges and changes facing the forestry sector, and how his experiences inspired him to connect Nova Scotians around the world. Together, we discuss the importance of sustainable forestry, community resilience, and the power of global connections to shape a brighter future for Nova Scotia.
To learn more about the forestry sector or Forest Nova Scotia, then visit our forestns.ca.
This week on Forestry In Focus Weekly News:
- Forest Nova Scotia was a sponsor and attended the Nova Scotia Forestry Festival at Lake Charlotte last weekend
- Forest Nova Scotia also sponsored the Nova Scotia Lumberjack Championships last weekend
- Many forestry professionals attended the Canadian Woodlands Fall Conference in Truro on October 8-9th.
- The timber Loan Board has just announced changes to their regulations that give more options Forestry Businesses
- 2025 Fall Symposium on Growing Exports in Nova Scotia
- Forest Nova Scotia - Our Trees Campaign, Experiential Learning - School Assembly at Holland Road Elementary, Friday October 10
To learn more about the forestry sector or Forest Nova Scotia, then visit our forestns.ca.
This week on Forestry In Focus Weekly News:
- New Tariffs announced by the White House that impact CUSMA compliant trade, which includes softwood lumber from Nova Scotia
- Late breaking wildfire near Lake George started on Monday. Upwards of 275 civic addresses are under an evacuation order
- The situation on Hunter’s Mountain has triggered a bigger debate about how to handle conflicts about forest management with the Miq’maw.
To learn more about the forestry sector or Forest Nova Scotia, then visit our forestns.ca.
Myths and realities in forestry management.
Join us as we dive deep into the realities of forestry management in Nova Scotia, focusing on the use of herbicides as a tool for sustainable growth. Hear from silviculture contractor Alex Feix and woodlands manager Rick Archibald as they share personal stories, discuss regulatory challenges, and address public concerns. From death threats and protests to the on the ground reality of herbicide application, this episode sheds light on the complexities, misconceptions, and future of forest stewardship. Whether you’re a forestry professional or curious listener, you’ll gain a deeper understanding on what it takes to grow healthy forests for generations to come.
To learn more about the forestry sector or Forest Nova Scotia, then visit our forestns.ca.
This week on Forestry Weekly News:
-Forestry’s third annual Our Trees Campaign has been active this month, starting at the Bridgewater Farmer’s Market and continuing in Clayton Park, Truro Stampede, Truro Farm Market, and Antigonish.
-Acadian Timber announces $2.5 million to the UNB Faculty of Forestry for digital transformation.
-Deep insights into the bioenergy sector. Scientists, professors and CEOs of companies from around the world came together to talk about decarbonization and how low quality wood residues from forestry operations and sawmill residues can help us through our energy transition.
To learn more about the forestry sector or Forest Nova Scotia, then visit our forestns.ca.
Forestry Uncut gives voice to the people, issues, and aspirations shaping forestry today, offering the public a clearer view of the industry while providing space for forestry professionals to share their stories in their own words.
A podcast dedicated to uncovering the raw truths and realities of the forestry sector, it releases weekly and is hosted by Forest Nova Scotia's Executive Director Todd Burgess.