Canada’s Forest Products Industry Issues Media Statement on Canadian National Strike

Forest Products Association of Canada (“FPAC”) issued a statement today signaling the sector’s concern over disruptions to Canada’s rail transport system.

“Canada’s forest products sector is responsible for 10% of the total tonnage transported through Canada’s railways, often in remote locations where alternative transportation is limited or unavailable, noted FPAC President and CEO Derek Nighbor. “Further compounding the severity of a disruption is the ongoing truck driver shortage, which means additional costs, higher rates and an inability to ship products to customers,” he continued. “While FPAC respects the collective bargaining process, and the right of workers to go on strike, we are concerned about the devastating economic impacts this dispute will have on our industry, which is already facing significant headwinds, not to mention the impacts on forestry families and communities”.

About Forest Products Association of Canada

FPAC provides a voice for Canada’s wood, pulp, and paper producers nationally and internationally in government, trade, and environmental affairs. The $73.6-billion-a-year forest products industry represents 12 per cent of Canada’s manufacturing GDP and is one of Canada’s largest employers operating in over 600 communities, providing 230,000 direct jobs, and over 600,000 indirect jobs across the country.

Contact:

Kerry Patterson-Baker – Vice President Communications – kpatterson-baker@fpac.ca – (613) 563-1441 ext. 314

Source: Forest Products Association of Canada