2009-07-24
Réouverture - Scierie Bowater (french only)

Réouverture des livraisons de bois à la Scierie Bowater à Maniwaki à partir du 24 juillet 2009. Communiquez avec M. Benoit Beausoleil pour plus de détails. Note : Le Syndicat ne garantit pas le paiement.

2009-06-25
Changement (french only)

Nous tenons à vous informer qu'à partir du lundi 29 juin 2009, vous devrez communiquer avec le Syndicat des producteurs forestiers de Labelle pour toute demande de permis de livraisons, cédules de transport ainsi que vos questions sur les paiements de bois. Les personnes responsables seront Mme Lyne Guenette ainsi que M. Pierre Grenier. Voici les coordonnées : Téléphone 819 623-2228 - Télécopieur 819 623-3430. Merci de votre collaboration.

2009-04-01
Assemblée générale annuelle 2009 (french only)

À TOUS LES PRODUCTEURS DE BOIS, Vous êtes par la présente convoqués à l’assemblée générale annuelle des producteurs forestiers visés par le Plan conjoint des producteurs forestiers du Sud-Ouest du Québec qui se tiendra aux coordonnées suivantes : Date : Le jeudi 7 mai 2009 Heure : 9 h Inscription 10 h AGA du plan conjoint Endroit : L’Hôtel Best Western, salle Saint-Jérôme 2 420, Mgr Dubois, Saint-Jérôme (sortie 43 de l’autoroute 15) Pour se prononcer sur l’administration du plan conjoint, les producteurs devront présenter, s'ils ne sont pas membres du SPFSOQ, une preuve de propriété sous forme de reçu de taxes, carte de producteur forestier ou tout autre document équivalent. Nous espérons vous voir nombreux à cette assemblée et serons heureux de vous accueillir à cette occasion. Benoit Beausoleil, ing. f. Directeur général ORDRE DU JOUR 01) Ouverture de l’assemblée; 02) Lecture et adoption de l’avis de convocation; 03) Lecture et adoption de l’ordre du jour; 04) Lecture et adoption du procès-verbal de l’assemblée générale annuelle du plan conjoint tenue le 8 mai 2008; 05) Lecture et adoption du rapport d’activité; 06) Lecture et adoption du rapport financier; 07) Nomination d’un vérificateur; 08) Discussion sur les taux de transport; 09) Discussion sur les modifications aux contributions 2010 en incluant le bois de chauffage; 10) Exposé des invités; 11) Résolutions; 12) Divers; 13) Levée de l’assemblée.

2009-03-19
Contingent Été 2009 (French only)

Le syndicat vous rappelle que la date limite pour retourner votre formulaire de contingent pour l'été est le 31 mars 2009. Vous pouvez obtenir ce formulaire directement sur le site sous la rubrique "Formulaires et documentation". Pour de plus amples informations, veuillez contacter Mme Évelyne Morin au 450 679 0540, poste 8439.

2009-03-01
Changement à la direction générale (french only)

Après plus de huit ans en tant que directeur général au sein du Syndicat des propriétaires forestiers du Sud-Ouest du Québec, M. Armand Plourde a décidé de réorienter sa carrière à titre d’agent à la commercialisation pour la Direction de la commercialisation de l’UPA. Au nom des administrateurs et des employés, je profite de ces quelques lignes pour remercier M. Plourde de sa loyauté, son travail acharné ainsi que de son dévouement sans borne à la cause des propriétaires forestiers de notre territoire. Il est certain que celui-ci a permis à la forêt privée du Sud-Ouest du Québec de se développer davantage tout au long de ces années. Nous lui souhaitons une bonne route dans son nouveau défi. C’est à la suite de plusieurs entrevues, que le conseil d’administration du Syndicat des propriétaires forestiers du Sud-Ouest du Québec a le plaisir de vous présenter M. Benoit Beausoleil à la direction générale. Comme celui-ci possède une vaste expérience tant au niveau provinciale qu’international, il sera sûrement mettre à profit ses connaissances pour le bénéfice des propriétaires du Sud-Ouest du Québec. Dans l’attente de vous compter en grand nombre lors de notre rendez-vous annuel, veuillez agréer, chers producteurs, l’expression de mes sentiments très cordiaux. Clément Ricard Président

2009-01-22
Papers Fraser inc. - Temporarily closed

Please take note that Papers Fraser inc. will be temporarily closed from January 31st, 2009 to May 3th, 2009 inclusively. For more information, do not hesitate to contact us. Regards,

2008-12-01
Best wishes!

Seeing as 2008 was an eventful year for the forestry sector, some downtime is necessary. As such, the office will be closed starting noon on December 23st 2008 and we will resume activities January 5th 2009 at 8:30 am. The president, members of the administration council and the union employees join me in wishing you a happy holiday season. May 2009 be prosperous and bring a revival of the forest industry allowing us to sustain the future of our communities and future generations. Happy Holidays to all and see you next year! Armand Plourde, General Manager

2008-09-24
Agrile du frêne (french only)

L’Agence canadienne d’inspection des aliments (ACIA) a confirmé cet été la présence de l’agrile du frêne à Carignan en Montérégie et à Ottawa en Ontario. L’agrile du frêne est un petit insecte qui a un corps étroit et allongé, de couleur vert métallique et mesurant entre 7,5 mm et 1,5 cm de longueur et environ 3 mm de largeur. L’adulte dépose ses oeufs individuellement sur le tronc ou les branches. Les larves s'enfoncent dans l'écorce et s'alimentent dans l'écorce interne et la couche externe de l'aubier, formant au passage des galeries en forme de « S ». L’agrile du frêne attaque uniquement les frênes. Les autres essences comme l’érable, l’orme, le chêne et le bouleau ne sont pas menacées. L’ACIA invite les propriétaires forestiers à signaler tout frêne présentant les signes d’infestation suivants : - Diminution de la densité du feuillage - Éclaircissement de la cime de l’arbre - Prolifération de gourmands (croissance de nouvelles pousses sur le tronc) - Galeries en forme de « S » sous l’écorce - Petits trous de sortie de l’insecte en forme de « D » - Trous d’alimentation de pic bois Si vous observez ces signes, veuillez communiquer avec l’ACIA au 1 866-463-6017.

2007-07-11
Rappel concernant l'uniformisation des procédures (french only)

Depuis la création du Syndicat des propriétaires forestiers du Sud-Ouest du Québec, les producteurs appartenant anciennement au Syndicat des producteurs de bois Outaouais Laurentides et au Syndicat des producteurs de bois de la région de Montréal ont dû faire face à plusieurs changements, que ce soit pour les procédures, le fonctionnement général de la mise en marché et même l’accès à l’information. Les employés du syndicat tentent depuis d’uniformiser ses actions pour faciliter la mise en marché avec tous les producteurs faisant partie du nouveau syndicat, tout en gardant un service fiable, rapide et conforme à ses règlements. Les points suivants sont un rappel en vue d’assurer un bon service et pour réduire le temps de traitement de vos demandes : • Inscription : Les nouveaux producteurs doivent s’enregistrer avant de commencer leur coupe de bois. La pièce justificative demandée est le compte de taxes municipales des lots qui seront en production. Évidemment, vos coordonnées de correspondance vous seront demandées ainsi que vos numéros de TPS-TVQ s’il y a lieu. • Demande de contingent : Les producteurs doivent remplir la demande de contingent trois fois au cours de l’année (voir la section Formulaires et documentation). Lorsque vous êtes enregistré au syndicat, ce formulaire vous sera expédié automatiquement. Les demandes reçues après la date de retour indiquée au formulaire ainsi que les demandes incomplètes ne seront pas traitées. • Paiement : Les paiements de bois se font à toutes les semaines pour ceux qui ont adhéré au dépôt bancaire et aux deux semaines pour ceux qui reçoivent des chèques. Les délais de paiement sont variables selon les usines, mais habituellement ils sont de deux à trois semaines après la livraison. Pour vous inscrire au dépôt bancaire, veuillez contacter le bureau pour obtenir le formulaire d’inscription. • Droit de coupe : Le propriétaire et le producteur (ou entrepreneur) doivent remplir le formulaire de droit de coupe ou signer un contrat. Étant donné que c’est souvent le producteur qui s’occupe de la transmission des documents au syndicat, celui-ci doit s’assurer que le propriétaire est inscrit avant de procéder. Les dates de validité du droit de coupe ainsi que la signature des deux parties sont obligatoires. • Entente de paiement : Nous pouvons séparer directement vos paiements par montant ou par pourcentage de la valeur du bois. Pour ce faire, vous devez remplir le formulaire d’entente de paiement. Les dates de validité de l’entente ainsi que la signature des deux parties sont obligatoires. • Permis de livraison : Tout chargement de bois doit être accompagné d’un permis de livraison valide. La demande pour obtenir les permis doit se faire, dans la mesure du possible, dans la semaine précédant la livraison. Vous devez nous préciser le lot d’où provient le bois et celui-ci doit être enregistré préalablement. De plus, les permis qui ne sont pas utilisés doivent être annulés. Pour de plus amples informations, veuillez contacter Mme Évelyne Morin au 450 679 0540, poste 8439.

2008-06-27
Renouvellement - Certificat de producteur forestier et Plan d'aménagement forestier (french only)

Pour les producteurs dont le certificat de producteur forestier et le plan d’aménagement forestier viennent à échéance au même moment soit le 31 décembre 2008, vous recevrez dans les prochains jours un avis de renouvellement. Vous avez jusqu’à la date inscrite sur l’avis pour y répondre en prenant soin de nous retourner les documents suivants : • La partie détachable de l’avis de renouvellement; • Votre certificat de producteur forestier que vous aurez signé et daté; • Une copie des comptes de taxes municipaux pour les superficies en cause; • Une copie de votre nouveau plan d’aménagement forestier; • Un chèque de 20 $ au nom du SPFSOQ. À la suite du traitement de votre dossier, vous recevrez un nouveau certificat de producteur forestier, de même que votre nouvelle carte de producteur. Si vous ne répondez pas à l’avis dans les délais prévus, le système informatique modifiera automatiquement l’état de votre dossier à « non reconnu ». Nous vous rappelons que le producteur forestier est responsable de son dossier. Il est très important de lire attentivement les informations figurant sur l'avis que vous recevrez. Si certaines procédures ne vous semblent pas claires ou si encore vous n’êtes pas certains des documents à expédier, veuillez communiquer avec Mme Kathleen Soucy au (450) 679 0530, poste 8711 avant de nous acheminer vos documents. Cela évitera, dans bien des cas, des délais dans le traitement de votre dossier. Nous vous remercions de votre bonne collaboration.

2008-06-25
Animation populaire (french only)

Nous vous invitons à visiter le site Internet de l'Association forestière de Lanaudière à l'adresse suivante www.aflanaudiere.org. Vous y retrouverez dans l'onglet Animation populaire des activités et formations des plus intéressantes... Bonne visite!

2008-06-16
Invitation - Économie de carburant (french only)

Les frais reliés au fonctionnement des engins et des camions forestiers n'ont cessés de croître au cours des dernières années entraînant une augmentation des coûts des opérations forestières et du transport du bois et diminuant par le fait même la marge bénéficiaire des entrepreneurs. Le prix du carburant atteignant de nouveaux sommets, il devient impératif de s'interroger sur les moyens d'en diminuer la consommation. C'est dans cette optique que l'industrie forestière a demandé la division Feric de PFInnovations d'analyser la situation et de trouver des solutions innovatrices pour aider les entrepreneurs à améliorer leurs performances sur les plans financier et organisationnel. Cet atelier sera donc l'occasion d'échanger avec le chercheur Dave Lepage de Feric sur les solutions proposées tant au niveau des opérations en forêt qu'au niveau du camionnage. Cette activité GRATUITE aura lieu le jeudi 26 juin 2008 au Centre Sportif (140, Émélie-Bolduc) de Sainte-Émélie-de-l'Énergie. POUR S'INSCRIRE : Nous vous demandons de confirmer votre présence auprès de Mme Claudine Éthier 450 883-0717, poste 27 ou par courriel à cethier@aflanaudiere.org avant le 24 juin.

2008-05-13
Site Internet - Agence de Lanaudière (french only)

L'Agence régionale de mise en valeur des forêts privées de Lanaudière est heureuse de vous présenter son tout nouveau site Internet! Nous vous invitons donc à le visiter à l'adresse suivante : www.afplanaudiere.org Vous trouverez dans ce site plusieurs sections dédiées principalement aux propriétaires de lots boisés. Vous pourrez mieux connaître l’Agence, son territoire et son Plan de protection et de mise en valeur. Vous y trouverez aussi une description des programmes d’aide existants pour les propriétaires et des différents types de travaux d’aménagement forestier. Ce site vous fournira aussi une multitude d’informations, de photos, de publications et de liens utiles sur tout ce qui touche à la forêt privée. Bonne visite!

2008-02-15
And now the future...

The current crisis the forest industry is facing is the worst we have experienced in recent decades. A sharp decline in the consumption of newsprint, the commercial paper crisis in the United States (high-risk loans), the over-harvesting of pine in Western Canada due to an insect epidemic and the increased value of the dollar are all elements that have combined and led to a market decline and a weakening of our Quebec forest industry. Most certainly, to get out of this situation, the industry will have to take drastic measures. As a first step, the industry seems motivated to make a significant consolidation of processing units. In doing so, the number and distribution of the plants and mills throughout the territory will certainly impact the marketing opportunities of your wood. However, the government, the industry and the municipal sector must recognize that private forests can and should play a greater role in the re-launching of the forest industry in Quebec. In order to do this, the government will have to invest heavily in the development of private forests in proximity to mills as it is these forests that produce the best quality wood and never reach their allowable cut. The industry will have to start acting like the partner it claims to be and buy the wood at fair value limiting the constraints described to the government. It will have to increase its investment in improving private forest productivity, become creative and develop new forms of business relations. The municipal sector must finally realize the benefits of having a managed forest, harvested according to sustainable methods, and allow, through positive regulations, interventions that would render a forest productive in the future rather than preserving aging territories that degrade unnecessarily. You, the producers and owners will also have to do your part. As owner of these forests, holder of a collective natural wealth, you must ensure that you undertake forestry practices in your wood lots. Harvesting trees is not a criminal act; it is an ecological and economical activity acceptable to all. It creates undeniable personal, social and collective wealth, a life in the rural landscape and creates paying jobs for our youth. As for you part, the wood producers, you must improve your intervention practices and methods. You must also engage yourselves in the process of improvement and continued training to ensure that the image of the “logger” becomes that of an interventionist working to improve the quality of the air and water, of the health of the flora and fauna that surrounds us. Admittedly, these actions would appear like pious wishes, but if we all take a minute to think about it, the amount of work necessary is not much. Many growers are already harvesting wood in a respectful manner and recognize the value of the forest. There are now over 400 000 that possess a Forest management plan and Quebec has forest experts with silviculture experience. Large landowning farmers are starting to recognize that their private forests can contribute to their business and to their community. Only the fundamental environmentalists and certain speculators make it appear as though barriers appear exaggeratedly here and there. The Quebec forest industry has a bright future ahead if the right actions are taken. The Quebec government’s new “green book” is a first step, but it remains just talk for now. People that make a living off the forest have a great need for action. Together we can do it, but time is running out! Armand Plourde General Manager

2007-12-17
Evolution of the markets

Since our last publication, many changes have occurred with respect to wood buyers. For the western portion of the territory, the Louisiana-Pacific mill in Bois-Franc will only receive our inventory estimated at 4000 green metric tons (GMT). These deliveries will cease indefinitely at the end of January 2008 until June (minimum). We renewed our agreement with Portage-du-Fort’s Smurfit-Stone with sharply increased volumes in poplar and assorted softwoods and deliveries of birch and maple. Gestofor Inc. (hardwoods) and Claude Forget Inc. (softwoods) have opened a wood purchasing yard in Danford. With these opportunities and our markets with Temlam (aspen), Smurfit-Stone, Fraser Papers and Max Meilleur & fils Ltd., we believe we will have the capacity to sell our entire production in the coming months. Regarding the Laurentians sector, the Scierie Carrière Ltd. and Forespect Inc. are hardwood buyers. The Irving Company appears to want to reopen the yard in Brownsburg Chatham. Claude Forget Inc. and Jean Riopel Inc. are softwood buyers. It will also be possible to produce hemlock in 47-inch lengths for Kruger. In the Lanaudière region, Claude Forget Inc. and La scierie familiale Gagnon (cedar) jointly operate a wood purchasing yard in Saint Félix de Valois. Unfortunately, we no longer have an agreement with Grand Mère’s Abitibi Bowater for 4-foot length wood. We have, however, increased our volumes at Kruger for these species in addition to having an agreement for a large volume of hemlock in 47-inch lengths. For the Montérégie sector, the previously mentioned markets are available as well as Windsor’s Domtar (hardwood pulp). And finally, we are concluding an agreement to deliver a certain quantity of wood to Silicium Bécancour Inc. near Trois Rivières. In closing, we invite you to communicate with out forest technicians for more information. Armand Plourde, General Manager

2007-11-23
Evolution of the red pine and poplar markets

The Claude Forget Inc. and Jean Riopel Inc. sawmills will not be buying red pine this winter. As for the Saint-Benoît-Labre’s Busque & Laflamme Inc. mills, they will be buying this species. However, producers must consider the transportation costs. For the months of December and January, Thurso’s Fraser Paper will increase its purchase of pulp-quality softwood, with the exception of cedar. This is why we ask that you communicate what volumes you intend to market during this period. Moreover, if the Louisiana-Pacific mill delays the resumption of its purchases, it will be difficult to redirect poplars to Thurso’s Fraser Papers and to Portage du Fort’s Smurfit-Stone since the full volumes have already been delivered there for this species—the case being the same for regular volumes to Bois-Franc. We must remember that these mills make pulp principally using hardwoods. Therefore, seeing the present situation, if we want to deliver more poplar and softwood, we must necessarily deliver more hardwood. For your information, other hardwoods, as well as softwoods, are accepted as incentives and to allow the harvest of all species. The superior quality of the pulp obtained using maple and birch is a significant advantage for the mills, allowing them to keep their markets. Producers that divert these essences to the firewood market make it difficult for the agreed contracts to be respected and they harm our financing efforts for work aimed at improving the value of private forests. In closing, we strongly encourage our producers to buck their poplars for lumber quality logs and peelers in order to decrease the volumes destined for pulp. Prices offered at Temlam Inc. and Produits forestiers Laurentiens enr. compensate for the effort such work requires. To limit costs, we can organize “return transportation” for Temlam. We invite you to consult Infos Marchés. You can equally communicate with Mr. Michel Martin or Mr. Pierre Farley for more specific information on these markets. Pierre Farley, forestry technician Production field consultant

2007-11-09
Forestry accreditation of contractors

Context : Even if the majority of the forest owners execute their forest management jobs themselves, many will have it done by contractors or forestry companies. To help the owners in their choice of a contractor, the Syndicat des propriétaires forestiers du Sud-Ouest du Québec wants to make a list of contractors working on it’s territory. To be on this list, the contractors will commit to respect sound forestry practices, laws and regulations related to private forest. Main objectives : Accredit, in the matter of sound forestry practices, all forestry contractors of the Outaouais working in private forests. Produce a list of forestry contractors who have committed by contract to respect sound forestry practices. Publish the list of the accredited forestry contractors to forest owners. Specific objectives : Increase the quality and the quantity of forest management jobs realized on the territory. Stimulate wood production by encouraging sustainable management of the private forests of the territory. Develop training to improve forestry manpower knowledge. To restore the public’s and owners’ confidence in contractors and forestry management. If you want to be accredited, please do so at the Syndicat’s office. Michel Martin Production field advisor

2007-10-26
End of the year fiscal planning : an important step not to be neglected!

My woodlot, my business Planning is very important in the exploitation of woodlots. A calendar of future harvests and a financial plan outlining the costs, revenues and profits must be established and followed. All commercial businesses must keep accounting records. The minimum required by the ministère du Revenu is a log of your revenues and expenses. Each transaction must be accompanied by a supporting document. Several expenses are eligible. Here are the most frequent: • Cutting right given to the forest contractor • Salaries paid to members of the family (under certain conditions) • Equipment rental fees • Interest paid on loans • Maintenance and repair of equipment • Tools under 200 $ • Telephone, electricity, property taxes and insurance (taking onto account the business percentage only). The main operation revenues are: • Sale of wood • Reimbursement of taxes • Grants (several are available) Tax on forest operations When the net revenue from logging operations is more than 10 000$, the owner must pay, for a taxation year, a tax equal to 10% of the total revenue, not just on the amount that exceeds 10 000$. This tax is payable only in Quebec and can be recovered in the form of a credit. These credits come from the federal for ⅔ of the taxes paid and ⅓ of the provincial. An expert can advise you on the many rules and tax breaks available to you as well as on the pitfalls best avoided. Jocelyne Gunville Administrative assistant

2007-10-25
Agriculture multifonctionnelle et agroforesterie (french only)

2007-10-12
Recognition of the forest producer

Why obtain it? Recognition of the forest producer allows access to three forest valorization incentive programs. One of them, managed by the regional agencies of private forest valorization (agences régionales de mise en valeur des forêts privées), pays a portion of the costs associated with technical consultations, towards forestry work and the preparation of forest management plans. The second is a property and school tax reimbursement program made available to owners that undertake forestry work, either themselves or by others. The last program, managed by the Société de financement agricole du Québec, aims to promote the maintenance or development of forest production units as well as the establishment or development of forest service businesses for woodlot owners. Notice for the renewal of the forest producer certificate Certain forest producers have received a notice for the renewal of their forest producer certificate, which will expire December 31st, 2007. You have until this date to reply to the notice. After the processing of your file, you will receive a new forest producer certificate as well as your new producer card. For more information concerning the registration of land for forestry use or the recognition of the forest producer, we invite you to contact the undersigned at (450) 679-0540, extension 8711. Kathleen Soucy Secretary and Head analyst of the RPF program

2007-09-19
Authentic partnership?

According to the Webster dictionary… Partner: one associated with another especially in an action Partnership: a relationship involving close cooperation between parties having specified and joint rights and responsibilities What beautiful words often used in the last few years when speaking of the private forest and its landowners. The industry and the municipalities are partners with the landowners in regional forestry agencies, the Ressources naturelles et de la Faune minister is a partner in the development of the private forest, the forest contractors and other groups are economic partners in the private forest sector, etc. Let us discuss partnership! While referring to the definitions found in the Webster dictionary, one would be led to believe that partnerships are the best thing. But for that, it is necessary that the partners respect each other. However, for some time now, partnerships with the private woodland owners have been in free fall. The industry that claims it is a highly valuable partner of the forest landowners announces mill and plant closures without warning the producers that they are suspending purchases. For example, in August 2006, the company Louisiana Pacific announced the closure of its installations in Saint Michel des Saints without warning. This left the Lanaudière producers with an inventory of wood whose dimensions were solely fit for this company. The company did not offer the producers any support; the losses were worth thousands of dollars. More recently, certain companies who were supplied by private producers placed themselves under the protection of the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act leaving many producers unpaid for wood volumes collected and delivered in good faith. Others like Abitibi Consolidated completely stopped buying wood from private producers under the pretext that the wood was too expensive. The same phenomenon is occurring in eastern Quebec with the company Uniboard who has decided to buy wood from New Brunswick leaving the producers from this area of the province without a market. Similarly in the non-woody products, the company Bioxel Pharma is acquiring its supply from elsewhere in the world after having obtained financial help from the provincial government and after having promised nice projects for Quebec. And these are called partnerships… Oh no, the municipal sector is not free of blame either. In the rush of creating forestry agencies in 1996, municipalities were given the mandate of assuring the protection of the forest cover. They were to develop a regulatory framework that would reassure the population of the forest’s sustainability and the forest landowners of their right to produce. What of it today? Several municipalities have done nothing. Others have exaggerated in their adoption of regulations to the point where cutting trees is so complicated administratively that forest landowners are not active in their woodlots. Obviously, these municipal decisions are not without consequence. The forest does not always naturally regenerate well. If regular harvest interventions were executed according to good practice, we would have a healthy forest capable of sequestering greenhouse gases in substantial quantities, a very interesting landscape, better-filtered water, stable economic activity and competitive mills and plants. Hence, the transformation industry that uses logs harvested from our forests would have a normal and stable supply near their installations as well as quality wood at competitive prices. The thousands of jobs being lost in the last months would probably be saved by activity in the private forest sector. In short, municipal regulation must encourage improvement in the forest, not impede interventions. And what of the other so-called economic partners? Are they really partners? It is doubtful in certain cases. In fact, some forest contractors see no problem in harvesting the forest without any consideration of the interventions’ different impacts, such as those related to large clear cut areas. Although there are less and less of these, there are still too many fueling the images of unhealthy forestry practices. Unfortunately, I have yet to see a municipality or an environmentalist cite a quality intervention in the forest. We know of thousands of high-quality hectares because forest consultants support the landowners in their efforts to improve their woodlots. We have never seen an elected official show us silviculture interventions carried out in its regional park in affirmation of the validity of true forestry practice or a green militant affirm that good foresters are more numerous than the plunderers. We prefer sensationalism to the forestry reality. Authentic partnerships will result when all people and the sector’s industries understand its real sense. The day when the industries will share their real problems with their private wood suppliers will be the day sustainable and long-term economic development will be made possible. The day a municipality will consult with its taxpayers to elaborate a protection and forest improvement strategy will be the day sustainable development will be made possible. The day forest contractors adopt an attitude respectful of the forest, the animals that live in it, the people that make a living from it and the people that benefit from it will equally be a day where sustainable development will be made possible. Until then, it is the law of the jungle. In the hopes of gaining a few points, those believing themselves to be the strongest automatically hurt their associates, but this leaves them so weakened that everyone ends up dying a slow death. And, it will be the foreigners that will end up pocketing the benefits. Armand Plourde General Manager

2007-06-05
The appointed administrator's work is recognised

The wood producers of southwestern Quebec, united at the annual general assembly of Thursday May 3rd 2007, recognised the activities accomplished by the Joint plan under the administration of Mr. Jean Gobeil, P.Eng./forestry, M.Sc. The producers noted that in spite of the difficult forestry context, the plan came through with balanced financial results. It is also during this meeting that the Joint plan producers learned from the appointed administrator that the Régie des marchés agricoles et alimentaires du Québec (RMAAQ) was returning the administration of the plan to the producers, more specifically, to those producers chosen by their fellow members as the administrators of the union. We would like to take this opportunity to highlight Mr. Gobeil’s essential contribution because the financial decisions and the administrative reorganisation he carried out led to successful results. We would like to show him our gratitude because he was able to guide us with respect throughout this unforgettable journey. We are grateful for all the work you accomplished and we remain, Mr. Gobeil, sincerely yours.

2007-06-05
A reassured assembly

The wood producers and the members of the Union of forest owners of southwestern Quebec met in an annual general assembly on Thursday, May 3rd 2007. They reviewed the management and financial reports for the year 2006. They noted that the deliveries for 2006 were similar to those of 2005. Considering the upheavals in the forestry industry, this was deemed good news. Indeed, the negotiations will have saved the markets for most of the private forest products, and this, despite the temporary closures of several mills. Admittedly, the results did not always satisfy expectations, but they made it possible to maintain the producers’ buying power and to conserve the market shares reserved for the territory’s targeted producers. For lumber, the hardwood context is very difficult and this had repercussions on the prices. We must remain very vigilant on the buyers’ capacity and guarantee of payment for this type of product. For pallet wood, the supply is very high and the market is very limited leading to a variation in the price of roundwood. Finally, for softwood timber, in spite of the settlement of the dispute on the exportation of softwood lumber, the situation remains extremely difficult. Over the next few months, the market situation will be a priority for the union. It is also during this meeting that the Joint plan producers learned from the appointed administrator that the Régie des marchés agricoles et alimentaires du Québec (RMAAQ) was returning the administration of the plan to the producers, more specifically, to those producers chosen by their fellow members as administrators of the union. By ratifying the union’s activities, the producers and members took note of the new regulations concerning exclusive marketing, the contributions deductions, and the administrative regulations. The RMAAQ was informed of these decisions and must proceed in the publication of the new regulations. The producers also adopted by majority an increase in the contributions over three years for the Outaouais and Laurentians sectors. Altogether, this assembly will have permitted the producers to align themselves towards organised and equitable marketing. The resumption of the administration of the plan by the producers reflects their engagement to the collective development and protection of their interests.

2007-02-01
Inventory management : the master key!

For the last few weeks we have been experiencing certain delivery constraints imposed on us by the buyers of wood from private forests. Here are the main ones: • Papiers Fraser Inc. Is currently experiencing a shortage of space which explains why the receiving of wood from groups three (other hardwoods) and four (softwood) is being more closely controlled. Producers must be sure to have made their market share requests in order to be able to deliver their authorized volumes. • Produits forestiers Arbec inc. (formerly Tembec Inc.) has a very large round wood inventory at its Saint-Georges-de-Champlain plant. Furthermore, deliveries of Aspen destined for panels will be completely suspended this coming February 23 until the month of May 2007. • Abitibi-Consolidated inc. has to control its inventory in order to reduce its costs during this difficult period. We need to know very precisely what quantities the producers intend to produce and when they will be ready for delivery. • Louisiana-Pacific Canada ltd in Bois-Franc had an unfortunate explosion at the plant recently resulting in a tightening of the receipts of wood. We can only authorize producers who have submitted market share requests for this plant. As you can see, the market remains active but we have to adjust to the restrictions imposed on us. It is for this reason that we ask producers to keep a sharp eye on the markets.

2006-12-11
Welcome to the new SPFSOQ site

We are eager and delighted to introduce you to our new Internet site. Visit it often as we are convinced that you will appreciate the amount of information and services that you will find there. We would like to thank C/L Info. com for their dedication and professionalism all through this project. Happy reading.

2005-05-02
Nomination of a designated administrator

On October 8th, 2004, the Régie des marchés agricoles et alimentaires du Québec (RMAAQ) approved the merger agreed respectively by the general meetings of the producers of the ex-joint plans of the wood producers of the Outaouais-Laurentides and Montréal territories. A new joint plan, that of the South-West Quebec’s forest products producers, has been in effect since January 1st 2005 in place of the previous ones which automatically ceased to exist. A few months later, in April 2005, the RMAAQ concluded that the plan entrusted to the South-West Quebec forest owners association did not favour the objective of the plan, which was efficient and orderly marketing of the product , due to an internal conflict denounced by the association’s administrators. As the administration could not stand to be so paralysed for very long, it held an open meeting which resulted in the nomination of a designated administrator on May 2nd 2005. Since then, the designated administrator is the only one authorized to take decisions, give directions and sign, or authorize the signature of, documents, cheques and drafts for the administration and management of the joint plan of the South-West Quebec forest product producers. This function has been taken on by Mr. Jean Gobeil, forestry engineer, since October 14th 2005.