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.