Brady's Blog
Brady Whittaker is President and CEO of the Alberta Forest Products Association. It his job to ensure Alberta's forest products industry works to develop public awareness of forestry, fosters a greater understanding of the economic, environmental and social values of Alberta's forests. In addition to owning and managing a helicopter company for years, Brady has experience in Alberta's oil and gas industry and was also mayor of Whitecourt. In his free time Brady enjoys photography, travelling, golf adventures and riding his Harley.
Let's Work Together March 26, 2013
Last week, I was in a couple of different meetings with Alberta Energy. One meeting was in regards to the Responsible Energy Development Act and the other dealt with alternative energy sources. Both of these are very complex issues that require a great deal of communication between groups.
Maintaining Our Advantage February 15, 2013
Ok, so we all know that money isn’t everything. But you have to admit that the economic situation we have here in Alberta is a big part of what makes this the best place in the world to live.
From $200 to $400 January 21, 2013
For the last six months, or so, we’ve seen a sustained run in prices on lumber and panel products. Right now, the composite price for framing lumber is $400/thousand board feet.
Happy New Year! January 4, 2013
Happy New Year! I hope you all had a chance to rest and spend time with your families over the holidays. I am excited about what 2013 will bring for the AFPA.
Trevor Wakelin December 20, 2012
Trevor Wakelin, one of our industry’s most passionate and tireless advocates, was honoured last week with a Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal. The medal was a fitting tribute to an old neighbour of mine from Whitecourt and a first-class guy with a very distinguished career.
Asia and Logistics November 28, 2012
Our quarterly results have just been released to media, and things are looking pretty good for the forest industry right now.
Harvesting in the Castle November 11, 2012
Last week, Justice Sandy Parker handed down his ruling in a case on logging in the Castle region. Justice Parker ruled that the case would not proceed because the applicants (an environmental group trying to stop the logging) had not filed their challenge within the specified time period.
Innovation in Forestry October 25, 2012
A couple of weeks back, Alberta Innovates Bio Solutions announced a program that will see the wood from Alberta and Ontario used in car parts. First, hats off to Alberta Innovates for the work that they do to facilitate new ideas and projects in our province.
Work Wild and AGM October 1, 2012
I’m just back from our AGM. What a wonderful and successful event we had! Perfect weather, lively panel sessions, great speakers... oh, and a win in the golf tournament for my team!
Endangered Species September 17, 2012
Last week, I drove to Stony Plain with Keith Murray, our Director of Forestry and Environment. Keith is from Stony Plain, and he and I were out there to meet with his local MLA, Ken Lemke. Ken is newly elected and has just been given the role of Chair of the Endangered Species Conservation Committee (ESCC).
2nd Quarter Results August 28, 2012
Our industry has just posted its strongest quarter since 2010. In the second quarter of 2012, AFPA members produced $582 million worth of product. The lumber and panel sectors had especially strong growth.
First Nations Consultation August 15, 2012
A big part of what our team does at the AFPA is provide our members with forestry and environmental assistance, which includes aiding with First Nations consultation.
Emerging From the Dark Ages July 24, 2012
I've heard once or twice in my travels that I need to "emerge from the dark ages". I've heard that maybe it's time that I sheath my club, embrace technology and get involved with social media. Maybe it's time that I start a blog...
