Canada’s forestry industry is rooted in discovery and innovation. While output and profitability have increased due to technological advancements, the forestry sector is increasingly impacted by escalating input prices, cross-border disputes and a growing focus on corporate responsibility. In addition, Canadian companies must contend with some of the most strict forestry laws in the world. No matter the size of your organization or stage of market integration, Dentons has the in-depth industry knowledge required to provide solutions to the myriad issues that your business can encounter.

At Dentons, we keep your business moving forward. We advise companies involved in the business of lumber manufacturing, marketing and distribution, pulp and paper, logging residuals, raw log export, biofuels, sustainable/recycled materials and other forest products, as well as advising forestry associations, navigate ever-evolving challenges. Whether you are launching a new venture or expanding an existing one, our lawyers have the expertise to advise you on all aspects of your operation. Some of the issues we regularly advise on include:

• Forest management agreements, supply contracts and other aspects of operation;
• Logging agreements and land tenure transfers;
• Permits, licences, customs and tariffs;
• Mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, and takeover bids;
• Project assessment and development;
• Regulatory guidelines and enforcement-related issues;
• Labour and employment;
• Dispute resolution and litigation; and
• Stakeholder management, including negotiations with Aboriginal groups, government, non-governmental associations and other businesses.

Our lawyers understand Canada’s complex forestry and environmental regulatory regimes in jurisdictions across the country. We have a history of establishing and maintaining relations between Aboriginal communities, government agencies and natural resource companies to keep you in good standing with key stakeholders—and ensure compliance with the federal, provincial and territorial measures that regulate this industry.

Our clients benefit from full-service representation on all operational aspects of their business. Turn to us for guidance regarding the purchase, sale or repurposing and revitalization of mills and other properties related to the industry. We can assist with your fibre supply and finished product distribution and have comprehensive knowledge about the regulations applying to your current operations combined with a vision as to how legal trends can be harnessed. Our commercial and corporate teams can help you identify innovative financing arrangements, broker advantageous leasing agreements, and structure winning partnerships. We help clients sustainably manage their growth by advising on strategic acquisitions, dispositions, takeover bids and corporate restructuring. Finally, Dentons can provide you with the legal support you need to defend your interests in the courtroom. Whether we are advising on environmental-related losses, stumpage disputes or licence revocation issues, our team is at your side.

Your business may be based in Canada, but your market is unlimited. At Dentons, you’ll find a partner with the local, national and international expertise necessary to manage an industry at the forefront of change. Our forestry team has been recognized as one of the Canada’s top leaders on forestry-related issues. Let Dentons mange your legal affairs, so you can focus on growing your business.

News and Events

Recent Press Releases

Chambers Canada 2024 rankings demonstrate Dentons’ continued growth and depth of talent across all areas

September 28, 2023

We are pleased to share that Dentons has achieved a record number of rankings in Chambers Canada: Canada’s Leading Lawyers for Business 2024.

Dentons launches first-ever online AgTech Pitch Competition

April 23, 2021

Agriculture is one of the foundational pillars to Canada’s economy, and is key in providing a secure food source for its citizens and the citizens of importing countries. As opportunities rapidly increase in this sector through the use of technology and as Prairie Provinces push for more diversity within their economies, Dentons introduces its first-ever AgTech Pitch Competition taking place virtually on June 23, 2021.