News & Updates
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November 4, 2026
New Brunswick Vacant Property Levy Initiative
As part of the 2024 election platform, the Government of New Brunswick (GNB) committed to property tax reform to establish a more predictable, stable, and transparent system. On May 27, 2026, legislation outlining significant reforms to the property tax system was introduced, with changes beginning to take effect for the 2027 taxation year.
One key item from Property Tax Reform is the proposal for a Vacant Property Levy for local governments. The goal of this levy is to empower local governments with a tool to address vacant or unused properties, foster economic growth, and align with local development priorities.
Click the link below to read the entire document that details the development process, legislative milestones, proposed framework, and next steps for the Vacant Property Levy initiative
October 16, 2026
SFI offering free Qualified Logging Professional (QLP) training
The Atlantic Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI) Implementation Committee has developed self-directed QLP training modules that cover sustainable forestry, BMPs (best management practices), legal and biodiversity responsibilities (ESA/SARA), logging safety and employment law (OSHA/CCOHS), and emerging topics including reforestation, invasive species, forest aesthetics, rare forest communities, transportation and business management.
This training is completely free. Upon completion, professionals will receive a certificate and be added to an official registry. To maintain active certification, a supplementary course is required every two years. QLP training is currently only offered in English; however, work is underway to get it translated to French.
Go to the SFI Atlantic website (https://sfiatlantic.ca/) to learn more!
September 7, 2026
Dutch elm disease ravaged Canadian cities. Can we help trees protect themselves?
Researchers in U.S. conducting tests to see if new generation of elms can resist lethal fungal infection
CBC News
photo: Foresters and researchers in Vermont have spent the summer injecting young elm trees with thousands of spores that cause Dutch elm disease, the fungal infection that has decimated elm populations in North America. They're hoping to determine if elms bred from trees that survived the lethal disease can mature with a resistance to it. (Amanda Swinhart/The Associated Press)
