Government of Canada Appoints Liaison

In keeping with the terms of the Softwood Lumber Agreement 2006 (SLA), the Government of Canada has appointed Dr. John W. Weaver, President and CEO of Abitibi-Consolidated, to be its representative to the U.S. Endowment. The “side letters” to the SLA call for the Government of Canada to have either a “non-voting member of the board of directors or an advisor” to each of the nonprofits funded under the agreement.

Endowment Chairman Dick Molpus noted, “We are honored to have someone of Dr. Weaver’s stature join our important work. His experience, views and contacts will be vital to helping us achieve our vision of an organization that leaves a legacy of systemic, transformative and sustainable change in sustainable forestry and forest-reliant communities across North America.”

Weaver has an extensive background in the pulp and paper business beginning in the early 1970’s when he earned a Ph.D. from the Institute of Paper Science and Technology. He has held a number of key positions in the industry including assignments with Continental Can Company, Smurfit Newsprint and the former Abitibi-Price. He was appointed CEO of Abitibi-Consolidated in 1999. He is currently leading his company through a “merger of equals” with Bowater. The new company, AbitibiBowater will be the third largest forest products company in North America and the eighth largest in the world.

Carlton Owen had the privilege of briefing Dr. Weaver on the status of work to date on April 18th, while Weaver was in Greenville visiting Bowater.

Weaver was born in Barberton, Ohio, and resides in Montreal, Canada. He is married and has three children with his wife, DeLores. His assignment with the Endowment is effective immediately.