Features Research & Innovation
Starting over

“Life has never been this real.” This was the slogan for the American reality TV show “Starting Over” a few years ago. Starting over: two words with power similar to a shot of adrenaline for many people. A new beginning can bring with it a strong feeling of euphoria. The meter resets to zero, and you are living intensely -life has never been as real as this.

The title of that television program is also apt in describing the situation of the magazine that you are holding in your hands. A few weeks ago, a new team was put in place at Pulp & Paper Canada Magazine Group. Our readers recently learned of the appointment of Eileen Walters as publisher of the group, which includes this publication. Eileen replaces Jim Bussiere, who will continue to work for us as a consultant.

As for me, already editor in chief of PPC’s sister publication, Les Papetires du Qubec, and of the weekly bulletin Le Parchemin, I am now performing this same function for Pulp & Paper Canada Magazine.

In the face of all these changes, our team is certainly living intensely. We are enthusiastic about the new formula, which offers multiple advantages, including the possibility of greater synergies across the different publications of the group.

Having worked as a journalist for more than 20 years in the forest industry, and having the opportunity to work closely with the last four editors in chief at Pulp & Paper Canada, I intend to pursue the longstanding PPC goal of offering our readers the latest news of research and technology that affects our industry. You can expect to find in-depth articles that deal with topical matters in our sector, such as the environment, maintenance, management and finance, automation issues, safety equipment, training, nanotechnology, bio-refining, bleaching, corrosion control, recycling and deinking, and a host of other subjects that are critical to the Canadian pulp and paper industry. As usual, you can expect to find solid, technical articles written by top researchers and experts in numerous fields. Beyond this, we will be creating and adding new projects, particularly in conjunction with our Internet sites.

To maintain the highest degree of journalistic quality and standards, we are relying on the capable services of Elyse Amend as assistant editor. Elyse is a talented young journalist who has already compiled an impressive track record of accomplishments in this field. Also, we are continuing to work with our team of experienced contributors and the invaluable help of our advisory board. Over the coming months, you will see fresh and original stories from them concerning key matters for our industry.

In closing, a word of thanks to Nan Ryder for the work she has accomplished in recent months, and additional appreciation to former PPC editor in chief, Anya Orzechowska, for providing us with her expertise and trusted support in the preparation of our recent editions.

Please do not hesitate to contact us at any time with your feedback, comments and suggestions. This is your magazine, and your input guides us on our path towards continuous improvement.

And now, as the late John Lennon put it so well in his song about Starting Over, “Let’s take our chance and fly away.”

PPC