Weyerhaeuser‘s annual meeting was halted by First Nation protesters complaining about its sell-off of forest lands in Canada.
The meeting, at which chief executive Steve Rogel reported that Weyerhaeuser’s first quarter earnings had nearly doubled to US$239m, was opened to questions from shareholders.
A group of about a dozen protesters wanted to discuss the grievances of the Haida Nation who are unhappy about Weyerhaeuser’s sale of operations in British Columbia, which they claimed was done without sufficient consultation.
The protesters were unhappy with the number of their questions answered and started to shout down members of the board.
Mr Rogel tried to end the disruption. He banged his gavel and told the protesters: “You are interrupting this meeting and this is unfair to other shareholders.”
However, the shouting continued and Mr Rogel called the meeting to a close.
“Obviously there are elements of society who will do anything to have their views heard,” he said later.
He added that the company was proud of its forest stewardship and its “leadership role” in sustainable forestry.
Sandy McDade, senior vice-president of Weyerhaeuser’s Canadian operations said the company was meeting Haida representatives to discuss their concerns.
