Handing the business off from one generation to the next is neither easy nor obuious these days, and northwestern Ontario contractor Leon DeGagne knows this as well as anyone. Still, thanks to a long-term plan, his son Blaine is well on his may to taking ouer the reins. Leon DeGagne has seen his share of the forest industry's notorious business cycles over the past 40 years. While the industry is in a clear slump just now, he's hoping that as markets settle down and an ageing contractor workforce retires, there will be plenty of opportunity for his 28-year-old son Blaine. In fact, he's betting on it. "It's nice to have him coming up behind me," the easy going logger says over breakfast in Atikokan, a small town about two hours west of Thunder Bay, ON. "But I never pushed him, and in fact it's a bit of a gamble these days, as it is basically your retirement you're gambling with. Many loggers aren't willing to do it with the way business gets leaner ever year, or they don't have kids wanting to takeover anyway. It's a big challenge the industry is facing - finding the next generation - and so far I don't see anyone doing a lot to make it easier. It's a little short-sighted of the companies if you ask me, but I suppose they'll learn in time."
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