The Canadian Concrete Masonry Producers Association says safety and not wood should be the first priority when it comes to construction. The association made its remarks following a report released recently by the City of Halifax recommending the use of wood as a first choice in municipal building construction. Spearheaded by Halifax City Councilor Jennifer Watts, the report says that environmentally, wood building materials "have lower energy, water and air quality impacts than alternatives," while economically, the use of wood would benefit Nova Scotia's forestry and lumber sectors — "mainstays" of the provincial economy.