Canada’s Forest Sector Announces Recipients of 2024 Awards of Excellence

Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) was pleased to present its 2024 Awards of Excellence at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa yesterday. The FPAC Awards of Excellence are given to champions of sustainable forestry whose contributions have made a profound impact advancing the environmental, social, and economic benefits of Canadian forestry across the country.

“This year’s recipients have each gone above and beyond in service to Canada’s forest sector, the environment, their communities, and their peers,” said Derek Nighbor, FPAC President and CEO. “As the calls for action on wildfires, safe and affordable housing, and economic growth get louder , our 2024 recipients have been leaders in making sure Canadian forestry is part of the solution and know it can deliver even more for Canadians.”

FPAC’s 2024 Awards of Excellence recipients include:

Jim Carr Forest Community Champion Award

• The Honourable Percy Mockler, Retired Canadian Senator for New Brunswick

• The Honourable Candice Bergen – Long-time MP for Portage-Lisgar, Manitoba and Past Interim Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada

• Chief Paul Gladu – Chief of Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek (Sand Point First Nation) in Northwestern Ontario

FPAC Partnership Award

• The Transition Accelerator – Calgary, Alberta

FPAC Lifetime Achievement Award

• Brad Thorlakson – Executive Chairman, Tolko Industries, Vernon, British Columbia

FPAC Women in Forestry Award

• Lana Wilhelm – Director of Indigenous Relations, Paper Excellence, Richmond, British Columbia

• Sarah Curtis – Forestry Superintendent, Louisiana-Pacific Corporation, Fort St. John, British Columbia

Indigenous Business Leadership Award

• Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation Ltd – Williams Lake, British Columbia

“We are proud to recognize the important work of each of FPAC’s Awards of Excellence recipients. They have made incredible contributions, and we are grateful to have them among the biggest supporters of the 200,000 Canadian workers who call the forest sector home,” added Nighbor.

FPAC provides a voice for Canada’s wood, pulp, and paper producers nationally and internationally in government, trade, and environmental affairs. As an industry with annual revenues exceeding $97B, Canada’s forest products sector is one of the country’s largest employers operating in over 600 communities, providing 200,000 direct jobs, and over 370,000 indirect jobs across the country. Our members are committed to collaborating with Indigenous leaders, government bodies, and other key stakeholders to develop a cross-Canada action plan aimed at advancing forest health, while supporting workers, communities, and our environment for the long term.