Today, Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) welcomed the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers (CCFM)’s public commitment to raising awareness about Canada’s world-leading approach to sustainable forest management, and how it helps fight climate change while supporting our move to a lower-carbon economy.
“Canada is a global leader in how we sustainably manage our working forests for cultural, recreational, health, environmental, and economic benefits. Our deeply rooted commitment to forest renewal and forest health has helped Canada retain 90% of its original forest cover and will ensure that we will keep Canadian forests as forests forever,” said FPAC President and CEO Derek Nighbor.
“Canada’s forest sector has an opportunity to do more to help drive an economic recovery that secures and grows good-paying jobs in communities that need them, and delivers innovative products that support human health and are good for the environment. We are pleased to see Forest Ministers from across the country take note of this opportunity – one that is even more critical in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Nighbor added.
At the annual CCFM Forum on the Forests meeting, Ministers also discussed the ongoing implementation of the Forest Bioeconomy Framework and expanding the mandate of the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFCC).
“We are grateful to Northwest Territories Environment and Natural Resources Minister Shane Thompson for his leadership in hosting this year’s meeting under such exceptional circumstances and look forward to working with the Government of Manitoba’s Ministry of Agriculture and Resource Development as it prepares for next year’s gathering,” added Nighbor.
Details of the CCFM’s announcement can be found here.
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FPAC provides a voice for Canada’s wood, pulp, and paper producers nationally and internationally in government, trade, and environmental affairs. The $73.6-billion-a-year forest products industry represents 12 per cent of Canada’s manufacturing GDP and is one of Canada’s largest employers operating in over 600 communities, providing 230,000 direct jobs, and over 600,000 indirect jobs across the country.
For more information contact:
Kerry Patterson-Baker
Vice President, Communications
t : 613-563-1441 ext. 314
Follow us on Twitter: @FPAC_APFC