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FPAC encouraged by premiers’ call to action on forestry support

July 12, 2019 – The Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) has released a statement saying it is pleased to note the collective support at a meeting of Canadian premiers this week for economic commitments relating to the expansion of trade opportunities, immigration levels and skills development.

Canada’s annual first ministers’ meeting took place in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan on July 11, 2019. As part of the meeting, the premiers discussed the forestry sector and the importance of forestry workers and communities to Canada, calling for the federal government to implement supports for communities affected by mill closures and curtailments.

“Canada’s forest products industry is facing rapidly shifting trade rules, growing protectionism and market volatility,” says Derek Nighbor, president and CEO of FPAC, in a release. “At the same time, the innovation happening in our forests and at our mills has triggered a massive transformation that stands to bring future economic and environmental benefits to Canadian forestry communities and the country.

“FPAC is aligned with the premiers’ shared commitment to grow a forest sector for the future – one that is innovative, making new products, and diversifying our trading relationships,” Nighbor says. “As Canada’s forest industry continues to transform, it is important that if a worker loses his or her job that he or she can get the training they want and the social programs they need. It is equally important that impacted northern and rural municipalities are able to access robust and targeted transitional supports.”