Features Environment & Sustainability Forestry
Unifor: Plan for a strong future in forestry

Oct. 23, 2017 – The forestry industry is poised for a strong future if governments and all stakeholders act now, Unifor wrote in a new policy publication.

“After painful restructuring over the last decade, we see many opportunities to rebuild and create jobs that benefit our communities and sustain the environment,” said Unifor national president Jerry Dias.

The Future of Forestry: A Workers Perspective for Successful, Sustainable and Just Forestry is a report from Unifor’s Forestry Industry Council, representing Unifor’s 24,000 forestry members. The full document can be accessed from unifor.org/resources.

Given the challenges faced by unjustified U.S. tariffs on softwood lumber, the publication argues that making the right policy choices will boost the value of the forestry industry and create good jobs by taking advantage of innovative technologies, new forest management practices and increasing skills.

Following a “rigorous and wide-ranging” consultation among forestry workers in every region, the report highlights the opportunities and challenges facing the industry.

Unifor’s key forestry recommendations include:

• Pursuing fair trade and higher global standards
• Improving forest management to ensure sustainability at home and globally
• Expanding public investments in forestry
• Prioritizing reconciliation with Indigenous communities
• Partnering with stakeholders to maximize job growth and skills development
• Reinstating National Forestry Council

“Unifor has a strategy to build the forestry sector and create good, sustainable jobs. It’s time for employers and governments to put a plan in to action,” Dias said.