Greater Vernon Chamber general manager Dan Proulx and president Kirndeep Nahal at the Canadian Chamber annual general meeting in Calgary. (submitted photo/Greater Vernon Chamber)

By Pete McIntyre

facing challenges

Chamber and Tolko get support for national forestry strategy

Oct 25, 2023 | 6:30 AM

The Greater Vernon Chamber is getting support in its push for a national plan for the forest industry.

Members of the business organization recently attended the Canadian Chamber annual general meeting in Calgary, to introduce a policy that urges government to develop a comprehensive national forest and forestry sector strategy.

“The forest sector is facing a number of challenges, including climate change, fires, trade issues and changing global markets,” Greater Vernon Chamber president Kirndeep Nahal said. “As a large contributor to Canada’s jobs and GDP (an estimated $24.6 billion), we need to ensure this industry is sustainable for decades to come.”

“This step is needed for the government to acknowledge and support our forestry industry and its significant potential to continue to contribute to Canada’s economy.”

Nahal and Greater Vernon Chamber general manager Dan Proulx attended the AGM to represent local members and present the policy outlining the need for a dedicated national strategy supporting forestry’s growth, resilience and role in climate change mitigation — investing in planning the same way government has for critical minerals, hydrogen and more.

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The forestry and forest sector strategy policy resolution received 99 per cent support from the nearly 375 chamber executives and business leaders from across the nation.

To develop the policy, Greater Vernon Chamber worked with Janis Simpkins, vice- president, Indigenous and government relations and sustainability with Tolko Industries.

Simpkins said Tolko appreciates the Greater Vernon Chamber’s leadership of the initiative.

“It speaks volumes about the importance of the forestry sector to Canada’s economic development; not only through the production of sustainable forest products, but as a low carbon building solution,” Simpkins said. “As partners, we’ll work together to leverage the potential of our forests and sustainable forest management in the battle against climate change while enhancing our resilience against increasing wildfire risks. The development and maintenance of healthy forest ecosystems will benefit Canadians for generations.”

Derek Nighbor, Forest Product Association of Canada’s president and CEO, said, after a wildfire season that was one of Canada’s most severe, the country’s forest sector welcomes the Vernon Chamber’s call for a national strategy.

“With this motion, the Chamber is recognizing the value of sustainable Canadian forestry and the critical role it plays in mitigating climate risk, providing stable employment, and sustaining resilient communities,” Nighbor said.

Proulx said the Chamber was proud to work with its member, Tolko Industries, to create the policy resolution.

“Being able to work with business to uncover issues and identify solutions that are converted into policy is fulfilling work,” Proulx said. “Then to have that policy passed and gain the support and influence of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce to drive positive change for business at a national level so our member’s voices are heard, that’s impactful.”

The Chamber said the forestry sector benefits more than 600 communities in Canada, and directly employs more than 200,000 people, including in B.C. and the North Okanagan where “forestry is critical to both the economy and the changing environment.”