🌲 Inspiring the Next Generation of Forestry Leaders 🌲 In May, COFI’s Forest Education Program reached over 5,300 students and educators across BC through career awareness events, mill tours, interactive trades expos, wildfire preparedness days, and hands-on simulator experiences. 📍 From Fort St. John to Campbell River, Vernon to Abbotsford, and Chemainus to Quesnel, our reach continues to grow thanks to the support of our member companies and education partners. 🎓 Don’t forget—applications are open for COFI’s Forestry Scholarship Program until June 27! If you or someone you know is interested to pursue a career in forestry or skilled trades related to the forest industry, be sure to apply through the link below: cofi.org/education-program/f… #ForestryEducation #FutureForesters #BCForestry #ScholarshipOpportunity @rparmar_BC

At #COFI2025, we’re tackling the future of Canada-US trade and its implications for BC’s forest sector. Corinne Stavness, VP of Corporate Affairs @WFPCompany , moderated an engaging discussion with Glen Clark, Chair of @bchydro & Former Premier of BC, Hon. James Moore, PC, MA, Senior Advisor at Edelman & Former Minister of Industry, and Mark Cameron, Fellow of Public Policy Forum. The panel explored the growing wave of U.S. protectionism—something familiar to Canada’s forest sector—that is drawing broader attention as other industries face tariffs. Rising populism and unpredictability in trade policy continue to strain agreements like USMCA. This uncertainty highlights the need to diversify markets, lower costs, and strengthen domestic collaboration. The message is clear: the forest sector must be prepared to adapt and compete in a volatile trade environment. These are conversations about nation-building—an opportunity to shape a stronger, more resilient economy for the long term. There are reasons to be optimistic, as this gives us the sense of purpose to make the changes we have needed for a long time. Thanks to our panelists for their insights, and our luncheon sponsors @DLA_PiperCanada and @USNR. #COFI2025 #BCForestry #Innovation #SustainableForestry #BCpoli #Elbowsup @honjamesmoore

The last panel of the day looked to the role of forestry leadership, with President & CEO of @westfraserEWP, Sean McLaren, President & CEO of @WFPCompany, Steven Hofer, President of Nanwakolas Council, Dallas Smith (@Dallas4BC), Former Chief Councillor, Huu-ay-aht First Nations (@HuuayahtFN), Robert Dennis Sr. and CEO of @GormanBros, Nick Arkle joining together on stage. President & CEO of @BizCouncilBC, Laura Jones, joined us to moderate the session. With industry change at the forefront of today’s conversations, panelists agree that industry stakeholders and community leaders need to work together to achieve a prosperous future. Forestry companies need to be competitive in how they can build great teams, and invest in those teams. That requires a sense of stability in the future of the industry so that people want to commit towards building careers in the industry. When we are talking about an industry in transition, it is not a transition away from forestry, but a transformation of what forest practices look like, and the new partnerships coming together that can move things forward. By reenergizing stakeholders, building strategic partnerships and meaningful revenue sharing that aligns interest, we can gain momentum in meeting environmental, economic and social goals. This calls for individualized solutions that respect the uniqueness of each mill and each forest, to find ways to maximize economic benefits while balancing the ecological and social values. To go from surviving to thriving, it will take time, commitment and good listening skills. #COFI2024 #Reconciliation #ForestryForTheFuture #BCLumber #BCForestry #Sustainableforestry #Nanwakolas