National Forest Week to Highlight "Greenest Workforce" Brand
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The Canadian Institute of Forestry (CIF), Ottawa, Ont., Canada, this week announced a new partnership with the Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC), Canadian Forestry Association (CFA), TreeCanada, and TDBank who are joining forces to celebrate National Forest Week 2013 under the theme, "the GreenestWorkforce," which helps promote the new direction of Canada's forest products industry while recognizing the "green" credentials of those who work in the sector. It is also an online tool that highlights the work-life balance on offer to the next generation of employees and outlines a broad variety of solid careers now available in the industry.
"National Forest Week recognizes the importance of the forests in Canada. This year we are thrilled to see an inclusive partnership among some of the largest national organizations representing the forest sector united under a single banner: The GreenestWorkforce," says Dr. Tat Smith, president of CIF. "The GreenestWorkforce recognizes the stewardship and responsibility that our workforce embraces, and highlights the amazing opportunities available in the sector while promoting the work-life balance that the industry's workforce has come to enjoy. There really is something for everyone."
David Lindsay, president and CEO of FPAC, added that "this national partnership proves how motivated and focused the industry has become in telling its story of transformation, opportunity, and growth. We have adopted the brand of the GreenestWorkforce to help the industry attract workers who care about the environment and their future."
Under FPAC's Vision2020 plan, the forest products industry is looking to renew its workforce with an additional 60,000 workers, including more women, Aboriginals, and new Canadians. Vision2020 also seeks to further environmental credentials of the forest sector by 35% and to generate an additional $20 billion in economic activity from new products and markets by the end of the decade.
"Canadians can actively engage in this year's National Forest Week theme by inviting foresters into the classroom to teach students about Canada's world leading progressive forest management practices. Students can also learn about the innovative green products that can be made from forest fiber such as cosmetics, car parts, and clothing," says Dave Lemkay, GM of CFA. "We encourage everyone to find out what is happening in their region, or start their own event to raise awareness of the importance of the industry to our past, our present, and our future."
National Forest Week is a challenge to individual Canadians to learn more about their forest heritage and support greater recognition of this valuable resource. It runs this week, from September 23 to 28. National Tree Day was observed on Wednesday September 25.
More information is available online.
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