Vision 2020: Charting the Future of Canada's Forest Products Industry

The Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC), Ottawa, Ont., Canada, this past week unveiled a new industry-led vision that outlines where the forest industry sees itself by the year 2020. Through its accompanying goals, the vision will challenge companies, governments, and other partners to find innovative ways to further transform the sector to reach its potential.

Under the brand of "Canada's Natural Advantage," the FPAC vision states that "by 2020, the Canadian forest products industry will power Canada's new economy by being green, innovative, and open to the world. It is a place to grow and prosper."

Vision 2020 sets out three ambitious goals for the sector:

Products. Generate an additional $20 billion in economic activity from new innovations and growing markets
Performance. Deliver a further 35% improvement in the sector's environmental footprint
People. Renew the workforce with at least 60,000 new recruits including women, aboriginals, and immigrants.

"Canada's forest products industry has already made significant progress in becoming more competitive, in tackling new markets, in developing innovative new bio-products from wood fiber, and in greening our operations," says FPAC President and CEO Catherine Cobden. "However we do not intend to rest on our laurels. This vision will inspire us to go even further to ensure a vibrant path for the industry in the years ahead."

Joe Oliver, minister of Natural Resources, noted that "the Government of Canada is proud of the unprecedented investments we have made in the evolution of Canada's forest industry and applaud the industry for its ongoing transformation. Our Government supports the development of new, innovative products and technologies, and growing markets so that Canada's forest sector will continue to be on a strong footing into the future."

Jim Lopez, president and CEO of Tembec Inc. and chairman of the board at FPAC, added that "through commitment to innovation in our businesses, sustainability, performance, and markets, we are an industry on the move. We are determined to continue to work with partners including government so that our vision becomes a reality and Canada's leadership position in a highly competitive global marketplace is assured."

Richard Garneau, president and CEO of Resolute Forest Products, explained that "Vision 2020 outlines three key areas for future success—people, products, and environmental performance—and is consistent with where the industry is going to ensure profitability and sustainability. Vision 2020 demonstrates the dynamic direction of the forest sector and its future contribution to the economy and job creation in Canada and its rural communities."

FPAC will be taking its vision and challenge across Canada and expects to report back with concrete suggestions on reaching its three goals later this year.

FPAC provides a voice for Canada's wood, pulp, and paper producers nationally and internationally in government, trade, and environmental affairs. The $57-billion-a-year forest products industry represents 2% of Canada's GDP and is one of Canada's largest employers operating in hundreds of communities and providing 230,000 direct jobs across the country.

TAPPI
http://www.tappi.org/