Canada, September 19, 2024 – A new workforce alliance in Canada is proud to announce the launch of "Forestry Together; an Alliance for Workforce Inclusivity." This initiative is committed to fostering meaningful inclusion within the forest sector for both current and future employees, with a focus on promoting equity for everyone. "Forestry Together" seeks to bring together forest sector employers and partners to promote a unified effort towards making the forest sector an employer of choice for all.
Purpose and Objectives
"Forestry Together" is an alliance comprised of forestry related companies, academic institutions, organizations, and provincial associations dedicated to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion. The alliance’s goal is to create an environment where all employees—both current and incoming—feel welcome, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential. By focusing on equity across the sector, the alliance aims to make forest sector companies "employers of choice" for Indigenous Peoples, visible minorities, women, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, people with disabilities, and newcomers to Canada.
The alliance's efforts include building a network of allies, sparking conversations, and sharing best practices to promote inclusivity, address systemic barriers, and create opportunities for diverse participation within the sector. Recognizing that there is no "one-size-fits-all" solution, "Forestry Together" advocates for a collective approach to continuous learning and improvement from the boardroom to the mill shop to the forest floor.
Building a network of allies
A core strength of "Forestry Together" is its focus on creating a network of organizations committed to advancing inclusivity within the forest sector. By bringing together representatives from across Canada, the alliance aims to foster a more equitable sector through mentorship programs, diversity training, and hiring practices that address barriers.
Sparking conversations
As the forest sector faces evolving challenges, ensuring the resilience and prosperity of the workforce is essential. By embracing inclusive principles, "Forestry Together" is dedicated to promoting diverse talent, creating inclusive workplaces, building partnerships, and raising awareness.
Sharing best practices and tools
"Forestry Together" is committed to fostering trust, collaboration, and job satisfaction by identifying obstacles to inclusion, and fostering psychological and cultural safety in the workplace so that all employees feel secure and culturally respected. The alliance shares information such as practical insights and successful initiatives that address issues including historical perceptions, language differences, and cultural misunderstandings.
Join Us
The forest sector and broader community are invited to celebrate the launch of "Forestry Together". We can build a forest sector that reflects the diversity and strength of our communities.
For more information and to get involved, please visit www.forestrytogether.ca.
"‘Forestry Together’ is not just an initiative but a commitment to action. By working together, we can break down barriers and create opportunities that will benefit the entire forest sector and the communities we serve,"
Nick Arkle, CEO, Gorman Group
"As a registered professional forester and a queer person of colour, I am deeply committed to advancing inclusivity and diversity within our industry. Forestry Together embodies these values by actively working to create a more equitable and representative forestry sector. Their dedication to diversification resonates with my own commitment to fostering a supportive environment where all individuals can thrive. Supporting Forestry Together is not only about embracing a progressive vision but also about ensuring that our industry reflects the rich diversity of the communities it serves."
Sithara Fernando RPF, STEM Academic Program Manager, NorQuest College
“At Forest NB, we know that the strength of our sector lies in its people and we recognize that for individuals to thrive, they must feel valued and empowered, regardless of background or identity. We are proud to be an early member of Forestry Together, an alliance dedicated to embracing equity, diversity, and inclusion in the forest sector. We look forward to collaborating and driving positive change together, focused on building a more innovative and resilient future for the sector and the communities we serve.”
Kim Allen, Executive Director, Forest New Brunswick
"The Alberta Forest Products Association is proud to be a founding member of Forestry Together. The strength of our sector comes from the contributions of a diverse and talented workforce—whether in the forest, the mill, or the office. Forestry Together is an exciting initiative that helps us connect, share, and build upon our commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive culture within the forest sector."
Jason Krips, President and CEO, Alberta Forest Products Association
Media contact:
Travis Joern, Forestry Together Communications Committee
778-846-3465
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