Women in Forestry – Wood Business https://www.woodbusiness.ca Canadian Forest Industries. Canadian Wood Products Tue, 07 Nov 2023 19:10:15 +0000 en-CA hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.8 Spotlight on excellence: Molly Hudson https://www.woodbusiness.ca/spotlight-on-excellence-molly-hudson/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=spotlight-on-excellence-molly-hudson Thu, 26 Oct 2023 18:12:21 +0000 https://www.woodbusiness.ca/?p=100295 In our 11th edition of the Top 20 Under 40 award, Canadian Forest Industries is shining a spotlight on the next-gen leaders who are making waves in our industry. These young champions are not just rising stars – they’re innovators, change-makers, mentors, and community builders. Over the next 20 weeks, we’ll introduce you to each of the 2023 winners.

Today, let’s get to know Molly Hudson, vice-president, sustainability/chief forester, Mosaic Forest Management in Nanaimo, B.C.

Molly’s passion for forestry was sparked in 2002 when she planted her first tree in northern B.C. After five years of tree planting, the RPF and registered professional biologist realized she could combine her love of science and the outdoors in a forestry career. After working a stint in research at the Ministry of Forests, she reinvented herself as a timber cruiser.

After joining Mosaic’s predecessor TimberWest in 2013, she soon stepped up to apply her experience in science and forestry to stewardship and community work. Her dedication and skills saw her rise in the company, and most recently, she was appointed VP of sustainability and Mosaic’s first female chief forester.

The 39-year-old’s leadership guides Mosaic’s work in forest management certifications, operations, community relations, sustainability initiatives, environmental performance, fish and wildlife management, and the species at risk program. Her work helped Mosaic win the Sustainable Forestry Initiative’s 2023 Leadership in Conservation Award for its early adoption of climate-smart forestry objectives.

Molly is committed to helping change the face of the forest sector so it is a safe, welcoming place for all, where different voices are at the table and are valued.

Next week we will showcase the achievements of winner Igor Lafaeff.

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Spotlight on excellence: Sanjna Hothi https://www.woodbusiness.ca/spotlight-on-excellence-sanjna-hothi/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=spotlight-on-excellence-sanjna-hothi Fri, 20 Oct 2023 03:59:35 +0000 https://www.woodbusiness.ca/?p=100161 In our 11th edition of the Top 20 Under 40 award, Canadian Forest Industries is shining a spotlight on the next-gen leaders who are making waves in our industry. These young champions are not just rising stars – they’re innovators, change-makers, mentors, and community builders. Over the next 20 weeks, we’ll introduce you to each of the 2023 winners.

Today, let’s get to know Sanjna Hothi, sales manager at S&W Forest Products in Maple Ridge, B.C.

Sanj started in the cedar shake and shingle sector in 2013 when she was hired for her accounting background. Quickly S&W realized that her skill set far exceeds just crunching numbers. Sanj expressed an interest in marketing, health and safety, general mill operations and logistics. Her general aptitude, eagerness to learn and her pleasant demeanor were evident from the start which translated into overall improvement, growth and sales for the company.

Sanj has worked in almost every department at S&W and now manages all sales for S&W. She is well known for her sharp business acumen and great foresight. Despite the challenges continuously faced in the industry, Sanj continues to always look for solutions and improvements with her never folding cornerstone attitude.

The 34-year-old has been the youngest member of the Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau’s board of directors since 2018, and is now the vice chair, helping shape guidelines for product quality and environmental sustainability and also helps promote the value of B.C.’s cedar shakes and shingles worldwide.

Next week we will showcase the achievements of winner Molly Hudson.

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Spotlight on excellence: Katherine Gunion https://www.woodbusiness.ca/spotlight-on-excellence-katherine-gunion/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=spotlight-on-excellence-katherine-gunion Fri, 13 Oct 2023 12:00:36 +0000 https://www.woodbusiness.ca/?p=100158 In our 11th edition of the Top 20 Under 40 award, Canadian Forest Industries is shining a spotlight on the next-gen leaders who are making waves in our industry. These young champions are not just rising stars – they’re innovators, change-makers, mentors, and community builders. Over the next 20 weeks, we’ll introduce you to each of the 2023 winners.

Today, let’s get to know Katherine Gunion, team lead of biometrics at Forsite Consultants in Salmon Arm, B.C.

Kat prepared well for the technology advancements and big data management requirements we see now in the forest industry when she ambitiously blended experience with tree planting/fire suppression with a master of sustainable forest management (UBC) and a MSc in computer science (University of Victoria).

The RPF has inspired colleagues to incorporate cutting edge analytical techniques and models to support complex resource management problems, earning a reputation as a key resource on any project and a seat at the company’s leadership table at only 38 years old. Kat is involved in recruiting top talent across the country to realize her vision of computer science, big data, analytics. She also volunteers with the Salmon Arm Search and Rescue Unit and is continually improving her technical and leadership skills to provide support where needed.

“Kat is the go-to person at Forsite to brainstorm and tackle technical challenges that our forest sector clients from across the country bring to us. Somehow, she manages to stay current with the fast-paced advancements in the forestry field and help other,” explains her manager Cam Brown.

Next week we will showcase the achievements of winner Sanjna Hothi.

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Spotlight on excellence: Britanny Guimond https://www.woodbusiness.ca/spotlight-on-excellence-britanny-guimond/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=spotlight-on-excellence-britanny-guimond Fri, 06 Oct 2023 15:12:09 +0000 https://www.woodbusiness.ca/?p=100121 In our 11th edition of the Top 20 Under 40 award, Canadian Forest Industries is shining a spotlight on the next-gen leaders who are making waves in our industry. These young champions are not just rising stars – they’re innovators, change-makers, mentors, and community builders. Over the next 20 weeks, we’ll introduce you to each of the 2023 winners.

Today, let’s get to know Britanny Guimond, multifunctional harvester operator at Les Forestiers Multi-Sim in Dolbeau-Mistassini, Que.

Britanny says she has always been a bit of a tomboy. “I didn’t know what I wanted to work in, but I was looking for an unconventional job for a girl,” says the 20-year-old who played football in high school.

Britanny was working in healthcare when she saw a YouTube video of a multifunctional harvester in action. “I found it impressive and I decided to take a forestry course in 2021. In the woods, there is never a shortage of challenges.”

Being the only woman in camp was in itself a challenge, which Brittany embraced as she paved the way for women’s increased participation in the program. There are now four other women enrolled in camp, and her company has welcomed another woman into the team.

Brittany works eight days on, followed by six days off at Quebec’s Brooch forestry camp, which she says is ideal because she loves spending time in the forest, even if she has to work 12 hours a day. She plans to work in the forest for at least the next 10 years.

Next week we will showcase the achievements of winner Katherine Gunion.

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Becky Geneau joins Canadian Woodlands Forum as its new executive director https://www.woodbusiness.ca/becky-geneau-joins-canadian-woodlands-forum-as-its-new-executive-director/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=becky-geneau-joins-canadian-woodlands-forum-as-its-new-executive-director Tue, 19 Sep 2023 13:30:52 +0000 https://www.woodbusiness.ca/?p=99908 …]]> The Canadian Woodlands Forum (CWF) has appointed Becky Geneau, B.Sc.E. as the organization’s new executive director, effective August 21, 2023.

Geneau brings her leadership experience and passion to her new role to guide CWF’s mission, notes CWF in a press statement. In a career spanning 23 years, she has worked in the non-profit sector of natural resource outreach and education program development and is well-versed in resource management.

“I am genuinely honoured to lead the Canadian Woodlands Forum as we actively promote sustainable forestry practices and foster a culture of collaborative knowledge sharing. Connecting the youth of today with industry experts is more than just a foundation for a greener future – it’s a dynamic that strengthens economic prosperity,” said Geneau.

Her journey includes a tenure of 12 years at Science East Science Centre, where she demonstrated an unwavering commitment to providing valuable resources and insights across a spectrum of career fields through innovative programming. Her approach, aligning industry experts with youth through initiatives such as the Envirothon NB program – which she has coordinated for 17 years – underscores her dedication to connecting the next generation with industry professionals. This strategic pairing of budding talent with seasoned expertise is a pivotal building block for fostering sustainability and catalyzing economic growth. Her role in the recent International NCF-Envirothon New Brunswick competition exemplifies her ability to craft innovative solutions that harmonize industry interests, governmental goals and environmental stewardship.

Dirk Nielsen, chairperson of the executive committee at CWF, stated, “We are elated to welcome Becky Geneau as the new Executive Director of the Canadian Woodlands Forum. Her extensive experience and proven dedication to bridging the gap between youth and industry experts as well as providing opportunities for knowledge sharing and partner collaborations, align seamlessly with our organization’s mission to advance sustainable forestry practices.”

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CFI Staff
Spotlight on excellence: Anne-Marie Faucher https://www.woodbusiness.ca/spotlight-on-excellence-anne-marie-faucher/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=spotlight-on-excellence-anne-marie-faucher Mon, 18 Sep 2023 12:00:57 +0000 https://www.woodbusiness.ca/?p=99867 In our 11th edition of the Top 20 Under 40 award, Canadian Forest Industries is shining a spotlight on the next-gen leaders who are making waves in our industry. These young champions are not just rising stars – they’re innovators, change-makers, mentors, and community builders. Over the next 20 weeks, we’ll introduce you to each of the 2023 winners.

Today, let’s get to know Anne-Marie Faucher, president and CEO of PG Flooring in Saint-Édouard-de-Lotbinière, Que.

After spending a few years working in the hospitality industry, Anne-Marie decided to be a part of the family business in 2008. She has held numerous positions at PG Flooring since, spearheading innovative projects and processes, until she was promoted to president and CEO in August 2020. Since becoming the head of the company, the 36-year-old has created committees and carried out several projects and partnerships that elevated PG Flooring to be a leader in the hardwood flooring industry in Quebec and in Canada.

“It’s really exciting to work for a company founded by my grandfather and his cousin in 1979,” she says. “It’s a source of pride to continue working as a family,” adds Anne-Marie.

Knowing how to mobilize the troops and motivate colleagues to take them further are part of Anne-Marie’s leadership DNA. Over the coming years, she plans to continue expanding when markets and interest rates stabilize. “We invested more than $6 million in our production line,” she says. “We now want to maximize production capacity and efficiency.”

Next week we will showcase the achievements of winner Peter Flett.

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Opinion: Making forestry a female friendly sector https://www.woodbusiness.ca/opinion-making-forestry-a-female-friendly-sector/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=opinion-making-forestry-a-female-friendly-sector Wed, 19 Jul 2023 14:22:16 +0000 https://www.woodbusiness.ca/?p=98768 Like most resource sectors, forestry has long been seen as an industry staffed, led, and dominated by the culture of men. But it is changing. 

The situation has been progressing thanks to the kinds of leadership we’ve seen over the past few decades that acknowledge the need to change the industry – the need to knock down barriers that impact different people in different ways. While this began with conversations of women with other women, it has grown to include everyone in the important efforts to make the sector a place where women do not have to face the gender-based challenges of the past.

We have seen our leaders and colleagues make real efforts to change their knowledge and understanding. Both of us have benefitted from confident female professionals teaching and guiding us directly – and demonstrating the kind of leadership required to build the culture and the workplace that is desired.

We’re dedicated to delivering this kind of leadership. Much of that comes down to demonstrating the way forward through how we do our work. Living Mosaic Forest Management’s mission in this area is all about working as your whole, authentic self.

There are a number of steps to working as your authentic self. First, as a woman, it is NOT about changing yourself or your actions to counter stereotypes or to try to fight them. It’s important to resist the feeling that you need to take on representing all women. Instead, be yourself.

The second part applies to women and men alike when encountering difficult circumstances like sexist remarks or gender-based discrimination. If the situation warrants and the opportunity exists, the most effective way to change people’s minds is to engage in a genuine conversation – be curious, patient and get to know them. When you share yourself in that situation, you can shift perspectives. Don’t let small issues become bigger by not setting boundaries.

There is a critical caveat to this – if anything becomes unsafe, escalate to your supervisor or the HR process. Everyone has the right to work safely, and that means psychological safety as well. Raising issues early – not being dismissive of even small incidents – is the path to follow. 

For instance, a common challenge women can face in the old way of operating is being talked over in meetings. It’s something that can be difficult to navigate – especially in the meeting itself. Facing this, people should try to use their voices and set their boundaries because allowing people to talk over you, claim your work, or be dismissed will continue. Leaders have a major role in tackling this. They can call things out in a calm, rational way and set firm boundaries. Going forward, people will know to respect that boundary. A key tool is the meeting structure itself – having individual check-ins or roundtables gives everyone the floor and creates the space for all voices to be heard.

Women have an important role to play in the future of forestry. Mosaic is making genuine efforts to show this not just in our workplace, but by introducing our work and the potential of careers to young people. When we visit local schools and communities as part of the job, we know that we have the chance to show women as leaders. And when we take younger students out to the field to show them the working forest – what we are doing and who is doing it – we make sure they are meeting a diverse group of foresters who share their stories. It’s our goal that kids can see a path for everyone to a forestry career. It’s our hope that the path has become easier.

The company is also making efforts to foster diversity through our summer student and internship programs focused on women in trades and Indigenous people. These programs bring new voices and experience into our ranks, and that delivers a chance for learning on both sides. 

It’s our responsibility today – as leaders and as team members – to step up and continue pushing for change and focusing on every aspect of the forest sector to ensure it is a place where everyone can be their authentic selves regardless of their identity.


Molly Hudson is Mosaic’s director, sustainability. A registered professional forester and registered professional biologist, she’s worked to deliver on forestry’s role in a climate-smart future and creating a diverse and equitable sector 


As Mosaic’s senior manager, forestry operations, Jimmie Hodgson helps deliver the company’s reforestation, stand tending, survey monitoring, salvage operations, and fire hazard abatement programs

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Molly Hudson and Jimmie Hodgson
Lessons in leading change at Women in Forestry Virtual Summit 2023 https://www.woodbusiness.ca/lessons-in-leading-change-at-women-in-forestry-virtual-summit-2023/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=lessons-in-leading-change-at-women-in-forestry-virtual-summit-2023 Thu, 09 Mar 2023 19:45:06 +0000 https://www.woodbusiness.ca/?p=97919 …]]> “You don’t have to be at the top of an organization to be leading change.”

This is a quote from Linda Coady, the new president and CEO of the B.C. Council of Forest Industries, reflecting on learnings from a recent project she co-led in her former role with the Pembina Institute, along with Globe Series president Elizabeth Shirt.

Shirt and Coady opened the Women in Forestry Virtual Summit this week with a discussion about takeaways from the project that uncovered barriers and collected stories and lessons from women leading the energy transition.

Shirt confided that the stories they collected were, “At times tough to hear, and I’m sure tougher to share.” The project confirmed women, especially Indigenous women, are more likely to be harassed than their male counterparts in industrial settings, but the more than 100 women who participated each shared a unique strategy for resilience to continue to lead in their careers.

Coady said forestry faces similar challenges to the energy industry with gender equality and participation, but that momentum is there with events like the summit bringing leaders – regardless of company seniority – together to learn and share.

The third annual virtual summit drew more than 800 participants from across the country, as well more than 20 other countries, all tuned in to see how the Canadian forest industry is working to break down barriers to embracing diversity.

Speakers tackled what it means to be an ally, Indigenous rights and participation, hiring strategies, and the role of the boss in making workplaces more inclusive. A panel of women in the industry shared their personal journeys to carve out a role in a male-dominated workplace.

Heather Boyd, executive director of the Forestry Sector Council in Nova Scotia, spoke to recruitment strategies and noted that at their recent forestry innovation event, 35 per cent of the participants were women – a marked uptick from the industry average most recently tallied in 2016 as 17 per cent.

“Inclusion is not just about checking boxes,” Boyd said. “It’s about ensuring all people in your workforce feel like they belong.” A diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) strategy is a good place to start, but that needs to be a working document, consistently reviewed and not shelved, she said.

The workplace environment was among the topics brought up during the panel discussion with women working in operations roles.

The panel, moderated by lumber trader Haleigh Callison, included Cascades Récupération+ regional operations manager Cynthia Larose, Ann-Marie Baron, OH&S Manager for Lemare Group, and millwright and welder Lana Love.

Love, who recently became a field operator with Arbios Biotech, shared her experience when she started in trades, feeling the need to be one of the guys. “When my apprenticeship started, I think that some men saw it as a threat to their right to exist the way they had always been able to exist at work, and the often-misogynistic culture that they enjoyed at work,” Love said. Her reaction to their blame was to try and be seen as “one of them.”

“That changed when I became a became a supervisor. Creating a safe and inclusive workplace was really important for me, for all of my workers. Racist, sexist or otherwise offensive remarks were not allowed by anyone,” she said.

All of the sessions for the virtual event are now available on demand on our event page, each as an individual YouTube link by clicking on the title of the session.

Thanks to all our sponsors for making this free event possible!

Our gold sponsors: John Deere, Interfor, West Fraser, and Canfor.

And our bronze sponsors: Alberta Forest Products Association, Forestry Innovation Investment, FSC, GreenFirst Forest Products, Mosaic Forest Management, Resolute Forest Products, Sustainable Forestry Initiative, Woodtone, WorkSafeBC, and Forests Ontario.

 

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‘Take the front row!’: Q&A with SFI’s Kathy Abusow https://www.woodbusiness.ca/take-the-front-row-qa-with-sfis-kathy-abusow/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=take-the-front-row-qa-with-sfis-kathy-abusow Mon, 06 Mar 2023 17:54:40 +0000 https://www.woodbusiness.ca/?p=97857 …]]> Kathy Abusow is a renowned leader in the forest sector who is encouraging women to take the front row and help each other to succeed. She is the president and CEO of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), a non-profit leader dedicated to advancing sustainability through forest-focused collaborations. Under Kathy’s leadership, SFI has evolved into a solutions-oriented sustainability organization that works to address global issues such as climate action, conservation of biodiversity, and sustainable community development. A key driver of SFI’s success is SFI’s ability to engage networks to advance sustainability in the forest and conservation sector — a commitment that is represented in SFI’s vision, a world that values and benefits from sustainably managed forests.

CFI: What drew you to forestry and your job at SFI?

My love of forests started in the middle of the night in Vermont during a thunderstorm. Lightning struck just a few feet away from head, and all the electricity in the house went out. The next day, the electrician couldn’t figure out how we were still alive, but I knew. It was because my bed wasn’t made from a steel frame. My father, a cabinet maker, made my bed out of wood, and it saved my life.

I’m a forest hugger—valuing all the benefits that forests and forest products bring, all the life-saving and life-sustaining benefits. But unfortunately, we have seen that if a forest isn’t valued, it can be converted to something else, like a parking lot or mall, which means we lose the important environmental, social, and economic benefits sustainably managed forests provide.

At SFI, we are working to advance sustainability through forest-focused collaborations, and our vision is a world that values and benefits from sustainably managed forests. Through our work at SFI, my hope is that people value sustainably managed forests and we can work together for a better future.

CFI: Do you find there are certain challenges or hurdles for women to enter or stay in the industry?

In the State of Canada’s Forests: Annual Report 2022, it says that only 17 per cent of people employed in Canada’s forest sector are women. Without role models in leadership positions or organizations being intentional with recruiting and retaining, young women may not decide to pursue or stick with a green career pathway.

But when you are intentional and do the work, you see that women and a diversity of people, including Indigenous, Black, Latina/o/x, and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities and people living with disabilities, are very interested in the forest and conservation sector.

For example, through Project Learning Tree Canada (PLT Canada), an initiative of SFI, we’ve helped place over 7,000 young adults in green jobs across Canada with our Green Jobs program, and we’re very proud to have achieved gender balance and almost 15 per cent of placements for Indigenous youth.

We need to continue working on creating pathways for women and a diversity of people to leadership positions, because if you can see it, you can be it. Organizations have to create the conditions for success so that women and a diversity of people are getting those opportunities. When I speak to executives, they do recognize this need. But there is more work to be done here, even if I have seen improvements over the course of my career.

CFI: What was it like for women when you first got involved in the industry?

When I started in the forest and conservation sector, I was the only woman in the room. Today, thankfully, it’s changed. There has been great progress, inclusion, and opportunity, but we still have a ways to go. It’s important is to ensure a diversity of voices at the table.

CFI: What can companies do to attract and retain women?

We all need to work together to build a diverse and resilient workforce and create inclusive, welcoming workplaces.

For recruitment, we need to highlight women and a diversity of people in green jobs and showcase the exciting diversity of careers within Canada’s forest and conservation sector. We also know that awareness needs to start young, which is why PLT creates a lifetime of learning through environmental education, forest literacy, and career pathway resources and programs. As kids grow into young adults, we help them develop skills, networks, and experiences that can lead them to successful career paths. We’ve worked hard to help employers share role models and career opportunities, with resources like A Guide to Green Jobs in Canada: Voices of Indigenous Professionals, Black Faces in Green Spaces: The Journeys of Black Professionals in Green Careers, career fact sheets, Forest Quest, and more.

Then of course, once someone is excited about a career in the forest and conservation sector, they need to be welcomed into an inclusive workplace. Organizations need to do internal trainings and embed diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within their organization. They should also be intentional in ensuring they have gender equality and diverse representation in leadership, on boards, and on committees. We are working on more employer trainings to support these initiatives, such as PLT Canada’s Indigenous Rights and Relationship Building courses with Sault College and our Green Jobs Employer Series.

Mentorship is another powerful tool for recruiting, retaining, and advancing the workforce, so organizations can decide to invest in creating a program for their employees. It can help young women and a diversity of people get in the door, and it can help those already in the sector advance their own career by developing coaching and leadership skills.

CFI: What advice do you have for women considering a career the forest industry?

Take the front row! Be curious, believe in yourself, and learn from others. When you succeed, help others do the same—share your voice for good!

As the forest and conservation sector is traditionally male dominated, it can be intimidating entering the workforce as a young woman. Finding a mentor who can share wisdom, lessons learned, and connections, breaks down some barriers and can help you navigate the space. You can find an informal mentor through LinkedIn or networking events, or join a structured program, like PLT Canada’s Green Mentor program.


This article is part of CFIPulp & Paper Canada and Canadian Biomass’ Women in Forestry series, an annual celebration of women in the industry. Find more content here and follow us on social media with the hashtag: #WomeninForestry.

Remember to join us for the Women in Forestry Virtual Summit on Mar. 7 at 11 am ET/8 am PT! It’s FREE to register. Sign up now!

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#WomenInForestry Q&A series highlights changing forest sector https://www.woodbusiness.ca/womeninforestry-qa-series-highlights-changing-forest-sector/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=womeninforestry-qa-series-highlights-changing-forest-sector Mon, 06 Mar 2023 14:19:56 +0000 https://www.woodbusiness.ca/?p=97845 Each year before International Women’s Day our forestry team shares the stories of incredible women in the industry from across Canada with the goal of highlighting challenges, progress and inspiration.

Year after year I’m amazed at how rapidly things are changing compared to when we started. These voices are more and more optimistic about what the future holds for inclusion in the forest sector.

Below is this year’s collection of Q&As. Give them a read, and join us tomorrow for our third annual Women in Forestry Virtual Summit.

 


‘Challenge yourself’: Q&A with plant manager Hanen Abd
Hanen Abd is a successful chemical technologist, a thriving plant manager, and a devoted mother who loves challenges. READ MORE


Unboxing learning opportunities: Q&A with Kruger’s Paula Allen
Paula Allen entered the pulp and paper industry in pursuit of new opportunities. Her quest to learn more and more about Kruger and the packaging industry sparks her enthusiasm afresh every day. READ MORE


President’s view: Q&A with Fibreco’s Megan Owen-Evans
Megan Owen-Evans, president of B.C.-owned Fibreco Export Inc., one of the largest wood biomass handling terminals in the world, is helping bring more diversity to the Vancouver waterfront. READ MORE


Home in forestry: Q&A with mill manager Natalie Peace
Natalie Peace, mill manager with Weyerhaeuser Edson OSB in Alberta, discusses the changes she has seen in the mill over the last 20 years and the power there is in having diversity in the workplace. READ MORE


‘Go for it!’: Q&A with tradeswoman Lana Love
One message that Lana Love would like to highlight for women is that gender-based views of what a woman’s career should be shouldn’t stop one from pursuing a career in the forest industry. READ MORE


Immersed in forestry: Q&A with Lemare Group’s Ann-Marie Baron
Ann-Marie Baron is the occupational health and safety and labour relations manager at Lemare Group, a privately owned harvesting, road building, log brokerage and civil works company based on Vancouver Island. READ MORE


‘Raise your voice’: Q&A with Prof. Peggy Smith
In her many years of experience in the industry, professor Peggy Smith has raised her voice to make a huge difference and is encouraging women to do the same. READ MORE


Team player: Q&A with Jessica Kruger’s Charland Labonté
Since Jessica Charland Labonté’s chance entry into the industry, she has taken up numerous challenges along the way and delivered the required results. READ MORE


Ardent advocate: Q&A with silviculture supervisor Olivia Blizzard
A chance decision to join a forestry program in university led Olivia Blizzard – silviculture supervisor with J.D. Irving’s woodlands division in New Brunswick – to become a passionate advocate for sustainable forestry practices and bringing in more women to the industry. READ MORE


Sustainable career: Q&A with Shaw Renewables’ Julie Griffiths
The right team and flexibility to find the right home-work balance were essential factors for Julie Griffiths to settle into her career with Nova Scotia wood pellet producer Shaw Renewables. READ MORE


Winning contributions: Q&A with forest sustainability director Wendy Crosina
Wendy Crosina is the director of forest sustainability at Weyerhaeuser Canadian Timberlands, and is also a recent recipient of the Forest Products Association of Canada’s Women in Forestry award. READ MORE


Quest for improvement: Q&A with Sarah Stockley, environmental specialist at Mercer
As an environmental specialist, Sarah Stockley’s focus is on keeping up with industry standards and requirements. She is on a quest to continuously improve environment and sustainability practices at Mercer Peace River Pulp. READ MORE


Celebrating women: Q&A with Tolko Industries’ Janis Simpkins
Janis Simpkins, the vice-president of Indigenous and government relations and Sustainability with Tolko Industries talks sustainability, Indigenous partnerships, and women in leadership. READ MORE.


Focusing on ‘IDEA’: Q&A with forester Julie Dinsdale
For Julie Dinsdale – a registered professional forester and is the B.C. Indigenous relations lead for West Fraser – focusing on Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) is a great idea. READ MORE


‘Sasquatch’ logger: Q&A with Janessa Nelson-Smith
Janessa Nelson-Smith grew up in a logging family, married into a logging family and has now joined a growing group of women making their careers in forestry. READ MORE


Sparking passion: Q&A with forestry student Aly Brooks
Aly Brooks, a second-year forest technology student from NAIT, says her passion for being outdoors drove her decision to join the forestry course. READ MORE


‘Take the front row!’: Q&A with SFI’s Kathy Abusow
Kathy Abusow is a renowned leader in the forest industry who is encouraging women to take the front row and help each other to succeed. READ MORE

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Focusing on ‘IDEA’: Q&A with forester Julie Dinsdale https://www.woodbusiness.ca/focusing-on-idea-qa-with-forester-julie-dinsdale/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=focusing-on-idea-qa-with-forester-julie-dinsdale Mon, 06 Mar 2023 13:01:22 +0000 https://www.woodbusiness.ca/?p=97822 …]]> For Julie Dinsdale, focusing on Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) is a great idea.

Julie is a registered professional forester and is the B.C. Indigenous relations lead for West Fraser. We spoke with her last year about how she was helping reshape the forest industry though measurable action on economic reconciliation with Canada’s Indigenous communities as well as sustainable forest management.

We caught up with her again this year for a quick update.

CFI: How did the industry change in the past year?

Overall, there is a higher level of understanding about the business advantage and necessity for inclusion, diversity, equity, accessibility. We have seen an increased focus on IDEA conversations and how to turn those ideas into action in the forest industry in a methodical way. There has been a more focus on creating a space for conversations about IDEA where we can explore issues from multiple perspectives and facilitate positive change together more effectively.

Working in a respectful way to reduce fear that can exist around change is an important part of this work gaining traction.

Specific to West Fraser, workforce representation of women increased to 15 per cent and representation of under-represented minorities has increased to 25 per cent.

CFI: How has your role changed in the past year?

My role has changed to fully focus on supporting our divisions in Indigenous relations – this includes a wide variety of responsibilities, but primarily the focus on building bridges, agreements and partnerships with Indigenous communities and our divisions. I have an increased focus on Indigenous recruitment, retention, and inclusion, community relations, and exploring business development opportunities. In addition to this, I am leading the implementation of our work in Canada towards Progressive Aboriginal Relations (PAR) certification, where we will be working on setting targets on procurement from Indigenous-owned business and Indigenous employment.

CFI: How significant is it for women in our industry (and other industries) that we celebrate this day?

This is an important time of reflection, of looking back to see how far we have come, and learning from the past so that we can continue to choose more inclusive pathways in the future.

Showcasing the achievements of women, Indigenous, and diverse candidates is a great way to connect with and inspire the current and future workforce. By demonstrating the focus on IDEA, we can encourage people from all backgrounds to take their place in the forest industry and other industries and have a rewarding career.


This article is part of CFIPulp & Paper Canada and Canadian Biomass’ Women in Forestry series, an annual celebration of women in the industry. Find more content here and follow us on social media with the hashtag: #WomeninForestry.

Remember to join us for the Women in Forestry Virtual Summit on Mar. 7 at 11 am ET/8 am PT! It’s FREE to register. Sign up now!

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‘Raise your voice and make a difference!’: Q&A with Prof. Peggy Smith https://www.woodbusiness.ca/raise-your-voice-and-make-a-difference-qa-with-prof-peggy-smith/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=raise-your-voice-and-make-a-difference-qa-with-prof-peggy-smith Mon, 06 Mar 2023 13:00:44 +0000 https://www.woodbusiness.ca/?p=97818 …]]> Dr. Peggy Smith is a registered professional forester and a renowned professor whose research have focused on the social impacts of natural resources management, especially Indigenous peoples’ rights, community forestry, public participation, northern development, and forest certification. She is currently Professor Emerita, Faculty of Natural Resources Management, and former Interim Vice-Provost Indigenous Initiatives at Lakehead University.

In her many years of experience in the industry, she has raised her voice to make a huge difference and is encouraging women to do the same.

CFI: What drew you to forestry and your job at Lakehead?

I think I was going through a mid-life crisis in my mid-30s. I had been a secretary for almost 20 years and was tired of living close to the poverty line, unable to buy a house or afford a car as a single woman working in the “pink ghetto”. I decided to return to school.

Forestry was the discipline I settled on because it brought together my personal history and interests.

I come from a family of loggers and farmers with mixed blood (Cree) ancestry. I moved to Thunder Bay, Ont., from a bush camp near Manitouwadge, Ont., in the middle of my first year of school in a one-room schoolhouse in Stevens, Ont. Thunder Bay became home, but I left when I was 17 to travel the world and work across Canada. I became interested in social change, including women’s liberation and a concern about the environment. I also began to explore my Indigenous roots, inspired by my younger sister who was part of a group of young folks who, under Xavier Michon’s leadership, established the Thunder Bay Indian Friendship Centre.

Forestry seemed to me to be the place where I could come home to my family and Lakehead University, and bring together my interests around Indigenous peoples’ place on the land and in decision-making, feminism, the environment through better forestry practices, and earning a better living in a largely male-dominated field. In 1991, I graduated from the honours bachelor of science in forestry, the same year that the National Aboriginal Forestry Association (NAFA) was founded. My first contract was with NAFA.

After working at NAFA for a few years, I decided to pursue graduate studies and enrolled in the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Forestry in 1997. In 2000, Lakehead University’s Faculty of Forestry and the Forest Environment approached me to see if I would be interested in applying for a position that would develop Indigenous programming in the faculty. I jumped at the chance to return home, to my family and alma mater, and to work on expanding the knowledge of forestry students about Indigenous issues. It took me another seven years to complete my PhD with the added burden of teaching, research and administrative work, but I finally got it done! I retired from Lakehead University in 2017.

CFI: What was it like for women when you first got involved in the industry?

Because I was in the forest policy arena, promoting rights-based Indigenous engagement in the forest sector, I attended a lot of meetings.

Many times, I was the only woman in the room. Often times, it meant challenging the men in the room about their language about and treatment of women and Indigenous people. Even to this day, there are times when I raise issues in meetings but my voice is ignored. I note that more attention is paid when it’s a man making the same point. But I think, overall, there is a growing respect for and solicitation of women’s leadership in the sector.

CFI: What can companies do to attract and retain women?

I was involved with the National Steering Committee on Gender Equity in the Forest Sector led by a partnership between the Centre for Social Intelligence and the Canadian Institute of Forestry (CIF). There are some great tools that came out of this process and I would urge companies to use them. The CIF has a website – Free to Grow – where you can find resources. Included on the site is a small study I worked on with Erin Knight on Indigenous Women’s Leadership in the Forest Sector (2021).

CFI: What advice do you have for those considering a career the forest industry?

I think we’re entering a transformative stage in the forest sector, with opportunities for addressing challenges and introducing more innovation in the sector. Issues I was concerned about in the late 1980s persist and there is always room for improvement. Raise your voice and make a difference!


This article is part of CFIPulp & Paper Canada and Canadian Biomass’ Women in Forestry series, an annual celebration of women in the industry. Find more content here and follow us on social media with the hashtag: #WomeninForestry.

Remember to join us for the Women in Forestry Virtual Summit on Mar. 7 at 11 am ET/8 am PT! It’s FREE to register. Sign up now!

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‘Go for it!’: Q&A with tradeswoman Lana Love https://www.woodbusiness.ca/go-for-it-qa-with-tradeswoman-lana-love/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=go-for-it-qa-with-tradeswoman-lana-love Fri, 03 Mar 2023 21:00:36 +0000 https://www.woodbusiness.ca/?p=97808 …]]> One message (out of many) that Lana Love would like to highlight for women is that gender-based views of what a woman’s career should be shouldn’t stop one from pursuing a career in the forest industry “because maybe someone told them along the way that it wasn’t for them.”

There are many avenues to choose from in the forest sector, and Lana the millwright, welder, leader and most importantly, mother, chose the road less travelled.

This is her story.

CFI: What led you to become involved in the forest industry?

Growing up in a small community surrounded by other small communities that were supported by the forest industry was a factor for sure. Where I lived, the mills were the main economic driver. My dad was a faller, until he was injured and couldn’t continue. Most of my uncles worked in the bush and my grandfather built logging roads. Even my husband worked as a logging contractor for two decades.

I moved away from my home community after high school for several years, and got my C Level welding qualification, but ultimately ended up back home, as a single mother. I pursued a job at the mill to support my daughter because serving and housekeeping for minimum wage wasn’t cutting it and no one would hire me as a welder. Working in the mill was the start of an amazing journey that has afforded me so many opportunities for career growth and learning.

CFI: What kind of equipment have you operated/currently operating? What’s a normal day on the job like for you?

When I was in the mill, I operated a lot of different equipment, before I started my apprenticeship. I operated the bander, sawmill and planer stackers, tilt hoist and lug loader, to name a few. Once I got my millwright apprenticeship, I was on the tools, so I operated power tools and welders. I also got my crane safe folding boom ticket and operated our Hiab crane.

I’m in a new role now, also connected to the forestry industry. At Arbios Biotech we are in the early stages of construction at our worksite, so I’m using my experience to provide input to the operating design of the renewable biofuel plant. I am also currently working on my Fourth-Class Power Engineering certificate and look forward to the new equipment that I will learn to run because it will give me a lot of new skills.

CFI: What do you like most about working in the industry?

What I like the most is how much opportunity there is and the variety of career paths. I didn’t come into the industry thinking that I would ever end up where I am now. I just wanted to be able to pay my bills and give my daughter the future she deserves. I imagine that when people think about the forest industry they think about logging and mills, which are just two aspects. There is so much more.

At Arbios Biotech we are using forestry residues to make renewable biofuels with a low carbon footprint. I am excited about the new technology and the sustainable diversification of the forestry industry that will contribute to using all of the log. I am also excited to be connected to the industry that is still the main economic driver in this community.

CFI: What are you most proud of?

I am most proud of being a Red Seal Millwright. When I won my apprenticeship through the bidding system at the first mill I worked at, there were a lot of people that told me I shouldn’t or couldn’t do it; that it was hard, heavy, and dirty work “that isn’t fit for a woman”. I knew that I could work as hard as anyone, that I was smart enough to find a way to make the work easier for myself and that it would be an amazing opportunity to gain better job security and pay. So, I did it. I didn’t even know what a millwright was before I started working at the mill. I got great marks in school; both the academic and practical portions and I know I did a good job at work. A lot of people had to admit they were wrong.

(Editor’s note: The Red Seal program is the interprovincial standard of excellence in the skilled trades. According to the College of the BC Building Trades, it is the highest standard of training in the country.)

Now I work to encourage other women and other underrepresented people to consider a career in the trades – something that they might not otherwise – because maybe someone told them along the way that it wasn’t for them.

CFI: Any advice for women who are looking to get into the forest sector?

I say go for it! There are a lot of different avenues into the forest sector. You could get an academic education for various roles – administrative or technical, you could get a trade and work in the mills as a skilled tradesperson, or you could start in the mill in a production role, and there are so many opportunities from there. Where you start isn’t necessarily where you will end up and, in the meantime, you will have a great job where you will earn good money and learn useful skills.


This article is part of CFIPulp & Paper Canada and Canadian Biomass’ Women in Forestry series, an annual celebration of women in the industry. Find more content here and follow us on social media with the hashtag: #WomeninForestry.

Remember to join us for the Women in Forestry Virtual Summit on Mar. 7 at 11 am ET/8 am PT! It’s FREE to register. Sign up now!

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‘Challenge yourself!’: Q&A with plant manager Hanen Abd https://www.woodbusiness.ca/challenge-yourself-qa-with-plant-manager-hanen-abd/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=challenge-yourself-qa-with-plant-manager-hanen-abd Fri, 03 Mar 2023 19:23:01 +0000 https://www.woodbusiness.ca/?p=97804 …]]> Hanen Abd is a successful chemical technologist, a thriving plant manager, and a devoted mother who loves challenges.

Hanen graduated from Ontario’s Sheridan College in 2012 with an advanced diploma in chemical engineering technology and a diploma in business administration, project management from McMaster University. Right after graduation, she immediately worked as a chemical technologist in the manufacturing industry and at environmental laboratories, before becoming the plant manager at Stella-Jones’ Guelph facility in 2021.

“Working for Stella-Jones has been a game-changer in my career because of its amazing leadership team, as well as the great team I get to work with on a daily basis that has been giving me the freedom to express and implement ideas and navigate the world of pressure treated wood,” Hanen proudly says.

CFI: What led you to become involved in the forest industry?

A series of events lead me into the forest industry.  After an unfortunate closure of my previous employment while on maternity leave, I found myself searching for a job that could challenge me.  I received offers from other industries but the forest industry peaked my interest.  I felt it would provide me opportunities to grow personally and professionally.

CFI: In your experience, how do you think the industry deals with diversity and inclusion?

This industry is definitely male dominated, but in my two short years as the plant manager – and being new to the industry – I have always felt like an equal and well-respected.  I lead a staff of 22 great employees – none of which have ever made me feel insecure.

CFI: What do you like most about working in the industry?

This is a fast-paced industry.  There’s something new every day which seems to challenge me in the areas of safety, logistics, production, environment, chemistry, sales, procurement, accounting, etc. Wood is a renewable natural resource and a product most people rely on every day, where it be for home structure, furniture, electrical distribution, etc.  Wood doesn’t evolve much, processes do.

CFI: Any advice for women who are looking to get into the forest sector?

Challenge yourself!  The forest industry has evolved, and I believe any person is capable, especially if one enjoys the outdoors.


This article is part of CFIPulp & Paper Canada and Canadian Biomass’ Women in Forestry series, an annual celebration of women in the industry. Find more content here and follow us on social media with the hashtag: #WomeninForestry.

Remember to join us for the Women in Forestry Virtual Summit on Mar. 7 at 11 am ET/8 am PT! It’s FREE to register. Sign up now!

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Finding your field: Q&A with sawyer Kelly Rodgers https://www.woodbusiness.ca/finding-your-field-qa-with-sawyer-kelly-rodgers/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=finding-your-field-qa-with-sawyer-kelly-rodgers Thu, 02 Mar 2023 16:38:09 +0000 https://www.woodbusiness.ca/?p=97780 …]]> Kelly Rodgers is a sawyer and social media communicator for Norwood Sawmills. She found her passion working with portable sawmills, and, in her current role, helping others discover the joy in turning fallen trees into wood products.

CFI: What led you to a career in the forest industry and your current role with Norwood Sawmills? 

What inspired me to pursue a career in the forest industry and ultimately led me to my current role with Norwood Sawmills was my love for the beauty and potential of every fallen tree. My journey began on a golf course, where I was struck by the sight of all the majestic trees that would inevitably be lost. That’s when I realized that I wanted to play a role in giving these trees a new life. So, I bought my first portable sawmill and started my adventure in the forest industry.

As I continued to work with my sawmill, I discovered the immense joy that came with creating something new and valuable from what had been discarded. That’s when I knew that I had found my calling in life. When I joined the Norwood family as a sawyer, I was thrilled to be a part of a team that shared my passion for transforming fallen trees into beautiful, useful lumber.

Now, in my current role at Norwood Sawmills, I get to help others embark on their own sawmilling journey. It’s an incredibly rewarding experience to be able to guide new family members in selecting the perfect sawmill that will grow with their cutting needs, and to watch them discover the same joy and satisfaction that I did when I first started out.

I consider myself incredibly fortunate to be able to do what I love every day, and I am excited to continue this journey in the forest industry with Norwood Sawmills

CFI: What is involved in your role? Highlights? 

As a member of the team, my primary focus is on engaging with sawyers on our social platforms. I’m constantly inspired by the passion and excitement that our community brings to the table, especially as they eagerly anticipate the assembly and operation of their very first sawmill.

What I love most about my role is being able to witness the transformative power of our sawmills firsthand. It’s incredibly rewarding to see a tree that might have otherwise gone to waste become a cherished part of someone’s home, or even a brand-new home altogether. Being able to share in the joy and excitement of our customers as they bring their projects to life is truly inspirational.

I feel incredibly fortunate to be a part of the Norwood community, and to have the opportunity to help others discover the same sense of fulfillment and purpose that I have found in the forest industry.

CFI: Do you find there are certain challenges or hurdles for women to advance in the sector? Have you faced any of these situations?

Absolutely, I believe that there are still challenges and hurdles for women looking to advance in the forest industry and other male-dominated sectors. As a woman who has worked outside for years and operated big equipment, I have personally experienced some of these challenges.

One of the biggest obstacles that I have encountered is the perception that these industries are only for men. We need to change this perception and encourage more women to join us. We can help the next generation of women to overcome these hurdles by setting an example and encouraging them to pursue their passions, regardless of gender.

I’m proud to be a part of an industry that is evolving to include more women every day. We have strong women who are making a difference and leading the way in every aspect of the forest industry. Whether you’re a heavy equipment operator or a woodworker, your skills and contributions are what matter most.

CFI: What do you think the industry should do or change to attract and support women?

I think it’s important for the industry to make a concerted effort to attract and support women. There are many things we can do to make this happen. One of the biggest changes that we can make is to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for women.

There have been some great strides in recent years, like the development of clothing designed specifically for women. This is a huge step forward in making women feel more comfortable in the field.

Ultimately, we need to continue to challenge the status quo and create a more inclusive and diverse industry for all. As Eleanor Roosevelt said, “Women are like tea. You never know how strong they are until you put them in hot water.” Let’s show the industry what we are made of and continue to push for change.

CFI: What advice do you have for women starting out in forestry?

My first piece of advice is to be confident and believe in yourself. You are just as capable as anyone else in this field, and you bring a unique perspective and set of skills that can help to make this industry better. So don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do this, because you absolutely can!

Finally, don’t be afraid to take risks and try new things. This is a field that requires innovation and creativity, so don’t be afraid to think outside the box and try something new. Whether it’s developing a new technique for cutting lumber or finding a better way to manage a forest, you have the power to make a real impact in this industry.

In short, my advice is to be confident, never stop pushing yourself to learn and grow. With your passion and dedication, you have the power to change this industry for the better. So go out there and show the world what you’re made of!

I truly believe that forestry is a field where women can thrive, and I hope that I’ve been able to convey some of that enthusiasm to you today. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been in the industry for years, I wish you all the best in your journey.


This article is part of CFIPulp & Paper Canada and Canadian Biomass’ Women in Forestry series, an annual celebration of women in the industry. Find more content here and follow us on social media with the hashtag: #WomeninForestry.

Remember to join us for the Women in Forestry Virtual Summit on Mar. 7 at 11 am ET/8 am PT! It’s FREE to register. Sign up now!

 

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Home in forestry: Q&A with mill manager Natalie Peace https://www.woodbusiness.ca/home-in-forestry-qa-with-mill-manager-natalie-peace/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=home-in-forestry-qa-with-mill-manager-natalie-peace Wed, 01 Mar 2023 19:31:17 +0000 https://www.woodbusiness.ca/?p=97758 …]]> Natalie Peace, mill manager with Weyerhaeuser Edson OSB in Alberta, sat down with host Aspen Dudzic at the Alberta Forest Products Association AGM last September.

In this interview, they discuss the changes that Natalie has seen in the mill over the last 20 years and the power there is in having diversity in the workplace. When you think about women working in the forest sector, a career in the mill might not be the first opportunity that comes to mind. Natalie is happy to shatter those ideas.


This article is part of CFIPulp & Paper Canada and Canadian Biomass’ Women in Forestry series, an annual celebration of women in the industry. Find more content here and follow us on social media with the hashtag: #WomeninForestry.

Remember to join us for the Women in Forestry Virtual Summit on Mar. 7 at 11 am ET/8 am PT! It’s FREE to register. Sign up now!

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Alberta Forest Products Association
Sparking passion: Q&A with forestry student Aly Brooks https://www.woodbusiness.ca/sparking-passion-qa-with-forestry-student-aly-brooks/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=sparking-passion-qa-with-forestry-student-aly-brooks Wed, 01 Mar 2023 19:20:04 +0000 https://www.woodbusiness.ca/?p=97753 …]]> Aly Brooks is a second-year forest technology student from NAIT. She joined host Aspen Dudzic for a podcast filmed at last year’s Alberta Forest Products Association AGM & Conference.

Aly digs into her passion for being outdoors, which drove her decision to join the forestry course at NAIT.

Aly speaks to what she has learned in her studies, some of the surprising forestry roles she has learned about, and how programs such as Work Wild and the Junior Forest Rangers have influenced her to explore the many opportunities in the sector.


This article is part of CFIPulp & Paper Canada and Canadian Biomass’ Women in Forestry series, an annual celebration of women in the industry. Find more content here and follow us on social media with the hashtag: #WomeninForestry.

Remember to join us for the Women in Forestry Virtual Summit on Mar. 7 at 11 am ET/8 am PT! It’s FREE to register. Sign up now!

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Alberta Forest Products Association
Immersed in forestry: Q&A with Ann-Marie Baron, OH&S manager at Lemare Group https://www.woodbusiness.ca/immersed-in-forestry-qa-with-ann-marie-baron-ohs-manager-at-lemare-group/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=immersed-in-forestry-qa-with-ann-marie-baron-ohs-manager-at-lemare-group Wed, 01 Mar 2023 13:30:10 +0000 https://www.woodbusiness.ca/?p=97709 …]]> All the world’s a stage, said William Shakespeare, but as for Ann-Marie Baron, the word for world is forest.

“My dad spent 40 years in the industry, I am in the industry, my husband and kids are involved in the industry, the whole town is into forestry,” says Ann-Marie, who is currently the occupational health and safety and labour relations manager at Lemare Group, a privately owned harvesting, road building, log brokerage and civil works company based on Vancouver Island.

On top of that, Ann-Marie was re-elected last year for a second term as a councillor for the municipal council of Port McNeill, located on Vancouver Island’s north-east shore and was originally a base camp for loggers.

To paraphrase another power woman, Ann-Marie’s family is living in a forestry world and she is a forestry girl (or woman, rather.)

CFI: You started your career in special education, what led you to become involved in the forest industry?

I was at a point in my career – working part time hours in the public school system, while my children went to school – that I was ready for full time work. The forest industry allowed me to take that step.

CFI: What was it like for women when you first got involved in the industry?

When I started 18 years ago, there were women in administrative roles – payroll, accounts payable and occasionally you would meet a registered professional forester [RPF]. Now I expect to walk into a room and expect to find many women in compliance roles, as well as professionals like RPFs, biologists, etc.

CFI: In your years of experience, how do you think the logging industry has evolved in terms of diversity and inclusion? Have you seen it improve over the years?

In my bubble of exposure in north Vancouver Island, I have seen a steady increase of women in forestry. Our local Ministry of Forests and BC Timber Sales have more women than men employed in their offices. Forestry has an opportunity for many disciplines. For example, a married couple, both working in the forest industry, can have such diverse work scopes that when you overhear their dinner table conversation, you would think they worked in different fields. I find if you can do the task assigned, you will be accepted.

CFI: What do you like most about working in the logging industry?

I have been extremely fortunate in my career at Lemare that I have been encouraged by ownership and management to learn and participate in many different components or parts of the business. If I am trying to understand how regulations apply to the technical or operational side, the supervisors I work with say, “Hop in!” and we go to a worksite to watch or participate in the actual activity.

The industry is its own little family, there are connections through the work, logger sports, community sponsorship and partnerships that keep you invested. As a third generation, with my son being the fourth generation in our family to work in coastal B.C. logging, there is always someone who knows or worked with your family members and that has its own value and support.

CFI: What positive effects from forestry do you see in your community?

Forestry allowed both my daughter and bonus daughter the ability to work in positions that gave them valuable experience and a higher rate of pay while they were preparing for and attending post secondary school.  My son and bonus son have both been apprentices and certified – one as a heavy duty mechanic and one as a welder and blaster.

Our town has held logger sport competitions for 11 years.  Three members of our team (Nick Russel in the men’s division, my son in rookie, and Allison Briscoe in the women’s division) have all competed in Stihl Timbersports at both the Canadian and international levels.  It sure swells your heart with pride when you hear your community mentioned and see your team on The Sports Network.

(Ed’s note: Stihl Timbersports is an extreme sport competition series where lumberjack sport athletes compete in the use of axes and chainsaws.)

Many of our local sports teams, and events on the north island are sponsored by forest industry companies.

CFI: Any advice for women who are looking to get into the forest sector?

The best pieces of advice I received, from a gruffled old-school logger, was “Take yourself seriously or no one else will” and, “Don’t let anyone talk to you in a way that they wouldn’t speak to their mom or sister.” I believe that you have to be passionate about whatever is important to you but don’t pretend to know everything. You have to be open to learning: All. The. Time.


This article is part of CFI, Pulp & Paper Canada and Canadian Biomass’ Women in Forestry series, an annual celebration of women in the industry. Find more content here and follow us on social media with the hashtag: #WomeninForestry.

Remember to join us for the Women in Forestry Virtual Summit on Mar. 7 at 11 am ET/8 am PT! It’s FREE to register. Sign up now!

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Ardent advocate: Q&A with silviculture supervisor Olivia Blizzard https://www.woodbusiness.ca/ardent-advocate-qa-with-silviculture-supervisor-olivia-blizzard/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ardent-advocate-qa-with-silviculture-supervisor-olivia-blizzard Tue, 28 Feb 2023 18:32:35 +0000 https://www.woodbusiness.ca/?p=97717 …]]> Olivia Blizzard, silviculture supervisor with J.D. Irving’s woodlands division in New Brunswick, has a relatable story: A young person who, despite growing up in Fredericton – this year’s CIF-designated Forestry Capital of Canada – knew next to nothing about forestry.

A chance decision to join the forestry program in university led her to become a passionate advocate for sustainable forestry practices and bringing in more women to the industry.

CFI: What drew you to forestry and your job in silviculture?  

Olivia: I had no idea forestry existed. I grew up thinking that forestry was just logging like a lot of people do because we don’t necessarily see the other side of it. But I ended up working for a forestry college, MCFT [Maritime College of Forest Technology], and in the summers they would have us work with local NGOs so I was doing a lot of plot sampling, tree planting, different things, and learned about forestry. I was on a team of almost all females, including a single mom with two kids, so I had a pretty strong start to getting to see some very admirable women working in the field.

I was at school [University of New Brunswick] for physics at the time and a friend went into forestry and I was like, “I think I’ll do it!” We had no idea how awesome of a group it was until we got in there. Coming from the science program, we faced that point where we asked what was coming next, and in a science degree its often onto a masters. At that point, more school didn’t really excite me, so hearing about the job opportunities we would have after just an undergrad in forestry it was really a no-brainer. My friend found herself in a silviculture position out west now, so it’s been really neat to be able to catch up and chat about the similarities and differences of the land and programs we’re managing.

I think my passion for silviculture now comes from how diverse of a field it is. Nothing is set in stone, it’s very open to interpretation and it requires a lot of out-of-the-box thinking and long-term planning. I’m very much so problem solver so I’ve always liked that aspect.

Today I’m in sort of a hybrid role. I’m quite involved with planning right now so I’m in the field, validating data or I’m collecting inventory. I’ve been auditing quality on the ground and planning out treatments at my computer in the offseason. There’s definitely no two days that are the same.

CFI: What do you enjoy about your job? 

There’s so much I love about forestry it’s hard to answer these questions! I’m such an advocate, it’s ridiculous.

I think my passion comes from stewardship for the land. And I think the people in the workplace make it a lot easier to feel that. I love getting to bounce ideas off other people. Silviculture is such a puzzle and every site is so different. Getting to have those conversations about perspectives on decisions for a site that are impacting 50 years down the road are important. I think the camaraderie and the teamwork makes that happen.

The concept of there being no one right answer motivates me everyday. We’re working on huge time scales – I’m preparing for a harvest 40 or 50 years down the road. It’s about making an informed decision based on the resources that you have available and ongoing research.

Talking about social license has been a big factor in my role as a supervisor. We’re out day to day in the woods, talking with contractors, woodlot owners and public land users. It’s probably one of the most rewarding parts of the job, getting to educate the public and have those conversations. I think the whole industry is shifting towards not beating around the bush. We’re being direct with what’s happening and I think that’s the only way that things are going to change, when people are going out on tours and seeing what we’re doing day-to-day in the operations. Until people are out there or talk to foresters, I don’t think they realize that we all share the same values.

CFI: Do you find there are certain challenges or hurdles for women to enter or stay in the industry? 

I’ve been part of the fortunate generation in that we had a lot of trailblazers before us. We’ve got our foot in the door, and now it’s about opening that doorway for everyone.

I think we’re tackling a lot of major issues and, if not, they are being discussed and speaking from my experience I feel like women have the resources to voice those concerns that they might have. But now I find day-to-day it’s more about the little things. It’s framing the culture, creating a more supportive workplace, allowing women those opportunities and removing the little monotonous barriers – not the big glass ceiling-style ones.

Now it’s about pushing women to excel and giving them opportunities to be more visible. That’s one thing that I’ve noticed is there’s a lot of women in forestry, but you don’t necessarily see them running companies. So it’s getting women to that point and encouraging more women to fill the gaps we’ll be seeing with upcoming retirements.

CFI: What can companies do to attract and retain women?

My experience is definitely that comfort lies in numbers. I think having more and more representation is going to bring in more of those diverse perspectives and really create that inclusive workplace.

I had a female forester join my team this year in a leadership role and the change in my motivation – having that strong role model to look up to – was huge. I think it’s about having women in leadership positions and really giving them the opportunity to develop as a leader as they progress in their careers. Where it is a male-dominated industry, a radical shift to a diverse workplace isn’t necessarily realistic. It’s important to try to encourage women to shift into these roles, while also offering them ample support to really set them up for success.

I think we’re a good example of that. Her and I started a women’s group in the company that allows women in operational roles to get leadership opportunities and get those informal mentorships that really push you to the next level as an employee. After she joined and I realized the difference it makes having a female leader you can turn to for advice or feedback, it really motivated me to share that experience with other employees, especially young females who might need the additional confidence. Everyone has been super supportive of getting the group off the ground and all the participants are really looking forward to what’s to come.

In our field it’s rare to be in a group that’s only women in a room so to get that experience and to be able to talk freely and openly about our experiences and what we want to achieve as a group and where we see it going was really exciting.

CFI: What advice do you have for those considering a career the forest industry?  

Just do it first off. Even now I’m learning daily about more and more jobs that are under the umbrella of forestry that I never would have thought of.  You can go anywhere with it. I think there’s a big perspective that being in forestry means you’re going to be outside 24/7, which isn’t necessarily required. In theory you can be a forester and never leave your office. I think for a lot of people that might be a hurdle that they expect to face, but it’s not necessarily the case.

It’s now a time when creativity is really valued, especially in silviculture where those practices aren’t set in stone. There’s no blanket prescription and you can’t follow a regime perfectly, it’s always going to be variable. We need out-of-the-box thinkers in strategic planning and those diverse perspectives that oftentimes come from women. That’s definitely a big thing that I’ve noticed and really appreciated since joining the workforce.


This article is part of CFIPulp & Paper Canada and Canadian Biomass’ Women in Forestry series, an annual celebration of women in the industry. Find more content here and follow us on social media with the hashtag: #WomeninForestry.

Remember to join us for the Women in Forestry Virtual Summit on Mar. 7 at 11 am ET/8 am PT! It’s FREE to register. Sign up now!

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‘Sasquatch’ logger: Q&A with Janessa Nelson-Smith https://www.woodbusiness.ca/sasquash-logger-qa-with-janessa-nelson-smith/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=sasquash-logger-qa-with-janessa-nelson-smith Tue, 28 Feb 2023 17:24:37 +0000 https://www.woodbusiness.ca/?p=97699 …]]> Janessa Nelson-Smith grew up in a logging family, married into a logging family and has now joined a growing group of women making their careers in forestry.

Q: How did you get started in logging?

I’ve been surrounded by logging my whole life. My dad was in logging, and my brother followed. One day my brother came home and said to me, “Grab your stuff. You’re coming to work with me.” I thought it was so cool just to be going somewhere with my brother. That’s where it started.

I also married into a logging family. My husband’s family has had a logging company for over 60 years.

Q: What’s a normal day on the job like for you?

I used to log full-time. I did five seasons of logging. Now I work for Nicola Post & Rail in Merritt, British Columbia, cutting fence posts, posts and rail. I love running my limber.

Sometimes I cut sawlog, and we have customers that like firewood. We do a little bit of everything. I have two huskies and a husband, so not logging full-time is kind of nice. I like being able to do something different. Not a lot of operators like cutting this kind of small wood.

Q: What kind of equipment are you operating?

I’m using the Waratah 622B to get through the wood that we have in the mill. I really like the 622B because it’s quite versatile, has great speed and good measurements. It’s by far my favourite head. Waratah heads are built to work. That’s why the company has been around for 50 years.

Q: You’re a woman in the logging industry. Do people in the industry treat you any differently?

I grew up around it, so I don’t think anything of it. I’ve been lucky enough to meet some really great guys. I had one instance where a guy wouldn’t let me drive him to work because I’m a girl. But I just laughed and drove away. You have to have that attitude.

But it’s also nice to see more women are getting into the industry.

When I first started back in 2007, my nickname was Sasquatch, because it was so rare to have a woman on the job. But now, it’s becoming more common, which is really great to see!

Q: What are you most proud of?

I just love that I’m able to have a family life and do what I love at the same time. I have great friendships because of logging, and our family has created memories I’ll hold forever.

Logging is hard work, but it’s not just a job – it’s a passion. That’s what gets me up in the morning. I’m usually out there first to watch the sun come up. It’s very peaceful. If you enjoy being alone and quiet, then it’s the thing for you.


This article is part of CFIPulp & Paper Canada and Canadian Biomass’ Women in Forestry series, an annual celebration of women in the industry. Find more content here and follow us on social media with the hashtag: #WomeninForestry.

Remember to join us for the Women in Forestry Virtual Summit on Mar. 7 at 11 am ET/8 am PT! It’s FREE to register. Sign up now!

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Waratah
Winning contributions: Q&A with forest sustainability director Wendy Crosina https://www.woodbusiness.ca/winning-contributions-qa-with-forest-sustainability-director-wendy-crosina/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=winning-contributions-qa-with-forest-sustainability-director-wendy-crosina Mon, 27 Feb 2023 19:30:40 +0000 https://www.woodbusiness.ca/?p=97766 …]]> Wendy Crosina is the director of forest sustainability at Weyerhaeuser Canadian Timberlands, and is also a recent recipient of the Forest Products Association of Canada’s Women in Forestry award. This award is presented in partnership with Silvacom to a female leader who is making contributions to strengthen the dynamic and evolving forest sector while advancing workplace diversity and inclusion.

Anyone who knows Wendy is familiar with the great work that she does as a leader in this industry. In Wendy’s role, she works on all things wildlife-related, as well as working closely on files like sustainability, biodiversity, Indigenous relations, climate and a whole lot more ⁠– a real Smörgåsbord of all things forestry.

In this podcast interview with Alberta Forest Products Association’s Aspen Dudzic, Wendy shares about her journey and career in forestry, describes the value of a multi-species approach when it comes to wildlife management, and details the important role that forestry can play in mitigating wildfire risk.


This article is part of CFIPulp & Paper Canada and Canadian Biomass’ Women in Forestry series, an annual celebration of women in the industry. Find more content here and follow us on social media with the hashtag: #WomeninForestry.

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Alberta Forest Products Association
Celebrating women: Q&A with Tolko Industries’ Janis Simpkins https://www.woodbusiness.ca/celebrating-women-qa-with-tolko-industries-janis-simpkins/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=celebrating-women-qa-with-tolko-industries-janis-simpkins Mon, 27 Feb 2023 17:32:37 +0000 https://www.woodbusiness.ca/?p=97762 …]]> Alberta Forest Products Association’s Aspen Dudzic sits down with Janis Simpkins, the vice-president of Indigenous and government relations and sSustainability with Tolko Industries Ltd.  Janis is also the newest addition to the AFPA Board of Directors.

Janis and Aspen dig into what Janis is up to in her new role as she explores big topics like sustainability and shares her journey to learn more about Indigenous communities and become a partner in reconciliation. In this podcast, Janis and Aspen also share some personal notes about their relationship and how inspired they are to see so many remarkable women growing into leadership roles in the sector.


This article is part of CFIPulp & Paper Canada and Canadian Biomass’ Women in Forestry series, an annual celebration of women in the industry. Find more content here and follow us on social media with the hashtag: #WomeninForestry.

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Alberta Forest Products Association
Present at the 2023 Women in Forestry Virtual Summit https://www.woodbusiness.ca/present-at-the-2023-women-in-forestry-virtual-summit/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=present-at-the-2023-women-in-forestry-virtual-summit Tue, 06 Dec 2022 13:15:49 +0000 https://www.woodbusiness.ca/?p=96832 …]]> The Women in Forestry Virtual Summit is welcoming speaker proposals to present at the third annual digital day of discussion around gender and diversity in the forest sector.

On March 7, 2023 – the eve of International Women’s Day – we expect to welcome back hundreds of forestry changemakers who are looking for inspiration and advice on fostering inclusion in our industry and reaping all the innovation that comes from it.

We are looking for speakers to cover the following audience-requested themes, and welcome suggestions as well.

  • The executive perspective on gender and diversity programs
  • Balancing work and family life
  • Hearing from the ally
  • Indigenous inclusion and leadership
  • Effective (and ineffective) workplace diversity policies
  • Strategies for recruiting a more diverse workforce
  • Talking to the boss: How to communicate with leadership
  • International Women’s Day 2023 theme of #EmbracingEquity

If you are interested in speaking at our event, or have a speaker to recommend, please send a short proposal to Maria Church: mchurch@annexbusinessmedia.com.

The 2022 Women in Forestry Virtual Summit ­– hosted by Canadian Forest IndustriesPulp & Paper Canada and Canadian Biomass – welcomed more than 800 registrants online. Read about the event here.

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CFI staff
Next-gen leaders: Shelley Stewart https://www.woodbusiness.ca/next-gen-leaders-shelley-stewart/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=next-gen-leaders-shelley-stewart Fri, 18 Nov 2022 18:39:42 +0000 https://www.woodbusiness.ca/?p=96704 …]]> This year marks the 10th edition of CFI’s Top 10 Under 40 award, where we celebrate the bright young champions of our industry. We are very proud to present our industry’s top of the crop – the young leaders, innovators, change-makers, mentors who achieved so much at a young age, inspiring others, and giving back to their communities.

To acknowledge and highlight each winner’s contributions, CFI will feature one of 2022’s winners every week for the next 10 weeks.

This time, we introduce our readers to Shelley Stewart, owner of Bar S Ventures in Merritt, B.C.

In 2004 and at 19 years of age, Shelley signed her name to a “new-to-her” Western Star log truck to fulfill her childhood dream. Now at 38, Shelley’s single log truck business venture has evolved to a full-fledged conventional log harvesting operation, employing more than 30 full-time workers and contractors, providing harvesting, hauling, road building, low-bedding, and dump truck services.

Over the years, Shelley has been recognized by her peers and various organizations for her business excellence and has become a trail blazer in the forest industry, leading and lighting the way for women and young entrepreneurs, and mentoring fellow business owners.

“Shelley takes a lot of pride in providing sustainable employment for her team and recognizes the impact and benefits that the local community receives because of her continued efforts,” says husband and employee Rob Stewart. “She cares deeply for her crew, their families and well-being, the forest industry, and will continue to be a trendsetter, stand out, and rise to the occasion.”

Her future goals include being part of an organization committed to helping contractors better understand the logging rates, negotiations, and their overall financial review.

“She likes to say she drives the train, so get onboard or stay the hell off her track!”

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Next-gen leaders: Monika Patel https://www.woodbusiness.ca/next-gen-leaders-monika-patel/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=next-gen-leaders-monika-patel Thu, 03 Nov 2022 12:25:32 +0000 https://www.woodbusiness.ca/?p=96535 …]]> This year marks the 10th edition of CFI’s Top 10 Under 40 award, where we celebrate the bright young champions of our industry. We are very proud to present our industry’s top of the crop – the young leaders, innovators, change-makers, mentors who achieved so much at a young age, inspiring others, and giving back to their communities.

To acknowledge and highlight each winner’s contributions, CFI will feature one of 2022’s winners every week for the next 10 weeks.

This time, we introduce our readers to Monika Patel, director of programs and communications for Forest Stewardship Council in Toronto, Ont.

For almost 15 years, Monika has passionately advocated for a responsible approach to forestry and sustainable forest products. She provides strategic communications support on high-profile international projects and works to establish key strategic partnerships with major brands, retailers, and partners in Canada.

Monika works directly with FSC certificate holders, including brands, wood suppliers, and forest management companies to forge new relationships and explore ways to raise awareness for the work they do and the products they manufacture.

In 2021, the 38-year-old oversaw a full-scale international outreach campaign and a website launch to increase awareness for FSC and responsible forestry. The campaign reached almost 800,000 people in one week and featured an animated short film that won an award.

Monika is a collaborative leader, says colleague Elston Dzus. “Monika is creative and resourceful. She can always be counted on as a calming force even in the most rigorous debates.”

Next week we will showcase the achievements of winner Jake Power.

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Next-gen leaders: Stephanie Parzei https://www.woodbusiness.ca/next-gen-leaders-stephanie-parzei/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=next-gen-leaders-stephanie-parzei Thu, 27 Oct 2022 13:48:56 +0000 https://www.woodbusiness.ca/?p=96491 …]]> This year marks the 10th edition of CFI’s Top 10 Under 40 award, where we celebrate the bright young champions of our industry. We are very proud to present our industry’s top of the crop – the young leaders, innovators, change-makers, mentors who achieved so much at a young age, inspiring others, and giving back to their communities.

To acknowledge and highlight each winner’s contributions, CFI will feature one of 2022’s winners every week for the next 10 weeks.

This time, we introduce our readers to Stephanie Parzei, Interfor’s senior advisor for environment and forest certification, based in Nairn Centre, Ontario.

Stephanie has managed the implementation and maintenance of various certifications, including forest management, fibre sourcing, chain of custody and controlled wood for EACOM Timber.

The 34-year-old has been identified as a future leader within the company and has built and implemented an environmental management system for the manufacturing facilities. She has served as chair of the Central Canada SFI implementation committee for the past three years, and serves on the environment committees of FPAC and NCASI.

Stephanie is a provisional RPF in Ontario and is seen as a forest certification and sawmill environment expert within the Ontario forest sector. Stephanie also sits on certification advisory committees on the Timiskaming and Abitibi River forests.

“Under her leadership and through her pragmatic approach, she has provided guidance and advice in the achievement of dual certification and successful recertification for multiple and complex forests in northeastern Ontario. She has also been instrumental in the improvement of environmental management systems for these forests,” says colleague William Byman.

Next week we will showcase the achievements of winner Monika Patel.

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Next-gen leaders: Caity Klaudt https://www.woodbusiness.ca/next-gen-leaders-caity-klaudt/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=next-gen-leaders-caity-klaudt Fri, 14 Oct 2022 19:56:53 +0000 https://www.woodbusiness.ca/?p=96389 …]]> This year marks the 10th edition of CFI’s Top 10 Under 40 award, where we celebrate the bright young champions of our industry. We are very proud to present our industry’s top of the crop – the young leaders, innovators, change-makers, mentors who achieved so much at a young age, inspiring others, and giving back to their communities.

To acknowledge and highlight each winner’s contributions, CFI will feature one of 2022’s winners every week for the next 10 weeks.

This time, we introduce our readers to Caity Klaudt, occupational safety officer for WorkSafeBC at Kamloops, B.C.

Caity is a registered forest technician who currently co-leads WorkSafeBC’s silviculture high risk strategy, where she executes focused and impactful inspections in areas that represent an exceptional risk to workers.

“For Caity, it’s all about ensuring workers go home safely at the end of the day. She is well-respected within the industry and has made a measurable and positive impact because of her commitment,” says her manager Budd Phillips.

The 35-year-old safety expert has been featured numerous times in various media, has authored many articles about safety, and presented extensively at industry events.

Described as an amazing human being by her friend Collette Donnelly, Caity is involved in programs that give local school kids hands-on experience in the industry, as well as initiatives towards improving equity, diversity, and inclusion in forestry—including advancing opportunities for women.

The University of Guelph alumnae completed the forest technology program at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology.

Next week we will showcase the achievements of winner Maxence Otis.

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Next-gen leaders: Meet Dianna Embleton https://www.woodbusiness.ca/next-gen-leaders-meet-dianna-embleton/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=next-gen-leaders-meet-dianna-embleton Thu, 22 Sep 2022 12:59:38 +0000 https://www.woodbusiness.ca/?p=96117 …]]> This year marks the 10th edition of CFI’s Top 10 Under 40 award, where we celebrate the bright young champions of our industry. We are very proud to present our industry’s top of the crop – the young leaders, innovators, change-makers, mentors who achieved so much at a young age, inspiring others, and giving back to their communities.

To acknowledge and highlight each winner’s contributions, CFI will feature one of 2022’s winners every week for the next 10 weeks.

This time, we introduce our readers to Dianna Embleton, continuous improvement advisor for Tolko Industries in Armstrong, B.C.

With 14 years of experience at Tolko, Dianna works closely with 16 divisions across the company, determining ways they can improve their operations – whether it be in safety, production, efficiency, or employee engagement.

The 39-year-old has become the go-to resource for solving some of Tolko’s most complex problems. She is also responsible for the co-ordination of Tolko’s wide data gathering system and was involved with the implementation of a new standard that will drastically improve the safety of workers in and around electrical systems. The UBC alumnae is also involved with bringing up the next generation of sawmill leaders, as she works with BCIT to develop and enrol people in their wood products programs. As well, she is leading a project with UBC engineering students to find innovative alternatives for wood ash.

“Dianna is the unsung hero of our industry, and she deserves this recognition 10 times over,” says co-worker Jessica Rempel, a 2019 recipient of CFI’s Top 10 Under 40 award.

“She is always striving to make improvements wherever she goes … and is the kind of person that makes you feel like you can accomplish your goals and she will give you the support you need to do so,” Rempel adds.

Next week we will showcase the achievements of winner Calvin Lee.

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Editorial: Recruiting more than ‘the guys’ in forestry https://www.woodbusiness.ca/editorial-recruiting-more-than-the-guys-in-forestry/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=editorial-recruiting-more-than-the-guys-in-forestry Fri, 29 Apr 2022 14:59:24 +0000 https://www.woodbusiness.ca/?p=93903 Haleigh Callison was raised in Smithers, B.C., with her three older brothers. She is a former pro hockey player turned lumber trader with Olympic Industries. If ever there was one of the guys, Haleigh fits that bill. 

We asked Haleigh to moderate a panel during the Women in Forestry Virtual Summit on March 8 this year, which gave the mic to a sawfiler, mill manager, chief forester, and log truck driver. Something Haleigh said during the panel stood out to me. During a recent work meeting, she noticed a fellow trader who was addressing the group catch himself saying “guys,” and instead note her in the audience and say “team.” 

To paraphrase Haleigh’s takeaway: Does she feel offended by the term “guys,” which is often used to refer to both men and women? No. Does she feel seen and heard when work colleagues say things like “guys and gals” or just “traders”? Absolutely. 

I think there is a big takeaway there for everyone in the industry. Inclusivity is not about being offended, making waves, or the squeaky wheel. It’s about creating a welcoming and respectful environment to encourage everyone to feel at home in our industry. Everyone. 

And, make no mistake, we need everyone. The labour shortage affects us all. Simply and bluntly put: there are not enough white men anymore. Demographics are changing and the forest industry – like all industries – needs to cast the widest possible net to keep machines running. 

In my conversation with Canfor’s senior vice-president of people, Katy Player, as part of our Women in Forestry Q&A project this year, she said the question, “Where are all the people going to come from?” keeps leaders like herself up at night. 

Out of Canfor’s 8,000 or so employees, about 13 per cent are women. But the needle is moving in the right direction, Player said. Canfor’s diversity council guides the company with practical suggestions to improve inclusivity, and strong mentorship programs as well as a deliberate selection process that considers the entire population, are making a difference. 

“… the inclusive attitudes, I do think we’ve made great strides there and I am excited to see what’s going to come from the focus on that,” Player said. 

If a simple inclusive step like catching yourself using the word “guys” can make a few people in the room feel seen, that seems like low-hanging fruit to me.

We all forget at times – I say “guys” regularly – but, like Haleigh said, it’s not about offending or taking offense. It’s about acknowledging and feeling acknowledged. 

I know I’m going to try to catch myself next time and keep on learning.

The summit was chock full of advice like Haleigh’s. More than 800 people registered and 550 joined us live. All the sessions are now available to watch as video links on the summit’s website.

It’s clear from the summit speakers and participation that the forest industry is changing rapidly. Forest companies large and small are keenly aware of the business case behind diversity and inclusion and are proud to showcase the steps they’ve taken to encourage more women, Indigenous peoples, and people of colour to sign up for forestry.   

Kelly Cooper with the Centre for Social Intelligence and one of the leads behind Free to Grow in Forestry, perhaps put it best during the summit: “Not only is it possible to have a diverse and inclusive workplace, but it is a smart business decision.” 

Kelly shared a growing list of forest products companies and organizations with executives participating in Free to Grow in Forestry’s leadership team. Kelly called the team a social ecosystem of leaders across the forest sector who are committed to improving their immediate organizational needs as well as the overall region and sector’s. 

“Whatever paths you are forging in your organization, I want you to know that you have the wind behind your back now. Four years ago, this issue was seen as an uphill battle. I believe we can confidently say today that we have turned a corner. Change is afoot,” she said.

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Inclusive safety: Addressing PPE challenges for women in forestry https://www.woodbusiness.ca/inclusive-safety-addressing-ppe-challenges-for-women-in-forestry/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=inclusive-safety-addressing-ppe-challenges-for-women-in-forestry Tue, 05 Apr 2022 12:51:02 +0000 https://www.woodbusiness.ca/?p=93958 Canada’s forest industry has historically been dominated by white males. In fact, in 2016, women made up just 17 per cent of the forestry workforce. But, the industry has been working to change this statistic, addressing the problem of gender inequity through different projects including the #TakeYourPlace campaign, the Free to Grow in Forestry online information portal, and CFI’s Women in Forestry series and Women in Forestry Virtual Summit. 

These initiatives have brought more attention to the career opportunities available to women in forestry and helped address diversity, equity and inclusion in the industry. But, a lot of work still needs to be done to ensure the sector becomes more inclusive and equitable. And there’s one issue that has often been overlooked – one that could help to attract and retain women in the workforce: more inclusive personal protective equipment (PPE). 

Many women in the industry have struggled to find PPE that fits appropriately and works for them. Most of the gear that companies supply is in men’s sizes, and women have had to put up with ill-fitting vests and pants, and find workarounds for gear like boots and hard hats. 

CFI  spoke with a few women in the industry to learn more about their experiences with PPE, what can be done to address the issue, and the potential impact this could have on the industry as a whole. 

One size does not fit all

“Generally, all of the PPE offered in forestry is for men, not even co-ed. I’ve really never been exposed to anything specifically made for women. So, the struggles are very real,” Kaitlin Conroy, RFT, silviculture forester with Canoe Forest Products, says. 

Conroy got her start in the industry tree planting back in 2008, and has held multiple silviculture roles for different companies over the years. Conroy is 5’7” and 125 lbs., which means that, while her height makes it easier for her to wear men’s clothing, the waist size does not work. 

“Having loose clothing, especially when it’s your PPE, is not ideal,” she says. “Even chainsaw-cutter pants – which I’ve had to wear for work as a brusher – those were difficult to find in a small size, and once I found them, the waist belt was fully cinched all the time.

“Men and women’s body types are quite different, so it doesn’t work to take a size small men’s all the time,” she adds. 

Andrea Robinson, who has also worked in the forest as a harvest technician and firefighter, has also had trouble with gear supplied by her previous employers. 

“A lot of supplied clothing generally doesn’t fit,” she says. “I’ve experienced that with high-vis. It’s a one-size-fits-all model, which doesn’t even work for men – so, why they think it’s inclusive and is going to work for women as well, I’m not sure.

“It can be a safety hazard if your supposedly safe clothing is dangling around while you’re doing something that requires skill,” Robinson says. 

Conroy agrees, explaining that she has to wear a size small red cruiser vest that’s too large for her. As a result, the waist of the vest sits below her hips, which puts additional strain on her shoulders. 

Nicole Galambos, wildfire training manager, director for the Hinton, Alta., training centre, and chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Working Group for the forestry division with the government of Alberta, also points out that chest packs and high-vis vests are not appropriate for women because the breast pocket is over the chest and many women cannot put their radio in that pocket. 

Women in the industry also often have a difficult time finding hard hats and boots that fit appropriately. For Robinson, hard hats do not run small enough, so she has to put her hair into a bun and tuck it into the hat to keep it from falling off. 

“I’ll do danger tree assessments and things like that where you have to be looking up constantly and my hard hat literally falls off. So, it’s not very useful at the end of the day, if it’s just going to do that,” she says. 

With regards to work boots or steel-toed boots, often they do not run small enough or narrow enough to fit women properly. 

“I have really skinny feet and narrow heels, and I had to get my last ones essentially custom-made because the ones that are supposedly the best just don’t fit me,” Robinson says. “People who work in the bush know that having healthy feet is one of the most important things, especially if you’re going to be out and about for 12 hours a day in the muck, you have to have good boots.” 

Kaitlin Conroy got her start in the industry tree planting in 2008, and has held multiple silviculture roles for different companies over the years.

A lack of awareness?

Despite the difficulties that women in the industry face as a result of ill-fitting PPE, there has been limited dialogue within the sector about the issue. Most of the discussions are among women in the industry; for example, many women who are part of the Women in Wood networking group on Facebook have discussed the challenges they face and shared the workarounds they have found. 

“If you’re a female, you understand this is an issue, but I’m not sure it’s broadly understood how challenging it is,” Galambos says. “Certainly, when I chatted about it with my management team, it seemed like it’s news. If it’s not a problem for you and no one’s bringing it up as a problem, then how would you know it’s an issue?”

Part of the reason why there has been limited discussion on the issue is because women are still a minority in the industry, Galambos and Conroy say. According to the Association of B.C. Professional Foresters, in 2021, just 22.3 per cent of the professional foresters in the province were women. 

“From my personal experience, I know a lot of those women aren’t necessarily even field workers. They have more of an administration-style role,” Conroy says. “So, I think the problem is that people are aware, but there’s not enough of us to cause a stink.” 

As such, there are not many suppliers that are focused on bringing women-specific forestry gear to the market. 

“I’ve seen a few ads here and there, or someone will say they’ve heard a company is doing something, but in general, I don’t think it’s widely accessible at all,” Robinson says. 

Robinson says equipment manufacturers need to provide more variety in sizing, but adds that it should not necessarily be advertised as women’s sizing, given that there are people of all genders in the forest industry. 

“By having the distinction between men’s and women’s, I feel like it doesn’t totally hit the inclusivity mark. If they just offer a proper variety of sizes for everyone, then I think that would help a little bit more,” she says.  

Most PPE offered in the forest industry is designed for men, which can have safety implications for women.

‘A step in the right direction’

As more women and people of other genders join the industry, some companies are starting to provide more inclusive PPE. One such company is Zomboots, which sells caulk boots for women.

Caroline Smith, the owner of the company, was a tree planter and found the caulk boots she had to wear were a safety hazard. 

“I found the ankle support was so bad and the boots were really heavy, so I felt like I was twisting my ankles every day. I was angry that I didn’t have proper fitting boots, so I decided to try to start making them,” she says. 

And the response to Zomboots has been very positive. 

“Most of the emails I get from people, they’re so thankful. They’re thanking me and they’re so excited to have boots that fit. They just seem happy that somebody has finally taken the jump to make them,” she says. 

Smith is not alone in taking the plunge and starting her own company to provide PPE for women. Another woman, Audrey Rippingale, decided to start her own business called She Works, She Plays. Rippingale drives a trailer around B.C., bringing work and outerwear to women who work in the resource industries, such as mining and forestry. 

According to Galambos, a few other companies are beginning to provide gear that is more appropriate for women. Coaxsher is providing a Nomex pant designed for women, and True North Wildland has a Nomex shirt for women. 

“For the shirt, they’ve taken the breast pockets and moved them down lower so you can actually make use of them, instead of trying to use the pockets on your chest, which is not something a lot of women are comfortable doing when that space is already occupied,” Galambos explains. 

With more women and people of other genders in the forest industry, Galambos believes suppliers will see there is a growing market for more inclusive PPE. 

“That’s certainly what we’re starting to see in wildfire – more and more females coming in at all levels in the organization, and I suspect that’s how private industry works,” she says. “I love that there are options coming onto the market. We have a long way to go, but it’s a step in the right direction.” 

Improving retention

And having more inclusive and appropriate PPE for people of all genders could help address forestry’s ongoing labour shortage.  

“How could it not?” Galambos asks. “Personally, there’s no way that [the ill-fitting gear] is not impacting my ability to feel confident and comfortable, and to perform my best.” 

Robinson agrees, saying that having appropriate PPE would not only help retain but also attract women and people of all genders. 

“Some people who are really small are intimidated by the fact that they might not be able to fit into the gear or they look really funny in it. There’s a fear of portrayal of that in this male-dominated workforce,” she says. “You might like your job a lot, but at the end of the day, if you’re not feeling comfortable or safe, it’s not really worth it for some people.” 

Conroy adds that it could encourage more women to see fieldwork as a possible career choice. “Maybe it’s not even in their thought process at this time because they never see a woman fully decked out in PPE that fits.

“It would be really nice to have the proper gear that fits,” she adds. “It’s a tough go out there – conditions, Mother Nature – so the last thing you want to be fighting with is your gear. The gear is supposed to protect us.” 

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WFP earns Globe & Mail’s Women Lead Here recognition https://www.woodbusiness.ca/wfp-earns-globe-mails-women-lead-here-recognition/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=wfp-earns-globe-mails-women-lead-here-recognition Tue, 29 Mar 2022 15:22:42 +0000 https://www.woodbusiness.ca/?p=93859 …]]> Western Forest Products Inc. on March 25 announced that it has earned a spot on the 2022 Report on Business Women Lead Here list, an annual editorial benchmark identifying best-in-class executive gender diversity in corporate Canada.

Established in 2020 by Report on Business magazine, the Women Lead Here initiative applies a proprietary research methodology to determine Canadian corporations with the highest degree of gender diversity among executive ranks. This initiative highlights businesses that have made tangible, systemic, organizational progress related to executive gender parity.

“We are proud to have one of the most gender diverse board and executive management teams in the industry,” said Jennifer Foster, senior vice-president, corporate affairs and human resources, Western Forest Products. “As we celebrate this recognition of women in leadership roles, I would also like to acknowledge the valued contributions of all of the women on the Western team. As we continue our journey towards enhancing diversity, equity and inclusion at Western, we are working to increase the representation of women at all levels across the company as one step in our broader strategy of fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce.”

For the 2022 ranking, Report on Business conducted a journalistic analysis of nearly 500 large publicly traded Canadian companies, evaluating the ratio of female-identifying to male-identifying executives in the top three tiers of executive leadership. The resultant data was applied to a weighted formula that also factored in company performance, diversity and year-to-year change.

In total, 74 companies earned the 2022 Women Lead Here seal, with a combined average of 46 per cent of executive roles held by female-identifying individuals.

The full list of 2022 Women Lead Here honourees can be found in the April issue of Report on Business magazine, distributed with The Globe and Mail on Saturday, March 26th, and online now at tgam.ca/WomenLeadHere.

The strategies and ideas of winning companies will also be showcased at the Women Lead Here webcast, taking place on March 30, 2022. Event details and registration information are available at www.globeandmail.com/events.

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Western Forest Products
Breaking biases: Women in Forestry Virtual Summit tackles difficult questions https://www.woodbusiness.ca/breaking-biases-women-in-forestry-virtual-summit/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=breaking-biases-women-in-forestry-virtual-summit Wed, 09 Mar 2022 17:55:51 +0000 https://www.woodbusiness.ca/?p=93616 …]]> This year’s International Women’s Day theme was Break the Bias and it was perhaps the most fitting yet for our annual Women in Forestry Virtual Summit. Biases – whether they are held personally, by family, friends, work colleagues, or society in general – are keeping women and others with diverse backgrounds out of the forest industry.

It should go without saying now that the industry needs to diversify its workforce to address the critical labour shortage. Bluntly put: there are only so many white men. That’s not even factoring in the plethora of business advantages that come from having a diverse team.

To change that, we need to talk about it – openly and honestly.

The Women in Forestry summit, held virtually yesterday, drew more than 850 registrants with 550 joining us live to talk about biases, culture changes, career ladders, Indigenous inclusion and so much more. These are not conversations for women only – anyone with a stake in the future of the forest industry needs to be talking about these issues.

Below is a snapshot of what our incredible speakers shared during the summit, but we encourage you to watch the recorded sessions to get the full picture. (Register by emailing events@annexbusinessmedia.com.)

Executive ladder

Susan Yurkovich, outgoing president and CEO of the BC Council of Forest Industries (COFI), kicked off the summit with an inspiring reflection on her career in the forest industry and, specifically, the executive world. Yurkovich is the first woman at the reins of COFI and was often the only women at the boardroom table.

“I would never let them see me sweat,” Yurkovich said, explaining that life as both a mother and an executive was at times messy and difficult. “I learned quickly if you could help a mill manager fix his problem, he didn’t care what you looked like or how old you were.”

Susan Yurkovich, president and CEO, BC Council of Forest Industries.

Yurkovich shared a list of observations on what made her successful:

  • Have a plan but be flexible
  • Take a calculated risk
  • Do your homework – there is no substitute for that
  • Find your people and stick with them
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help
  • Life is not always a straight line

“Ours is a complex business. It requires a commitment of time. But once you understand it, your value will grow,” she said.

Indigenous inclusion

Innu woman and entrepreneur Mélanie Paul spoke next on what Indigenous inclusion in forestry looks like to her as the president of two Quebec forestry-adjacent companies, Inukshuk Synergie and Akua Nature.

Paul first shared her experience as an Indigenous woman working for her father’s group of companies, which includes wood pellet producer Granules LG – the largest pellet producer in Quebec. Paul said she has felt imposter syndrome and experienced racism, both in the mostly non-Indigenous, male-dominated forest industry and in her home Innu community.

But she rose to the challenge and has since launched her own companies, which place emphasis on Indigenous ownership and inclusion. Akua Nature is 51 per cent Indigenous-women owned.

Sharing advice on working with Indigenous groups, Paul said it’s important to take the time to establish meaningful relationships with community leaders and to understand their obstacles and barriers before offering solutions. That trust can then lead to memorandums of understanding, which are useful tools for both parties to trial an agreement before signing on a dotted line.

Embracing your change power

As society’s values change, workplace cultures must change to keep up. Forestry consultants Dana Collins and Cynthia Lu gave an interactive workshop-style presentation on how to grow a culture change, with a focus on the individual’s power.

Top-down approaches to change can fail if there is a lack of purpose in the workforce, Collins said. When it’s all boiled down, culture change lies in the habits and behaviours of individuals.

Lu and Collins took the audience through a systems mapping exercise that showed how an individual can identify their values and where they fit in the system to understand where they can help change that system.

Using a real-world example from Lu’s previous work experience, Collins and Lu went back and forth to analyze the situation and map out where Lu had leverage to make changes and predict how those small changes could help solve underlying issues.

“If we start to see challenges from a systems lens, we can see the complexities and start to see solutions,” Collins said.

Action to traction

Kelly Cooper, founder of the Centre for Social Intelligence, and Doug Reid, vice-president of the Canadian Institute of Forestry, shared the latest from Free to Grow in Forestry – the sector-wide initiative to promote an equitable workplace culture in the forest sector.

The initiative has moved into its second phase of implementation, which will see it transition from a national scope to a regional focus. “Think of it as the arms and legs of the pillars of Phase 1,” Cooper said. “All the seeds we planted in Phase 1 have now germinated and are starting to grow for what we are doing for Phase 2.”

While Phase 1 focused on building the evidence base, identifying gaps and core principles, and creating tools and resources, Phase 2 will see direct engagement with and training for forest sector leaders and employees on what an inclusive workplace looks like and how to achieve it.

Free to Grow in Forestry’s online training modules launched March 7; find them here.

“Four years ago, this was seen as an uphill battle, but today … the wind is at your back,” Cooper said. “Not only is it possible to have a diverse and inclusive workplace, but it is a smart business decision.”

Breaking down biases

Five incredible women stepped up to take part in our summit panel on women excelling in non-traditional forestry roles. Moderated by lumber trader Haleigh Callison, the panel included sawfiler Sara Davies, chief forester Geneviève Labrecque, mill manager Marie Cyr, and log truck driver Ashley Sidhu.

Rather than summarize their words (I won’t do them justice), here are the main questions posed to the panelists and we again encourage you to watch the recording to hear their honest replies.

  • For those who wanted to have a family or to start a family, have you ever felt that doing so was held back by your career, and if so, how did you navigate those challenges, especially with remove jobs? Did you ever feel pressure to not?
  • Did you ever back away from forestry because it is male dominated? Face sexism? What tools have you used or developed to overcome those barriers?
  • Has a job placement or advancement ever been criticized as tokenism or a diversity hire? How did you or how would you respond?
  • How do you promote diversity and inclusion into your daily roles and what are ways we can better recruit other women to your field of work?
  • How can men be allies in creating a more welcoming environment?
  • What advice do you wish you got when you started your forestry journey?

Language matters

Cindy Fife, RPF, occupational safety officer with WorkSafeBC.

Closing out an incredible day, WorkSafeBC occupational officers Caity Klaudt, Carole Savage and Cindy Fife shared an explainer on the spectrum of gender diversity and why small communication changes can make a difference on jobsites.

“We know that inclusive industries are safer industries,” Savage said.

Gender-based violence is often very difficult to talk about and even more difficult to report, Klaudt said. Understanding gender expression and identity, whether it’s obvious or not, can make a huge difference when it comes to making people comfortable speaking up.

Klaudt shared a personal story about one of her earlier site inspections with WorkSafeBC when she “put her foot in her mouth” while addressing a group. It happens, she said, but she apologized to the individual involved, and then used it as her own learning experience.

Using gender-inclusive language is a simple way to avoid making gender assumptions, Fife explained. That means avoiding words like ladies, gentlemen, ma’am, sir, girls, and guys, and instead using friends, folks, everyone, and all.

Watch online

Missed out on the event? The entire Women in Forestry Virtual Summit is available on-demand, including additional pre-recorded sessions from the Canadian Forest Service and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative.

All of the sessions are free to watch – just register by emailing events@annexbusinessmedia.com to receive a link to the content.

Thank you to our sponsors for their support of the Women in Forestry Virtual Summit, and for making this event possible: Canfor, the Alberta Forest Products Association, GreenFirst Forest Products, Interfor, West Fraser, Free to Grow in Forestry, John Deere, Tolko, Cascades, WorkSafeBC, Alberta-Pacific Forest Industries, Forests Ontario, Resolute Forest Products, the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, Waratah, Woodtone, and Mosaic Forest Management.

Have an idea for next year’s sessions? Contact me at mchurch@annexbusinessmedia.com.

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