September 28, 2022
(press release)
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Source: Government of Canada regional news The Government of Alberta has renewed the forest management agreement (FMA) jointly held by Tolko Industries Ltd., Norbord Inc. and La Crete Sawmills Ltd. for the next 20 years in exchange for important stewardship responsibilities. This agreement establishes the companies’ right to grow and harvest Crown timber from a forest management unit in the northwestern corner of the province, surrounding High Level. Over its lifespan, this FMA is expected to maintain more than 1,700 full-time, contract and seasonal positions and will potentially contribute: “The decision to renew this joint FMA helps maintain hundreds of good jobs for Albertans, provides our forest sector with sure footing for their long-term investments and ensures sustainable management practices for Alberta’s forests. Supporting the competitiveness of our wood fibre products grows our province’s forest sector and advances Alberta’s Recovery Plan.” Nate Horner, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Economic Development Brad Thorlakson, president and CEO, Tolko Industries Ltd. D’Arcy Henderson, vice-president, Canadian Woodlands, West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. (Norbord Inc.) Dan Williams, MLA for Peace River John Unger, president and CEO, La Crete Sawmills Ltd. Forest Jobs Action Plan Quick facts Related information Copyright © 2022 Multimedia Investments Ltd (NZ). All Rights Reserved.
“We’re very pleased with the decision to renew. Reliable collaboration with government is foundational to the security of our employees and partners across the region, including Indigenous communities. The long-term fibre access provided through an FMA is crucial for our ability to do business in northern Alberta.”
“West Fraser understands the responsibility entrusted to us by Albertans in managing public forested land. We work with Indigenous communities and the public to balance a range of values, from job creation to biodiversity. With a focus on long-term sustainable resource management, we look forward to doing business in Alberta for years to come.”
“I am always excited to see job creation in our communities within anchor industries like forestry. Our government’s decision to renew this FMA supports Alberta’s Recovery Plan, and the 1700 jobs that this agreement is expected to maintain is a huge contribution to our region.”
“La Crete Sawmills is proud of the strong local working relationships that support our operations in the High Level area. We’re a local business, and we feel a deep commitment to providing responsible resource management in our region. With the renewal of our joint FMA, we’re able to continue providing benefits for our community, Indigenous communities and forests well into the future.”
Forest management agreements
An FMA is the most secure type of forest tenure, providing companies with rights to establish, grow and harvest timber on Crown land consistent with sustainable forest management principles and practices. FMAs also establish numerous legal obligations for companies, including developing forest management plans that help protect biodiversity, increase forest resilience and reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires and insect and disease outbreaks, like mountain pine beetle.
Approval of this joint FMA supports the Forest Jobs Action Plan initiative to provide forest companies with long-term fibre access, ensuring that Alberta’s forests continue to provide ecological, economic, social and cultural benefits for future generations.
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