Collaboration with aboriginal peoples is critical factor in addressing Canadian forest industry's future labor needs, finds Forest Products Sector Council report

Audrey Dixon

OTTAWA , January 17, 2012 (press release) – Developing effective, local partnerships with Aboriginal peoples will be a critical factor in helping the Canadian forest products sector address future labour force requirements, according to a new report from the Forest Products Sector Council (FPSC-CSPF).

Conversation and Collaboration: Building the future Canadian forest products sector with Aboriginal talent highlights the challenges the sector faces and how it can move forward in engaging with Canada's Aboriginal populations.

The final report represents the results a two-fold process undertaken by FPSC-CSPF -- an extensive year-long engagement process across Canada combined with detailed statistical and demographic research. It identifies current promising practices and successes, challenges and opportunities, and recommendations for a path forward.

Four key strategies are proposed for moving forward:

• develop effective youth education programs and Aboriginal-specific resources to promote careers in the Canadian forest products sector;
• produce Aboriginal labour market information focusing on the unique conditions which support Aboriginal employment in the sector;
• support and grow successful training programs and partnerships between Aboriginal groups and industry; and,
• build awareness and improve the perception of the sector by promoting careers and increasing youth involvement.

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