Ontario Forest Industries Association

We look forward to working with you Minister Holland!

Our forestry sector is the lifeblood of so many communities, generating over $20 billion annually and supporting more than 137,000 jobs. Together with Graydon Smith and Victor Fedeli, we’re standing firm against the U.S decision to increase softwood lumber duties.

#DYK ONresources | RichessesON is modernizing wildland fire management in Ontario? The proposal outlines a new vision for fire management to reduce the risk and minimize the impacts of fires, creating safer and more resilient communities.  For more information: https://lnkd.in/d3zmVh_N

The OFIA has a new plan for growth in forest bioenergy and advanced wood products! Our forest products and bioenergy tour was a huge success last week. Thank you to Ministers Nolan Quinn, Paul Calandra, Lisa Thompson for joining us. Ontario's forest products will be essential to de-carbonizing our buildings, heat, electricity, liquid fuels, and heavy industries. Utilizing more forest biomass will: ✔ Improve management of Ontario's public forest ✔ Support a circular economy and divert waste from landfills ✔ Supply made-in-Ontario solid wood products to meet housing construction targets ✔ Meet Ontario's future energy and electricity deficit ✔ Support economic development in northern, rural, and Indigenous communities across the province It would not have been possible without our amazing members and partners: Thunder Bay Pulp and Paper, Resolute Forest Products, Confederation College, CRIBE: Centre for Research & Innovation in the Bio-Economy, Canadian Wood Council, Wendy Landry, and Vince Rutter. Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce, Ontario Chamber of Commerce, Timmins Chamber.

Had the pleasure of visiting Freymond Lumber, a family-run business since 1995, located on Bay Lake Road in Bancroft. With over ten dedicated employees and many subcontractors, they've established themselves as a key player in the logging and sawmill community in the north. Their operation includes a sawmill, logging, wood chip manufacturing, and a granite quarry, showcasing a remarkable diversity in local industry. Thank you, Lou Freymond, for the visit.

#DYK the ONresources | RichessesON is undertaking consultation on the recently released Draft Ontario’s Advanced Wood Construction Action Plan? This initiative highlights building with Ontario wood. View the proposal here: https://buff.ly/3LSloEK

#MemberSpotlight: Abitibi River Forest Management is an alliance of forest resource management partners striving to maximize the economic, social and environmental benefits of forestry on the Abitibi River Forest – a forest area of over 35,000 square KMs: https://buff.ly/3S8rlRl #OntarioForestsForever

Sustainable forestry supports local economies, providing jobs, recreation and cultural connections. OFIA and its member companies are committed to investing in Ontario forests and communities. Visit us at www.ofia.com for more information. #OntarioForestsForever

Last week, I had the privilege of participating in Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC)’s Forest Hub event in Northwestern Ontario—right in my local area! A huge thank you to Etienne Bélanger (il - he/him) for organizing such an incredible experience (and always making everyone smile & laugh)! This event was one of my favorites so far. We had the opportunity to engage in so many enriching activities: fishing on Lake Nipigon with the Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek community, exploring the Papasay sawmill, visiting community in Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek, visiting Thunder Bay Pulp and paper, visiting Lac des Mille Lacs First Nation and attending beautiful group dinners (and more!) for a good balance of business, casual, and community. A highlight for me was hanging out with my mentor, Étienne Vézina at the Thunder Bay Resolute Forest Products operations! Touring the sawmill with him was a full-circle moment. I also got to spend time with Dave Bradley, Sarah Ambroziak, and Ceilidh Milligan the incredible Outland Youth Employment Program (OYEP) team as colleagues and friends. Huge thank you to JP Gladu BScF MBA ICD.D LL.D for hosting us and sharing knowledge! And there’s a special place in my heart for Lana Wilhelm, RPF! There were so many awesome people it would be hard to tag all of you lol but you know who you are 💚 The week was filled with laughter, hugs, and inside jokes and ended with bittersweet hugs and see-you-laters. Truly a beautiful event that left me feeling warm and optimistic. Thank you to everyone who made this event awesome. Looking forward to the next adventure! 🌲

#MemberSpotlight: Dryden Fibre Canada has been operating for more than 100 years, employs over 400 people in the mill and forests, and are making significant investments over the next 5 years in scientific research to enhance sustainable forest management practices: https://lnkd.in/dzzRXQB3 #OntarioForestsForever