Vancouver, BC – The Forest Products Association of Canada held its annual Awards of Excellence luncheon in Vancouver yesterday. Kicked off by FPAC President and CEO Derek Nighbor and moderated by renowned meteorologist Mark Madryga of Global News, the event honoured the achievements of 16 individuals and community partners who have made special contributions to strengthen Canada’s forest products sector and our forestry communities. “We launched the Awards of Excellence program to honour some of our best and brightest, and to celebrate some special people doing incredible work in our industry,” said Nighbor. “The event is also a chance for us to thank some people who might not work in our sector, but have been champions alongside us in supporting sustainable forest management and the economic benefits that Canadian forestry brings to our communities and the country,” Nighbor added. 

Live links to individual press releases with picture of award reception are below:

Forest Community Champion Awards

• Jim Carr – Minister of International Trade Diversification
• Ed Fast – Member of Parliament, Abbotsford
• Lyn Hall – Mayor, Prince George, BC
• Pascal Cloutier – Mayor, Dolbeau-Mistassini, QC

FPAC Partnership Awards

• Kristen Vice –National Council for Air and Stream Improvement
• Forestry Futures Alliance- Edmonton & Calgary, AB

Indigenous Business Leadership Award

• Selkin Logging Limited – Fraser Lake, BC

Skills Award for Indigenous Youth

• Zachary Julian – Mi’Kmaq First Nation, NS
• Lance Black – Anicinape of Abitibi, ON

FPAC Innovation Award

• Brian Merwin, Mercer International

FPAC Lifetime Achievement Awards

• Jim Witiw – Mercer International
• François Dumoulin – Resolute Forest Products

FPAC Outstanding Member Award

• Donna Kopecky –LP Building Solutions
• Sandy Ferguson – Conifex Timber Inc.

FPAC Women in Forestry Award of Excellence:

• Jennifer Tallman – EACOM Timber Corp.

FPAC Rising Star Award:

• Marie-Philippe Drouin – Resolute Forest Products