Industry Insider Newsletter
September 2021
FOREST NB HIGHLIGHTS THE 24 K EMPLOYEES IN FORESTRY

Over the past few months, Forest NB has been preparing an exciting campaign. Our objective is to rally up the 24 000 employees linked to the forest sector and highlight their contribution of providing us essential products daily which is why keeping our forest green is vital for our sector and sustainable forestry practices are also fundamental for countering climate change.
 
Our team has gathered videos on forestry workers throughout the province, they will be posted on Forest NB's social media. We invite you to follow our campaign and share posts through September via our Facebook page.
 
CLICK HERE TO READ FOREST NB'S NEW BLOG

POLITICAL PARTY PLATFORMS

With the September 20th election day fast approaching and party platforms defined, we are seeing some commonly emerging themes. It is no surprise that with the ongoing wildfires in BC and other parts of Canada and the US, severe drought in the Prairies, and disappearing sea ice in Labrador, climate change is front and center for Canadians this election campaign. While climate change is trending as the number one priority for Canadians in various polls, it is not the only issue of importance. Economic recovery from the global pandemic, vaccines, affordability, and reconciliation are also top of mind for Canadians and are top-of-mind issues in election campaigns. From a forestry perspective here are some of the key commitments from all party platforms:
Liberal
·commitment to support forestry through increased innovation funding and job creation within the sector;
·commitments to reach agreement with British Columbia to protect more old-growth forests;
·implementing natural climate solutions, particularly restoration and protection initiatives for wetlands, peatlands, and grasslands; and
·a retrofit economy that cuts pollution and creates jobs, including a National Net-zero Emissions Building Strategy.

Progressive Conservative
·a climate action plan that includes putting a price on carbon through the introduction of a Low-Carbon Savings Account;
·creating more zero emission vehicles, and reducing emissions to meet the 2030 Paris climate change targets (30% reduction by 2030);
·recovering 1 million jobs lost during the pandemic within one year, increasing trade with free nations, securing more opportunities for women, rural Canadians, and Indigenous people; and
·a plan to fulfill the TRC Calls to Action.

New Democratic Party
·building an economy that works for everyone, strengthening communities, and making life affordable for everyone;
· climate leadership to get to net zero while creating good jobs in a green economy;
·protecting land and water by enshrining the right to a clean environment in a Canadian Environmental Bill of Rights; and
·supporting reconciliation through recognition of Indigenous rights, partnership on protecting the environment, economic opportunities and nurturing healthy communities.
Green Party
·ending chronic poverty through systemic changes;
·develop a green economy through ecotourism, renewable energy, fisheries to fine wine, and green infrastructure;
·develop a Sustainable Generations Fund to invest in green training for the trades, apprenticeships and education facilities; and     
·end colonialism and oppression of Indigenous peoples.

Bloc Quebecois
· transition to green energy through investment in ecological innovation;
· maximizing the potential of forests through innovative technologies and improved efficiencies;
· reducing Quebec’s vulnerability to trade treaties by increasing the diversity of jobs, in particular through processing as well as the creation of exportable green technologies; and
push for federal government to negotiate exemption for green energy and low carbon development, and resolve trade disputes with the US for forestry, agriculture and aluminum industries.

Regardless the outcome of this federal election, the role of sustainable forest management and transformative innovation will make the forest sector a key player in achieving a carbon-neutral economy. There are opportunities to increase investment in research and innovation and job creation, and to expand and secure global trade. For the forest sector in New Brunswick, we will continue to promote and enhance what we already know - forestry contributes significantly to our economy, employs a large and diverse workforce, and will continue to be a leader in sustainable forest management and innovation.