THUNDER BAY -- Canada's largest private-sector union is calling on governments and other stakeholders to take action to rebuild the forest industry.
Unifor's Forestry Industry Council, representing 24,000 workers in the sector, makes the appeal in a new report issued Monday.
The Future of Forestry: A Workers Perspective for Successful, Sustainable and Just Forestry, argues that making appropriate policy choices will boost the value of the forest industry and create jobs by taking advantage of innovative technologies, new forest management practices and increasing skills.
The report, produced in consultation with forestry workers across the country, comes as the industry and the federal and provincial governments struggle to cope with new American tariffs on Canadian lumber.
Unifor says its key recommendations include:
- Pursue fair trade and higher global standards
- Improve forest management to ensure sustainability at home and globally
- Expand public investments in forestry.
- Prioritize reconciliation with Indigenous communities
- Partner with stakeholders to maximize job growth and skills development
- Reinstate National Forestry Council
The union's national president, Jerry Dias, said "after painful restructuring over the last decade, we see many opportunities to rebuild and create jobs that benefit our communities and sustain the environment."
Dias added "It's time for employers and governments to put a plan into action."
Unifor represents more than 315,000 workers in every major area of the Canadian economy.
