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TLA Talks virtual session to continue necessary dialogue about forest industry issues

Following TLA’s successful virtual sessions held in January, the forest industry expressed its eagerness for similar sessions that continue to address the issues facing our sector. As such, the TLA will host another TLA Talks virtual session on Thursday, March 24 from 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. PT. The day will include three panels sessions followed by a Q&A period. The topics and speakers include:

9-10 a.m.
Panel #1: How do we reconcile social licence and improve competitiveness for BC’s forest sector?

Many have made general statements about the need for the forest sector to improve its social licence even though the definition of what that actually means varies significantly. Invariably, in one form or another and by extension it will mean additional commitments and costs made by industry. This comes at a time when most recognize the need to improve our overall competitiveness and current high-cost structures.

The question for our panelists is how they manage and reconcile apparently conflicting agendas; or perhaps they don’t necessarily have to conflict. We will hear perspectives on this topic from people directly working in the woods, those working diligently to improve relationships with their community, and from a broader national perspective.

Speakers:
• Rob Wood, HDL Logging
• Derek Nighbor, Forest Products Association on Canada
• Kevin Sommerville, San Group

10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Panel #2: Is the management of old-growth harvesting a simple yes or no proposition?

Obviously, the current old-growth harvesting debate in BC is posing a challenge towards finding a solution that will work for the best overall interests of the Province and forest sector. In the vast majority of debates, any answer is typically boiled down to a simple yes or no solution. Is this necessarily true? Are there innovative practices and systems out there that will allow for forest managers to have a suite of potential options when managing old-growth values that include harvesting? Our panelists will explore that question.

Speakers:
• Gerry Merkel, Old Growth Review Panel
• Cam Brown, Forsite Forest Management

1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Panel #3: Journalists’ political discussion about forest industry

Much has been written and said in traditional media over the past several years about old-growth harvesting and governments current policy changes. Two seasoned, hard-hitting political journalists provide their tenured insights to the current political landscape surrounding BC’s forest industry.

Speakers:
• Vaughn Palmer, Vancouver Sun
• Keith Baldrey, Global News

To attend, register online:
$50 | TLA members
$75 | Non-members

[Editor’s note: Read CFI’s coverage of the 2022 TLA Convention.]