The Canadian Institute of Forestry

8 9 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 9, ISSUE 11 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 9, ISSUE 11 number of benefits. For instance, it would support measuring the continuous effects of climate change on urban forests across Canada and would better inform policy/decision makers of the impacts of climate change mitigation measures. The project would be beneficial to students, academics, and other groups with an internet in urban forestry through the creation of a learning hub. Another key initiative in the forest sector is “Free to Grow in Forestry.” Led by the CIF- IFC in partnership with the Centre for Social Intelligence, this initiative seeks to increase gender, diversity and inclusion in Canada’s forest sector. Free to Grow is Canada’s first public-private funded national gender equity project and aims to create a diverse and inclusive workforce that provides the foundation for a thriving forest sector and healthy communities. As an organization, the CIF-IFC is dedicated to inspiring confidence and pride in Canadian forestry both across Canada and internationally. Pearson adds, “Socially, we are committed to ensuring that the Canadian forest sector is welcoming and inclusive to all individuals, and that members from underrepresented groups know they are welcome and know of the opportunities available in forestry. Additionally, we want to educate the value of forests and their importance as a renewable resource to audiences beyond the forest sector. This is especially important as forestry is connected to our daily lives in so many ways.” One of the core mandates of the CIF-IFC is to provide national leadership in forestry, including advocacy and outreach. The CIF-IFC speaks up for the world class sustainable forest management practices found in Canada. With guidance from our Forest Advocacy Committee, the Institute produces advocacy pieces to educate those in forestry and the greater population about pressing issues in the field. “Newly added to our suite of advocacy products are information bulletins, where readers can get a quick snapshot on “hot topics” in THE CANADIAN INST I TUTE OF FORESTRY the forest sector such as wildfire smoke, watersheds, clearcutting, as well as pieces clarifying misconceptions about deforestation and forest carbon quantification and accounting,” Pearson says. “We also advocate for sustainable forestry to ensure Canada remains a leader in protecting and maintaining forests for current and future generations. When it comes to making forest management decisions, we advocate the use of sound science and scientific expertise. This includes the consideration of biodiversity, wildlife habitat supply, ecosystem processes, and natural disturbance emulation.” Among the strategic objectives of the Institute is to increase the scope of educational efforts to reach the next generation of forest stewards and audiences beyond the forest sector through educational resources and tours. The CIF-IFC provides Teachers Forestry Tours for teachers, educators, and teaching candidates to meet forestry practitioners. The tours offer a very well-rounded and great introduction to forests and the forest sector, while also providing participants with resources and tools to bring back to the classroom. Pearson reports, “This past year we’ve hosted tours across Canada in collaboration with our Sections and local organizations, with more tours planned this fall. The feedback has been very positive, with teachers finding the presentations, hands-on- learning, and opportunities to visit outdoor forests highly beneficial.” Each year, the CIF-IFC leads National Forest Week (NFW), which encourages individuals to learn more about forests as a valuable and renewable resource. Another strategic objective of the CIF-IFC is to provide competency to forest practitioners (knowledge exchange, professional development and continuing education), through workshops, field tours and webinars. “Additionally, we are currently working with the Society of American Foresters (SAF) towards hosting a joint conference in 2026 with our American colleagues,” Pearson says. “It’s an exciting time to be in forestry!” CFC National Office Staff (at the 2022 CIF-IFC National Conference & 114th AGM, Sault Ste. Marie, ON, September 2022). Back row (left to right): Matt Perry, John Boakye-Danquah, Sharon Yang, Natasha Machado, Isabella Boushey; Front row (left to right): Steph Robinson, Liz Elliott, Jen Dickman, Mark Pearson, Tanisha Rajput; Missing: Kerry Spencer.