Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) awards Gord Johns, Member of Parliament for Courtenay-Alberni, BC; Spencer Coyne, Mayor of Princeton, BC, and Crystal McAteer, Mayor of High Level, AB, as the 2025 recipients of the Jim Carr Forest Community Champion Award. The honour recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to supporting Canada’s forest sector and the families and communities that depend on it.
Named in memory of the late Jim Carr, former Minister of Natural Resources and International Trade Diversification, a tireless advocate for Canadian forestry and its people, this award celebrates community leaders who have shown dedication to advancing the environmental, social, and economic benefits of sustainable forest management in Canada. Esteemed past recipients include current Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne, Chief Paul Gladu, Hon. Lisa Raitt, Hon. Ed Fast, Hon. Candice Bergen, Senator Colin Deacon, Senator Percy Mockler, former NDP MP Richard Cannings, and other MPs, Senators, mayors, and community leaders from across the country.
A Member of Parliament since 2015, Gord Johns has continued to advocate for the forest sector—the backbone of the communities he represents—promoting sustainable forestry, biomass innovation, and value-added wood products that will create jobs and reduce waste. MP Johns has recently introduced a petition to Parliament seeking implementation of the biomass investment tax credit which would strengthen our economy by using biomass energy as a sustainable way to create power and improve energy security.
As Chair of the Vermillion Forks Community Forest, Mayor Spencer Coyne brings together the partners of the Town of Princeton, the Upper Similkameen Indian Band, and the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen to oversee the land management and harvesting rights over 11,000 hectares of forest land. He has been a driving force to manage the forest for all its potential by integrating Indigenous values into forest management and focusing on wildfire prevention prescriptions that protect our forests for future generations. Mayor Coyne has demonstrated outstanding community leadership during unprecedented times, including severe wildfires, a once in 200-year flood, and a pandemic, focusing efforts on fixing problems while moving forward.
As a lifelong educator, Mayor Crystal McAteer has been instrumental in raising awareness about the importance of the forest industry and environmental stewardship. She has worked tirelessly to educate both youth and adults in the region, fostering a deeper understanding of how sustainable forestry practices contribute to community resilience and ecological health, ensuring that the next generation is informed, engaged, and empowered to carry forward the values of sustainability and responsible resource management.
“MP Johns, Mayor Coyne and Mayor McAteer are among Canadian forestry’s greatest ambassadors. They are public servants and advocates who walk the talk in supporting forest sector jobs in their communities,” said Derek Nighbor, President and CEO of FPAC. “Gord, Spencer, and Crystal work closely with local industry and employees to create opportunity, they understand very well some of our sector’s greatest challenges like wildfire risks and trade issues and have proven that they are prepared to stand with the sector and its people - just like Jim did,” Nighbor added.
MP Gord Johns has represented Courtenay–Alberni as a New Democratic MP since 2015, advocating for environmental stewardship, sustainable economic development, and strong communities. A lifelong Vancouver Island resident, he champions policies that link healthy ecosystems with resilient local economies.
In Parliament, MP Johns has promoted sustainable forestry, biomass innovation, and value-added wood products, supporting renewable fuels, bioplastics, and clean energy solutions to create rural jobs and reduce waste. Beyond forestry, he has led efforts against plastic pollution, advanced salmon and habitat protection, and called for stronger federal action on species at risk.
He works collaboratively with governments, First Nations, and local organizations to advance environmentally responsible, economically sustainable solutions. With over a decade of experience, MP Johns continues to fight for policies that protect natural resources, strengthen communities, and build a resilient future.
"I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition from the Forest Products Association of Canada. Forestry has always been at the heart of our communities and our economy, and I believe its future lies in sustainable practices, innovation, clean energy and respect for the land and waters that sustain us. From advancing biomass and value-added wood products to supporting good local jobs and protecting ecosystems, we have an opportunity to build a cleaner, stronger, more resilient future. I share this award with the workers, Indigenous partners, and communities who continue to lead the way in making forestry more sustainable for generations to come.” - MP Gord Johns.
“MP Gord Johns has been a tireless and effective advocate for Domtar's paper mill in Port Alberni and its 340 employees. MP Johns has led the charge on a federal biomass tax credit that will provide jobs and environmental benefits for the forest products sector and its employees. We are thrilled that he is being recognized with this well-deserved award for his advocacy and leadership at a difficult time for the forestry sector in Canada." – Chris Stoicheff, Senior Director of Public Affairs, Domtar
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Mayor Spencer Coyne is serving his second term as Mayor of Princeton, British Columbia. A proud member of the Upper Similkameen Indian Band, his family has ancestral roots in the Similkameen Valley dating back to time immemorial.
In addition to his mayoral role, he serves on the executive of the Southern Interior Local Government Association (SILGA) and the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM). He is Chair of the Vermilion Forks Community Forest Corporation, Vice-Chair of the Similkameen Valley Planning Society (SVPS), and a board member of the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS), where he previously served as Vice-Chair.
Mayor Coyne is a passionate advocate for rural communities, bringing firsthand experience and deep local knowledge to issues such as disaster recovery, rural equity in provincial policy, and economic sustainability. His leadership is grounded in the belief that Rural British Columbia is the heartbeat of the province.
“I am honoured and humbled to have been considered for this award. Forestry has been a key industry throughout our community's history. It has fed our families and funded recreation programs. Through our ongoing partnership with local foresters, we have seen that when we work together, we can keep the environment and sustainability at the forefront, while our industry partners can still make a profit. I am honoured to be a part of that history,” said Mayor Coyne.
“Weyerhaeuser is proud to recognize Mayor Spencer Coyne as a true community champion of forestry. Mayor Coyne’s leadership and advocacy reflects a deep commitment to the Town of Princeton, respect for indigenous communities, and the sustainable future of forestry. We are grateful for his strong voice and vision.” – David Graham, President, Weyerhaeuser Company Limited
“As the new owners of the former Weyerhaeuser Princeton, BC operations, the Gorman Group recognizes that success in the forest industry today relies heavily on the collaboration between First Nations, employees, and community leaders. Mayor Coyne understands, and lives out, the balance of values and economic realities that is required. His leadership is critical, and the award is well deserved. Congratulations Spencer.” - Nick Arkle, CEO, Gorman Group
Mayor Crystal McAteer has served multiple terms leading the Town of High Level, Alberta, where she helped shape the community into a welcoming and resilient northern hub. Her work has focused on affordable housing, emergency preparedness, and transportation infrastructure, while supporting vulnerable residents through the Boreal Housing Foundation. She has built strong partnerships with Indigenous governments and industry, recognizing their vital role in regional development.
A steadfast advocate for the forestry sector, Mayor McAteer’s leadership earned her the Jim Carr Forest Community Champion Award. Though stepping down from council, she remains a passionate voice for northern Alberta and the people who call it home.
"I am truly honored to receive the Jim Carr Community Advocate Award. I am grateful for the opportunity I had to advocate for the forest industry in my region. Forestry is such a huge part of our region, and we must continue to work together to protect our natural resources, support our local workers, and ensure a thriving future for our forestry,” said Mayor McAteer.
“West Fraser congratulates Mayor Crystal McAteer on receiving the Jim Carr Forest Community Champion Award — a well-deserved recognition of her leadership in raising awareness about the importance of the forest industry, environmental stewardship, and meaningful partnerships with Indigenous Nations,” said Gord Weeber, Regional Manager, West Fraser. “As a forest products company operating in High Level, we witness firsthand how Mayor McAteer exemplifies strong local leadership that fosters a healthy, thriving forest sector benefiting the entire community,” Weeber added.
“I’ve always believed that when you care deeply about your community, you fight for what keeps it strong. Crystal McAteer is more than a mayor – she is a bridge between industry, community, and the land itself. She is the kind of leader who does more than talk – she listens, she shows up, and she gets things done. Forestry isn’t just trees – it is families, jobs, and the land we call home. I’m proud to stand beside the people who make this industry what it is, people like Mayor McAteer.” - Janis Simpkins, Vice President, Indigenous & Government Relations and Sustainability, Tolko
For more information about the FPAC Awards of Excellence, visit: https://www.fpac.ca/awards/fpac-awards-of-excellence
FPAC provides a voice for Canada’s wood, pulp, and paper producers nationally and internationally in government, trade, and environmental affairs. As an industry with annual revenues exceeding $87.2B, Canada’s forest products sector is one of the country’s largest employers—providing 200,000 direct jobs and operating in hundreds of communities across the country. Our members are committed to collaborating with Indigenous leaders, government bodies, and other key stakeholders to develop a cross-Canada action plan aimed at advancing forest health, while supporting workers, communities and our environment for the long term.
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