Forest Products Association of Canada President and CEO Derek Nighbor issued the following statement today upon learning that Peter deMarsh, a life-long advocate of the Canadian forest sector and woodlot owners, was among those who perished in Sunday’s crash of an Ethiopian Airlines plane:
“The forestry community lost an incredible man this weekend. Peter dedicated so much of his life to our sector and was travelling to Africa to do what he loved to do – talking about the environmental benefits of forestry and advancing opportunities for woodlot owners and forestry families around the world. He was a true champion of forestry on the global stage. We are saddened by this tragedy and extend our love and thoughts to Peter’s family and friends, and all families of the victims of this terrible tragedy.”
Peter lived in Taymouth, New Brunswick and was a long-serving President of the Canadian Federation of Woodlot Owners. He represented the interests of woodlot owners in Canada for the past three decades. He was also the Chair of an international group working for the interests of woodlot owners and forestry families from around the world, the International Family Forestry Alliance. Peter was also dedicated to a number of causes, traveling around the world to share his expertise on rural farming and environmental issues.”
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FPAC provides a voice for Canada’s wood, pulp, and paper producers nationally and internationally in government, trade, and environmental affairs. The $69-billion-a-year forest products industry represents 2% of Canada’s GDP and is one of Canada’s largest employers operating in more than 600 communities and providing 230,000 direct jobs across the country.
For more information contact:
Kerry Patterson-Baker,
Vice President, Communications
e : kpatterson-baker@fpac.ca
t : 613-563-1441 ext. 314
Follow us on Twitter: @FPAC_APFC
