West Fraser’s Laura Trout and Domtar’s Marie-Noëlle Watts presented 2025 Women in Forestry Award of Excellence
Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) announces Laura Trout and Marie-Noëlle Watts as the recipients of the 2025 Women in Forestry Award, which honours women making exceptional contributions to Canada’s forest sector. This award celebrates individuals who are helping to shape a more inclusive and sustainable future for forestry through leadership in operations, environmental stewardship, community engagement, and workplace culture.
Trout is a strong advocate for good, objective science to inform decisions. She leads many research initiatives related to ecosystem-based management, caribou recovery, fisheries conservation and biodiversity all within the context of sustainable forest management.
Watts has consistently distinguished herself by reliably and effectively maximizing the output of mill production: it is said that wherever she goes, the efficiency of the mills improve. A proponent of intrapreneurship, Watts coaches her team to be assertive and creative and to propose projects and other initiatives, instilling a sense of ownership and pride in their work.
“The contributions of Laura Trout and Marie-Noëlle Watts reflect the strength and diversity of talent driving our sector forward, and we’re proud to recognize them as this year’s Women in Forestry recipients, said Derek Nighbor, President and CEO of FPAC. “Laura and Marie-Noëlle’s work is helping to shape a forest industry that values collaboration, innovation, and inclusion—setting a powerful example for current and future leaders,” Nighbor added.
Laura Trout, Manager, Biodiversity and Forest Ecology, West Fraser
Laura is a Biodiversity and Forest Ecology Manager at West Fraser, working at the intersection of forestry and wildlife ecology. She holds a B.Sc. in Biology from the University of Guelph and a master’s degree focused on decision-making for species at risk. With over 10 years at West Fraser, she leads work on endangered species conservation, sustainability indicators, and ecological research. She represents the company on provincial and national initiatives, including FPAC’s Forestry Committee, and co-leads its Biodiversity Community of Practice.
Laura leads a team focused on research aligned with sustainability goals, collaborating with academics, consultants, and non-profits. She also contributes to the broader sector by developing public tools, mentoring young professionals, and promoting forestry’s role in ecosystem health and rural economies.
“Receiving this award is such an honour. I believe it reflects the incredible support and opportunities I’ve found at West Fraser. I am deeply grateful to be part of the forest sector, to have worked alongside so many inspiring women across the industry and honored to be recognized among such exceptional peers.” – Laura Trout
Marie-Noëlle Watts, Chemical Engineer, Domtar
Marie-Noëlle is a chemical engineer who graduated from the University of Sherbrooke in 2004 and has built a diverse career in both the forest products and pharmaceutical industries. She began her journey at Domtar in 2006, working in environmental coordination and process engineering, before taking on project management roles at GlaxoSmithKline.
Returning to Domtar in 2012, she quickly advanced through leadership roles at mills in Dolbeau, Amos, and Alma, Quebec, where she oversaw production, environmental performance, and resource management. In 2021, she became General Manager at Domtar’s Dolbeau mill and now leads the team at the St-Félicien Kraft pulp mill. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to operational excellence, environmental stewardship, and inspiring other women in the forest products industry and beyond.
"Being recognized as one of FPAC’s 2025 Women in Forestry is a deeply meaningful honor. Working in forestry means actively contributing to the protection of our natural resources while building a sustainable future. But for me, it’s also about challenging stereotypes and advancing gender equality in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
“I’m proud to work at Domtar, a company whose values—caring, accountability, collaboration, and entrepreneurial spirit—align closely with my own. These values are reflected every day in the openness and support of my colleagues and employees, who foster a culture of trust, respect, and shared success.
“Welcoming diversity and amplifying women’s voices is essential to the evolution of our industry. Diversity is not optional—it’s a strength. It drives innovation, enriches decision-making, and reflects the society we strive to build. I’m proud to be part of this movement and to contribute to a forestry sector that is more inclusive, equitable, and bold.” – Marie-Noëlle Watts
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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