During National Forest Week, Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) celebrated outstanding individuals and organizations whose leadership is driving innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability in forestry.
The Jim Carr Forest Community Champion Award recognizes community leaders who have shown dedication to advancing the environmental, social, and economic benefits of sustainable forest management in Canada. 2025 recipients are: Gord Johns, Member of Parliament for Courtenay-Alberni, BC; Spencer Coyne, Mayor of Princeton, BC, and Crystal McAteer, Mayor of High Level, AB.
The 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award winners are Kalin Uhrich of Canfor and Dr. Tom Nudds of the University of Guelph. This distinction celebrates visionary leaders who have made remarkable and sustained contributions to Canada’s forest products sector.
Integrated Resource Management Agency (AGIR) and Women in Wood are the recipients of this year's Partnership Award, an honour recognizing organizations that have demonstrated exceptional collaboration and leadership in supporting Canada’s forest sector and the communities it serves.
The Women in Forestry 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. Laura Trout of West Fraser and Marie-Noëlle Watts of Domtar are the 2025 recipients.
Karah Morehouse of AV Group is the 2025 recipient of the Rising Star Award, celebrating emerging leaders who are making early and meaningful contributions to the forest sector. This award recognizes individuals who bring fresh perspectives, energy, and innovation to their work. Rising Stars are helping to shape the future of forestry in Canada through their leadership, creativity, and commitment to positive change.
Presented in partnership with the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers, the Skills Awards for Indigenous Youth celebrates young Indigenous leaders who are interested in careers in the forest sector and demonstrating a strong commitment to their communities. Amy Oester of Nazko First Nation and Grace Currie of the Métis Nation of British Columbia are the 2025 recipients.
Dallan LP is the 2025 recipient of the Indigenous Business Leadership Award. In partnership with the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB), this award is presented to individuals or businesses that exemplify excellence in leadership, Indigenous employment, environmental and safety performance, and community engagement.
Earlier this year, FPAC recognized emerging young researchers and the academic institutions advancing them as they generate innovative forest-based solutions. PhD candidates Assira Keralta from Université Laval and Shayan Narani of the University of British Columbia are the 2025 winners of the Chisholm Awards for Innovation in Forestry, a national competition for young researchers.
Penghui Zhu, a distinguished researcher in Pulp and Paper Engineering and a 2024 Chisholm Award winner, has also won first place in the 2025 international Blue Sky Young Researchers Innovation Award. Zhu’s groundbreaking work in biodegradable packaging is a powerful example of how Canadian forestry innovation is making an impact around the world.
“These awards showcase bright minds, hard workers, and people who care about making a difference in Canada’s forest sector. By recognizing innovation, leadership, and a commitment to inclusivity and community, we not only celebrate wonderful achievements but spark a ripple effect—encouraging others to be passionate, think big, be people and community-minded, and never forget where you come from. This year’s winners again represent the very best of what Canada’s forest sector is all about and our potential for the future.” - Derek Nighbor, President & CEO, FPAC
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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