Unifor signs declaration of intent to grow diversity, equity, and inclusion in forestry sector

Press Release

June 29, 2023

Unifor has joined the movement to grow diversity, equity, and inclusion in forestry. By participating, the union will support the work of provincial governments, corporations and communities to make forestry an industry where everyone feels welcome.

“Forestry is a very traditionally male-dominated sector, and we know that in order for any industry to survive, it must be dynamic, inclusive and supportive of everyone,” said Tracey Ramsey, Unifor Women’s Director. “Unifor represents many forestry locals across the country led by Local Presidents who recognize the value diversity brings. We hope to amplify their work and offer the strength of our union to this multi-party initiative.”

The declaration includes six concrete steps forestry employers should take to transform and grow the sector:

1. We will strive to make our workplaces safe spaces to have complex, and sometimes difficult, conversations about diversity and inclusion.
2. We will implement and expand training and education on diversity and inclusion.
3. We will share our experiences on best practices and lessons learned.
4. We will create and share strategic diversity and inclusion plans with our individual organizations or company boards of directors.
5. We also commit to create or begin creating accountability mechanisms within our companies or organizations to track our own progress and to share regular updates in order to catalog effective programs and measurement practices.
6. We commit to working collaboratively across the forest sector and recognize we are a social ecosystem of leaders.

Co-signed by many groups and employers, such as Interfor, Resolute, WorkSafe BC, and the B.C. First Nations Forestry Council, the initiative is also supported by the governments of Alberta, British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Ontario.

Visit freetogrowinforestry.ca [FR:https://www.foresterieencroissancelibre.ca/] to read the declaration.

Watch the video to learn more.

IBF5