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By Caden Fanshaw

COFI

Future boasts sustainable jobs in forestry despite downturn

Apr 13, 2023 | 4:52 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – One of the panels on the opening day at the BC Council of Forest Industries Convention in Prince George was all about the future of the industry. Part of that future is figuring out how to recruit people to work in the sector.

“We’re competing against Google and Amazon,” said Tricianne Kasabuchi, Director of Talent Development for Canfor. Those are the sexy jobs, but I think we have a sexy job too, and the story of sustainability I think is one that we need to shine a brighter light on so that people understand that there is a future in forestry.”

You don’t hear the words sexy and forestry in a sentence together often.

This downturn in the sector makes hiring harder, said Canfor’s top talent recruiter. Adding the top priority for the company is retaining top talent, and developing their employees as best as possible.

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In recent months, forestry giant Canfor eliminated hundreds of positions across Northern BC as sawmills, pulp mills, and other operations were shuttered as part of what the company often called “changing market conditions.”

Aside from the downtown, trying to convince youth to choose a career in forestry is a tall task.

Trying to convince the next generation to consider a career in trades part of the mission for Rod Bianchini the Chief Strategy and Compliance Officer for SkilledTrades BC.

Bianchini said the conversations around the future of forestry jobs is just one of many topics on the top of minds at the 2023 COFI convention.

Pattison Media is owned by Jim Pattison Industries, a majority shareholder in Canfor.