With the holidays around the corner, Western is embracing the spirit of giving with a donation of $100,000 to help provide meals and toys this season. By partnering with over 30 charitable organizations and First Nations communities, the financial contribution will benefit those in need across the areas the company operates in British Columbia and Washington State.
Western Forest Products Inc. today presented $10,000 to the Campbell River Search and Rescue Society in response to their appeal to raise funds for their hall expansion renovation.
The renovation project includes adding a vehicle bay to help store additional response equipment that is currently stored outside. CRSAR provides an important life-saving service to those who are lost or injured in the wilderness of northern Vancouver Island. Their team of dedicated volunteers are responsible for all land and inland waterway search and rescue for one of the largest response areas in British Columbia, from Oyster River to Nootka Island, north to Port Hardy and sections of the mainland coast. Western’s tenure spans much of CRSAR’s response area; as such, it provides access to and maintains many of the trails and recreation sites throughout the vast woodland in the region.
Western today presented a $10,000 cheque to TEAAM as part of our ongoing commitment to contributing to vibrant, heathy communities.
TEAAM (Technical Evacuation Advanced Aero Medical) is a not for profit society dedicated to providing leading edge medical care in remote, difficult to access locations through its membership-based program. The organization relies on donations to operate and recently opened its fourth base in Campbell River.
Quatsino First Nation (Quatsino or the Nation) and Western Forest Products Inc. (Western) have entered into an agreement that provides for a joint vision and approach to share opportunities related to forest resources in unceded Quatsino traditional territory. This agreement allows for a “bridging period” of increased stability for forestry workers and North Island communities as Quatsino, Western and the Province continue to pursue longer term reconciliation arrangements that respect and recognize Quatsino’s rights within its territory, and provide for North Island economic stability.
The investments are part of the Company’s ongoing commitment to support value-added manufacturing on the B.C. Coast and grow its value-added wood products business, all while continuing to improve Western’s long-term competitiveness.
Nuchatlaht Chief Jordan Michael acknowledged that, during the five years of proceedings leading up to the trial, Western never disputed Nuchatlaht’s claim of Aboriginal title to their lands on Nootka Island, and expressed appreciation for the fact that Western will not seek court costs for its participation in the case to date.
“We are proud to have one of the most gender diverse Board and executive management teams in the industry,” said Jennifer Foster, Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Human Resources, Western Forest Products. “As we celebrate this recognition of women in leadership roles, I would also like to acknowledge the valued contributions of all of the women on the Western team.”
The Western Forest Products Bursary for Women in Forestry will cover half of the tuition fees for the successful candidate enrolled in VIU’s two-year Forestry Resources Technology Diploma Program.
A planning and reconciliation agreement between four member Nations of the Nanwakolas Council and Western Forest Products includes an agreement to defer harvest of approximately 2,500 hectares of ancient, rare and other priority old growth for two years in support of Province’s Old Growth Strategy.
The contract supports the ongoing relationship between the two parties and builds on the Renewal Agreement Western and the Tla’amin Nation signed last July by demonstrating progress in advancing innovative and mutually beneficial activities in the Tla’amin Territory.