Town of Whitecourt and Woodlands County named Forest Capital of Canada – again!
MP Rob Merrifield, Mayor Maryann Chichak, John Pineau, Mayor Jim Rennie, MLA George VanderBurg and Minister Robin Campbell
One year, almost to the day, after the Town of Whitecourt and Woodlands County were named Forest Capital of Canada for 2013, the region has officially been granted the same honor for 2014. Millar Western joined representatives of government, industry and the community at a special ceremony held in Whitecourt on Saturday, May 10th, where Executive Director of the Canadian Institute of Forestry John Pineau made the designation official for a second consecutive year.
In his remarks, Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development Minister Robin Campbell noted that the honor was appropriate, and well-deserved. “Whitecourt and Woodlands County demonstrate how a strong stewardship ethic can build, strengthen and maintain a healthy community,” said the Minister.
MP Rob Merrifield and MLA George VanderBurg spoke about the forest industry’s long record of sustainable practice in the region’s forests, while Mayors Maryann Chichak of Whitecourt and Jim Rennie of Woodlands County commented on its vital current role, and the stable employment and economic activity generated by local forest companies Millar Western, Alberta Newsprint Company and Blue Ridge Lumber. Speaking on behalf of his industry colleagues, Millar Western Vice President of Human Resources Brian McConkey congratulated the residents of Whitecourt and Woodlands County on the honour, noting that the Forest Capital of Canada designation reflected their close connection to the forest and strong support for responsible, renewable resource development.
Events will be planned throughout the year to celebrate Whitecourt’s rich forestry history, and the vital role played by forests in maintaining the quality of life for people in 50 Alberta communities, and towns and regions across Canada.