1. Presentation to the North American Forest Commission June 10th, 2008
Canada’s National Forest Strategy A Vision for Canada’s Forests – 2008 and Beyond
Presentation to the
North American Forest Commission
June 10th, 2008

2. Outline Background and Context Key Elements of the Vision
Realizing the Vision

3. Changing demographics and public expectations
Key Issues
Changing demographics and public expectations
Economic/industry challenges
Climate change adaptation
Industry competitiveness challenges
Competition from low-cost producers
Declining commodity prices
Weak US housing market
High energy prices
Strong Canadian dollar
Climate change pressures
Unprecedented timber losses to pests (native and alien)
Expected increase in wildfire
Other factors
Increased demand for protection and set-asides of public forest land
Growing concerns about water quality and quantity
Growing urbanization of Canadian population

4. Context
Canadian Council of Forest Ministers is developing a sixth-generation National Forest Strategy
-a national framework for forest sector
led by 14 jurisdictions (national,
provincial, and territorial)
A change in approach with the proposed Vision for Canada’s Forests: 2008 and Beyond
Forest management is a provincial responsibility but there is a history of national cooperation
Canadian Council of Forest Ministers (CCFM):
A forum for cooperation and information-sharing in areas of common national interest
Champion of a national view
Five previous national forest strategies (1981–2008)
A change in approach with the proposed Vision:
A high-level, aspirational vision statement
Focus on fewer issues
Desired outcomes rather than specific actions
Inspire, motivate and mobilize partners to realize the vision

5. COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT (SFM)
Content of the Vision
Issue #2
Climate Change
Mitigation & Adaptation
Aspirational
Goals & Outcomes
COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABLE FOREST MANAGEMENT (SFM)
VISION
Issue #1
Forest Sector Transformation
The Vision is high-level with no specific actions or funding
Recognizes the importance of SFM and its broad context (e.g. urban forests)
References the important role played by a wide variety of players involved in the advancement of SFM
Based on lessons learned, CCFM is proposing a new approach with the Vision document. The Vision has been formatted in this general outline.
Forest sector transformation and climate change mitigation & adaptation – are of national importance and are long-term and require long-term commitment to demonstrate progress.
Each of the two issues is addressed by an aspirational goal and a set of aspirational outcomes.
Vision spans 10 years with a 3-year review period

6. Realizing the Vision: Forest Sector Transformation
Innovating
Expanding Markets
Investing in People
Raising Awareness
Innovating:
Long-term forest industry competitiveness measures including:
Consolidation of the National Research Institutes including creation of the Canadian Wood Fibre Centre
Transformative technology program
CCFM Forest Sector Innovation Framework
Biofuels investments:
$500 million for the NextGen Biofuels Fund to encourage the construction of several new first-of-kind, large-scale demonstration facilities for renewable fuels such as cellulosic ethanol
Expanding Market Opportunities:
Canada Wood
North American Wood First
Value to Wood
Investing in People:
Creation of Human Resources Forest Sector Council
Support for older workers
Raising Awareness:
Report of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources (June 2008)
Vision for Canada’s Forests: 2008 and Beyond

7. Realizing the Vision: Climate Change
A national forest pest strategy
Wildland fire management agenda
Improved forecasting
Mitigating and adapting to climate change
Responding to pests
- Federal response to the Mountain Pine Beetle infestation:
Controlling the spread
Recovering economic value of affected timber
Protecting forest resources and communities
Supporting economic diversification and infrastructure in affected communities
- National Forest Pest Strategy
Collaborating on fire management
Canadian Wildland Fire Strategy
Mitigating and Adapting to climate change
Climate change adaptation strategy for Canada’s tree species, forests and forest sector
Climate change considerations included in SFM at all levels
Research on impacts and adaptation
Using forests for mitigation

8. Concluding remarks Leadership required to: Maintain momentum
Consolidate partnerships
Raise awareness
An aspirational forest Vision is a new and untested approach for CCFM and Canada
An example of productive collaboration in a federation
Acts as a compass and a point for common dialogue among existing and new forest stakeholders
Vision to be launched by CCFM Ministers Sept. 2008
GoC Leadership will be required to ensure its success, by:
Maintaining the momentum created during the Vision’s development
Inspire, motivate and mobilize partners
Work with current players but also seek out new partners
Continue to raise awareness at home and abroad