Canadian Council of Forest Ministers (CCFM)

TORONTO - January 22, 2010 - Forest ministers from across Canada convened in Toronto to discuss issues impacting Canada’s forests and the Canadian forest sector. This week’s meeting enabled members of the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers (CCFM) to continue the dialogue on pan-Canadian priorities related to forest sector transformation and climate change adaptation and mitigation, the two key priorities within CCFM’s Vision for Canada’s Forests: 2008 and Beyond. It was also an opportunity to review the outcomes of the 15th United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, and to highlight the key forest-related negotiation issues of interest to the sector.

            “Climate change and the transformation of the forest industry are key priorities for the forest sector. Through our collaborative work, we seek to address these priorities and strengthen the forest sector for the benefit of Canadians," said Richard Brown, the CCFM Meeting Chair and Prince Edward Island Minister of Environment, Energy and Forestry. 

Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to promote a sustainable and secure future for the forest sector in Canada through collaboration with all governments, industry and stakeholders. By building upon innovation in the Canadian forest sector, governments are helping to position Canada to become a leader in emerging bio-products and technologies.

            CCFM was established in 1985 to provide a forum for federal, provincial and territorial governments to work cooperatively to address issues of common interest to Canadians. The CCFM provides leadership on pan-Canadian and international issues and sets direction for the stewardship and sustainable management of Canada’s forests.

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For more information, media may contact:

Claude Léger, CCFM Secretariat
Tel: (613) 947-9099
Cleger@nrcan.gc.ca

Ron Ryder, Communications Officer
Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry, PEI
Tel: (902) 368-5286
rrryder@gov.pe.ca