OUR STORY
Free to Grow in Forestry is an unprecedented collaboration that was launched to make unprecedented progress.
And it’s about time.
Organizations and institutions from the Canadian forest products sector from coast to coast to coast came together in 2018 with one vision - to work collaboraitvely to achieve inclusive workplace cultures that allow women, Indigenous peoples, and new Canadians at all levels, from technical to executive-level positions within the sector to thrive in their careers.
Inclusive workplace cultures are not only good for society, but also for business. We believe it's vital to the forest sector's continued success. From head offices to mills and throughout the supply chain, we see opportunities to support, advance, and strengthen workplace cultures for people, companies/organizations and the sector overall.
When we went to the World Forest Congress in Sweden in 2024, we were met with incredible support for our initiative. This led us to open doors internationally with our work, and we are now proud to say that organizations beyond North America are supporting our efforts.
Why did you choose the phrase ‘Free To Grow’? This phrase resonates on a couple of levels for this initiative:
It’s a term used in forestry when the forest renewal stage has reached a level where it no longer needs human intervention and the forest is considered “free to grow” naturally.
That phrase was lifted into the social context for our purposes - meaning everyone who enters this sector is “free to grow” to reach their full potential in their professional development, no matter what their position, culture or gender is, without intervention.
Join the Free to Grow in Forestry Movement (2023).
Initial project video launched in 2018.
Free to Grow video launched in 2020 in celebration of #GenderEqualityWeek and #NationalForestWeek.
Partners & Collaborators
Committed to the Movement
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Forest Stewardship Council Canada
Forsite Consultants Ltd.
Immigrate Software Inc.
NCASI
Unifor
Free to Grow in Forestry Movement Supporters
Phase 2 (2021-2024) Collaborators & Supporters
Phase 1 (2018-2021) Collaborators
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Université de Moncton, Campus d’Edmundston, École de foresterie
Government of Canada
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This project has been funded by Women and Gender Equality Canada
FAQs
What is the issue?
The forest sector is currently primed for growth with the emergence of innovation and employment opportunities. A huge opportunity exists to transform the workforce. Our campaign is focused on achieving meaningful inclusion across all levels of the Canadian forest sector.
Our main focus areas are highlighted in our three pillars:
Building the evidence based: Analyzing data to identify how we can advance gender equality in the Canadian forest sector.
Fostering an inclusive culture: Advocating for the retention and advancement of all people in the forest sector. We have developed best practices reports and online training.
Repositioning the sector: Targeting communication campaigns to attract a more diverse workforce to the forest sector.
Who can I contact if I want to be involved?
If you have any additional questions, or want to be further involved please contact info@freetogrowinforestry.ca.
Why is this an issue?
Statistics Canada reveals that the forest sector currently employs 19% women, 9% visible minorities, 7% Indigenous peoples, and 12% immigrants. Research shows that organizations with a diverse and inclusive culture perform better and develop more innovative outcomes, which benefits the company and its employees.
How can I get involved?
Great! Thanks for wanting to push for a healthy workplace culture within the Canadian forest sector. Here are a couple ways you can get involved:
Follow us on social media (LinkedIn).
Spread the word by sharing the Free To Grow campaign graphics. Download the graphics here, and share to your network using the hashtag #ForestryForward.
Share statistics and facts within your personal and professional networks.
Join our mailing list, to stay connected and up to date on how we are advancing gender equity in the forest sector.
The more people who learn about Free To Grow, the larger impact we’ll make!
What work has been done already?
The forest sector is already a great field to work and grow in. For years, it has been defined by innovation, economic prosperity, technological advancements, and environmental practices. Now, we are continuing to work toward a more inclusive workforce.
In recent years, more women have held director positions in companies in the forest products and paper sector, with the rates rising from 5% in 2016 to 20% in 2019, according to Osler’s 2019 Diversity Disclosure Practices report. It’s no question that while strides are being made, there’s more work to be done to make sure there’s room for everyone in forestry.
Who is involved with this campaign?
This campaign was initiated by the collaborative partnerhip of the Centre for Social Intelligence and the Canadian Institute of Forestry, with funding from the Department of Women and Gender Equality.
From 2018-2024, we worked closely with sector advisors across the country from the public, private, not-for-profit, academia and Indigenous communities to provide guidance on the direction of the resources that were created (e.g. reports and online training).