A northwestern Ontario advocate for the forestry industry has been recognized for her work by the Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC).
Wendy Landry, the mayor of Shuniah and president of the Northwestern Ontario Municipalities Association (NOMA), has received FPAC's Jim Carr Forest Community Champion Award.
This is the inaugural year for the award, which recognizes individuals who have showcased exceptional dedication to their communities and have contributed to advancing the environmental, social, and economic benefits of the forest sector in Canada.
It's named for Jim Carr, a champion of the Canadian forestry industry, who served as Canada’s Natural Resources Minister from 2015 to 2018.
Senator Colin Deacon also received the award this year.
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Ian Dunn, president and CEO of the Ontario Forest Industries Association (OFIA), said there is "no one more deserving” of the award than Landry, whose work he called a "source of inspiration.”
“I am constantly amazed by Mayor Wendy Landry’s commitment and determination ensuring decision-makers hear municipal and Indigenous voices in critical policy discussions. It is a source of inspiration for all of us in Ontario’s forest industry,” Dunn said in a news release.
“Mayor Landry is an uncompromising advocate for the sustainable management of Ontario’s public forests and the economic and spiritual values they provide. As an accomplished and recognized leader, without question, Mayor Landry has made Ontario a better place to live, work, and invest.”
Landry is noted for her tireless work speaking on behalf of the municipalities and Indigenous communities of northwestern Ontario, in addition to her recognition of the significant role sustainable forest management plays in the North.
Landry said she was "proud and humbled” to be recognized by FPAC.
“The industry has fed our families, paid for our hockey, figure skating, trips and all aspects of our life — providing us a healthy way of life and affordability,” she said in the release.
“As a family that has historically (spent), and continues to spend, a lot of our time in the forest, using access roads and Crown Land, the industry is a priority to our communities in northwestern Ontario. This recognition is important and tells me it is appreciated, and important. I am so humbled and honoured.”
FPAC announced its award winners on Sep. 20, during National Forest Week, which is celebrated Sept. 17-23, 2023.
