Our Mandate
AFPA is a non-profit association that has represented the sustainable forest industry in Alberta since 1942.
We foster success and innovation in the forest sector by providing a broad range of resources, guidance, and training for member companies, and we’re also responsible for increasing public understanding of our forest resource and how the forest industry maintains it.
We’re closely engaged with our members, the community at large, and other forest stakeholders, including governments, representatives from other industries in Alberta, such as teachers, students, and NGOs. Our goal is to make this industry the best it can be, and to fulfill that responsibility with transparency, integrity, and accountability.
- Founded in 1942
- 82 years in service
- Over 40 members
What We Do
We play many roles, all with the goal of empowering our members to do great work and maximizing the public benefit of our forest resource:
- Health and safety
- Industry training and resources
- Lumber grading
- Public education
- Market development
- Advocacy
Truth and Reconciliation
In our office, we are committed to expanding our knowledge and understanding of Indigenous communities and peoples.
We have been fortunate to connect with individuals, communities, and Elders in the province to learn about and understand lived experiences. We will continue to make space and time to reflect, and continue our journey towards truth and reconciliation.
Our Members
We represent companies that manufacture lumber, panelboard, pulp, paper, and secondary manufactured wood products in Alberta.
Our members range from small local businesses to large public corporations.
We support those companies in meeting and exceeding the rigorous standards that apply to our industry’s work in Alberta. Thanks to those high standards and the talent and dedication of our members, our province is a global leader in sustainable forestry and forest product manufacturing.
Partners and Related Initiatives
We and our members collaborate with other institutions, programs, and initiatives related to the industry’s work:
- Canadian Wood Council
- CAREERS: The Next Generation
- Ducks Unlimited
- Forest Products Association of Canada
- Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta
- FPInnovations
- fRI Research
- Inside Education
- Outland Youth Employment Program
- Sustainable Forestry Initiative
- University of Alberta
- Work Wild
- Wood WORKS!
Our Economic Impact
Alberta’s vibrant forestry industry generates $13.6 billion in economic activity as well as $2.7 billion in labour income, benefitting communities in every region across the province.
AFPA partners with Wood WORKS!, a national campaign created to promote the use of wood in commercial, industrial, and institutional construction.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF BUILDING WITH WOOD.
WOOD-WORKS.caWork Wild is here to help people who are looking for a career they’ll love – whether you’re a high school student evaluating career options for the first time, or looking to make a change in your career.
IF YOU’D LIKE MORE INFORMATION ABOUT EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN THE FOREST INDUSTRY, YOU CAN FIND JOB PROFILES, CURRENT JOB POSTINGS, SCHOLARSHIPS AND MORE HERE.
VIEW CAREER PATHS AND CURRENT EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES.
workwild.caNews
all newsIt’s time to fix Canada’s Species at Risk Act
Posted by AFPA | August 22, 2024
The Species at Risk Act and its implementation are frequently barriers to the cycle of sustainable harvesting and planting that mimics the natural cycle of fires, writes Jason Krips
Time to talk about how Alberta’s forests are managed
Posted by AFPA | July 30, 2024
Like everyone else in Alberta, the forest industry was saddened by what happened in Jasper. Our industry has held our …
Forestry in Kananaskis has a tradition of sustainability
Posted by AFPA | October 10, 2023
There’s a lot of conversation right now about forest harvesting in southern Alberta, specifically in the Upper Highwood region of …
Mackenzie Region of Northwest Alberta Named 2024 Forest Capital of Canada
Posted by AFPA | September 27, 2023
The Canadian Institute of Forestry/Institut forestier du Canada (CIF-IFC) proudly designated the Mackenzie Region of Northwest Alberta as the Forest …
Our Commitment to Resilience
Posted by AFPA | July 25, 2023
Alberta’s forest sector understands the threat and impacts of wildfire better than most. Some groups would have you believe the young forests that grow after a sustainable harvest are driving wildfire risk in the province. We’re here to set the record straight.
Aboriginal and forestry organizations partner to address missing Aboriginal people
Posted by AFPA | June 20, 2023
EDMONTON – Aboriginal Alert is pleased to announce a new partnership with theAlberta Forest Products Association (AFPA), marking a significant …