As we welcome 2026, I am reflecting on the clarity and purpose that have shaped our work over the past year.
When I stepped into this role, I spoke about the urgency of climate action, the importance of Indigenous leadership, and the need to strengthen trust in responsible forest management across Canada. Those priorities have only grown more essential, and the past year has reinforced just how critical FSC’s role is in this moment.
A year that tested our sector and strengthened our resolve
Across the country, the forest sector continues to navigate significant pressures. Market volatility, mill closures, shifting global demand, and the accelerating impacts of climate change have created uncertainty for workers, communities, and rights holders. These challenges are real, and they underscore the need for credible, collaborative, and climate-aligned approaches to forest stewardship.
Yet despite these pressures, I have seen extraordinary resilience. I have seen Indigenous communities advancing stewardship grounded in rights and knowledge. I have seen certificate holders innovating to meet climate and biodiversity expectations. I have seen brands and retailers strengthening their commitments to responsible sourcing. And I have seen communities working tirelessly to protect the forests that sustain them. This determination is what gives me confidence as we step into 2026.
Building on the momentum of 2025
Over the past year, we made meaningful progress toward the commitments we set out:
- We advanced climate smart forestry through the launch of the Forests as Climate Solutions pilots, supported by Environment and Climate Change Canada. These pilots will help FSC Canada generate practical tools for climate adaptation, carbon stewardship, and biodiversity outcomes across FSC-certified forests.
- We strengthened market trust and visibility, with major retailers expanding their responsible sourcing commitments and increasing the presence of FSCcertified products online and in stores. The inclusion of FSCcertified products in Amazon Canada’s Climate Pledge Friendly program was an important milestone, helping consumers more easily identify responsible forest products. We also saw a meaningful rise in public recognition: consumer awareness of FSC increased by 8% in 2025, with 42% of Canadians now reporting awareness of the FSC label, according to Ipsos consumer research. This growing visibility reinforces the value of FSC certification for brands, retailers, and consumers alike
- We deepened Indigenous leadership and rights-based‑ stewardship. In December 2025, FSC Canada and the Indigenous Chamber launched the first Indigenous Knowledge Hub, a national platform designed to support knowledge sharing, capacity building, and the integration of Indigenous rights and knowledge into forest stewardship.
- We strengthened our internal capacity, welcoming new team members, ensuring we are better equipped to support, respond, and deliver on our strategic plan.
These achievements reflect the collective effort of our members, certificate holders, Indigenous partners, environmental organizations, industry leaders, and the dedicated FSC Canada team.
2026: A year of alignment and action
In 2026, FSC Canada moves fully into implementation. This is the year we translate our strategic commitments into coordinated action across forests, markets, Indigenous leadership, and standards.
Our focus is on strengthening the systems that support responsible forest stewardship, helping forest managers, Indigenous communities, certificate holders, and market partners access the tools, guidance, and support they need. We will advance certification readiness and regional growth, deepen Indigenous leadership through the Knowledge Hubs, and expand engagement in priority market sectors. At the same time, we will refine our standards and guidance, enhance monitoring systems, and reinforce the credibility and consistency of FSC implementation across the country.
This is a year defined by alignment and delivery, where programs connect more intentionally and where our collective efforts strengthen the foundation of responsible forest management in Canada.
Looking ahead with determination and optimism
The challenges facing our forests are significant. But so is our collective capacity to meet them. FSC Canada was built on collaboration, on listening, and on the belief that diverse perspectives can shape solutions stronger than any one group could achieve alone.
As we move into 2026, I remain deeply optimistic, not because the path is easy, but because the people walking it are committed, courageous, and united by a shared purpose. Together, we will continue to elevate FSC as the gold standard in responsible forest management and a driving force for climate action in Canada. And together, we will ensure that future generations inherit forests that are healthy, resilient, and thriving.
