West Fraser

At West Fraser, we firmly uphold the importance of mental health. It's a message we are committed to amplifying within our team and throughout our wider network including the many rural communities in which we operate.   We are proud to partner with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) through an initial $450,000 funding contribution to support the development of a rural mental health strategy and the expansion of the CHMA’s Resilient Minds® training for firefighters and emergency responders.   “The Resilient Minds course has proven to be an invaluable resource for firefighters facing mental health challenges,” says Roger Hollander, Regional Fire Chief of Cariboo Regional District. “Through this program, participants have gained essential skills and strategies to navigate difficult situations, manage stress, and build resilience in their daily lives. West Fraser’s contribution has enabled us to reach a wider audience of firefighters and provided much-needed support to those in need.”

On Friday, West Fraser welcomed Scottish Deputy First Minister, Kate Forbes MSP to our mill at Inverness. Our leadership team enjoyed giving a tour of our operations and discussing the incredible potential that the forestry industry has for Scotland, following statistics released last week highlighting its significant economic impact. A key focus of the visit was to highlight our progress in implementing a new rail siding, which will not only boost efficiency but also contribute to lower transportation emissions by reducing our carbon footprint even further by taking more trucks off the road.

West Fraser is honoured to receive the 2023 Safest Company Award from the Engineered Wood Association (APA) for companies with four or more mills. We believe that strong safety performance is essential for continuous improvement across all our operations. Thank you to the Engineered Wood Association for acknowledging our dedication to the health and safety of our team members. Learn more about the 2023 award recipients here: https://lnkd.in/ekypU5Vf.

West Fraser is proud to have U.S. operations across 11 states and be a member of 29 vibrant communities. Together we are producing renewable wood products for a brighter tomorrow. To all our U.S. colleagues and forestry partners – and to all Americans everywhere – have a happy and safe July 4th! Pictured, our Blackshear, Georgia mill proudly flies the Stars and Stripes.

This Canada Day, West Fraser is celebrating one of the country's most important resources, our forests.   We believe in creating a better future through sustainably managed forests and the products that come from them, and we are proud to be part of communities across western and eastern Canada.   To all Canadians, we wish you a happy Canada Day!

West Fraser is proud to work with partners to inspire the next generation of female engineers and help close the profession’s gender gap, including through our partnership with the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow. Leading up to International Women in Engineering Day – which celebrates women working in the field and encourages women to enter the profession – West Fraser once again partnered with the University on its Engineering the Future for Girls program. West Fraser representatives were on-site at the on-campus program to provide real-life insights into their experiences as female engineers, educate about the various paths a career in STEM can provide, share exciting examples of engineering projects at West Fraser and more. 

West Fraser celebrates National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21. Our forest operations take place on the ancestral lands and traditional territories of Indigenous Peoples. For decades we have worked to nurture meaningful relationships with Indigenous governments, communities and businesses. We will continue to work together to foster economic prosperity, community well-being and resilience.

Each June 19, we celebrate Juneteenth to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States; honour the resistance, courage and triumph over oppression; and recognize the ongoing fight for human rights where people everywhere are equally able to enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. 

At West Fraser, inclusive, diverse teams build a more vibrant workforce, safer operations and a stronger company overall.     This June, we celebrate Pride Month to promote the self-affirmation, dignity, equality and visibility of 2SLGBTQI+ people.    Divisions across our operating areas are participating in Pride Month activities to celebrate, educate and affirm their commitment to our culture of belonging. Pictured, Quesnel Plywood created rainbow logo pins to celebrate Pride Month. 

This World Environment Day, West Fraser is pleased to highlight a collaborative project between our Bemidji OSB mill in Minnesota, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Last week, the Minnesota DNR stocked Bemidji OSB’s pond with flathead minnows. Later, they will stock the pond with muskellunge (muskie), who will feed on the minnows and then will be transferred to larger lakes in the fall for use in fish rearing. West Fraser is dedicated to maintaining and enhancing the biodiversity of the areas where we operate, a core principle of our sustainable forest management approach. Learn more about our commitment to the environment in our 2023 Sustainability Report: https://bit.ly/3pazc5Y