Canadian Awards Recognize Leadership and Inclusion in Forestry
At West Fraser, we believe our strength comes from our people — and that diverse, vibrant workforces create safer operations and a stronger company overall. This year, that strength was recognized beyond our company, as employees across our operations were honoured for their leadership and the positive impact they’re making in forestry and our workplace community.
Shaping a more sustainable and inclusive forest sector
Laura Trout, Manager, Biodiversity and Forest Ecology, Canada, has been named a recipient of the 2025 Women in Forestry Award by the Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC). The award celebrates women whose leadership and expertise are helping to shape a more sustainable and inclusive future for Canada’s forest sector.
Laura was recognized for her leadership in advancing environmental stewardship and responsible forest management — work that bridges science, operations and collaboration across teams and communities. Her commitment to leading research initiatives — including on ecosystem-based management, caribou recovery, fisheries conservation and biodiversity — exemplifies the innovation and teamwork that continue to strengthen Canada’s forest sector.
“Receiving this award is such an honour. I believe it reflects the incredible support and opportunities I’ve found at West Fraser,” said Laura. “I am deeply grateful to be part of the forest sector, to have worked alongside so many inspiring women across the industry and honoured to be recognized among such exceptional peers.”
Celebrating Indigenous youth in forestry
FPAC, along with the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers, has also recognized two Quesnel Sawmill team members with the 2025 Skills Awards for Indigenous Youth: Amy Oester, Silviculture Coordinator and member of the Nazko First Nation, and Grace C., Groundskeeper and Indigenous Liaison and member of the Métis Nation of B.C.
The national award celebrates young Indigenous professionals whose achievements are helping advance sustainability, stewardship and leadership in forestry while making a positive impact within their communities.
Amy was recognized for her work bridging forestry and Indigenous knowledge, including creating a Southern Carrier language calendar and contributing to community events such as the March with Arch in collaboration with the Pathways to Reconciliation group — a network created by our Quesnel office and divisions.
Grace, a third-generation forestry worker, was honoured for her leadership in reconciliation, education and inclusion — both at West Fraser and through her broader community advocacy. She is currently pursuing a post-diploma in human resources, working towards becoming a stronger advocate for Indigenous employees and leaders in the forestry industry.
Youth are our future, and the future of forestry is brighter thanks to Amy and Grace’s exceptional achievements. Their fresh perspectives and thoughtful incorporation of traditional knowledge, cultural learnings and meaningful connections within their communities are an inspiring example of how vital diverse voices are to building a sustainable forest sector.
Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests for the Province of British Columbia
As part of the award, Amy and Grace each received a scholarship and travelled to Ottawa to celebrate in person during FPAC’s National Forest Policy Conference and Parliamentary Reception, where they joined a roundtable discussion with Indigenous leaders and industry representatives.
Championing women in forestry
Also this month, Tracey Courser, Woods Manager, North Central Woodlands, received the 2025 Gender, Diversity and Inclusion Award from the Canadian Institute of Forestry (CIF).
Tracey was recognized for her exceptional leadership in co-founding the regional Women in Wood network in Slave Lake — an initiative that created a supportive space at West Fraser for mentorship, open dialogue and career development. What began as a local effort has since expanded across all our Alberta divisions, engaging more than 40 women in forestry roles.
“The Women in Wood network started as a way to connect locally, but it’s become so much more,” said Tracey. “It’s shown how meaningful mentorship and support can be — and how they open doors for more women to succeed in forestry.”
A reflection of West Fraser’s values
Together, these awards highlight the many ways West Fraser team members contribute to a stronger forestry sector — through mentorship, sustainability and partnership. Each recognition reflects the commitment and collaboration that define West Fraser’s culture and help shape the future of forestry.
