November 5, 1999
(Forest Resources and Agrifoods)

Canadian Institute of Forestry meets in Gander

The 43rd annual meeting of the Canadian Institute of Forestry (CIF) Newfoundland Section is presently being held in Gander. The focus of this year's meeting is centred around the theme of "Education and Forest Sustainability."

"As we move forward into the new the millennium a vital component of sustaining our forest resources will consist of properly educating the public about the importance and true value of this resource to Newfoundland and Labrador," Forest Resources and Agrifoods Minister Kevin Aylward stated.

As a signatory to the Canadian National Forest Strategy and partners in Newfoundland's National Forest Strategy Coalition both the Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods and the CIF (Newfoundland Section) are committed to heightening public awareness and knowledge of our forests.

The network of partners in Newfoundland's forest community including, for example, DFRA, CFS, Western Newfoundland Model Forest and various educational institutions illustrates the importance education plays in ensuring forest sustainability in this province.

Aylward continued: "I congratulate the CIF - Newfoundland Section membership on hosting the National CIF annual general meeting in Corner Brook next year. It will provide a tremendous opportunity to showcase to the rest of the country this province's knowledge, fabulous facilities and modern forest management practices."

"As the theme for next year's meeting (Uncharted Waters: 2000 and Beyond) suggests, we are embarking on an exciting time in the forestry sector. The ideas discussed in Corner Brook next summer will lay the groundwork and direction for this industry into the 21st century."

Media contact: Cynthia Layden-Barron, (709) 729-6183.

1999 11 05 11:50 a.m.