The BC Council of Forest Industries (COFI) kicked-off their annual forestry conference in Prince George, BC—after a five year Covid-enhanced absence — with a sold-out Ice Breaker. The two-day conference promises to be an outstanding event given the expected attendance and high profile speakers such the Hon. David Eby, Premier of BC, Regional Chief Terry Teegee, BC Assembly of First Nations, and BC Minister of Forests, Hon. Bruce Ralston. Linda Coady, President and CEO of COFI opened the conference noting her delight to be in a room connecting with so many provincial, municipal and First Nation leaders as well as the many firms and individuals that service and supply our mills. The event sponsor, Shawn Ellsworth, Partner in KPMG’s forest certification, ESG and Climate Change practice shared the stage, emphasizing the importance of the event for networking and dialog on the many issues facing the industry. And the import to KPMG—as auditors, tax advisors, forest certifiers, GHG and climate risk assessors, ESG and forest carbon consultants.

The Prince George Conference and Civic centre was the scene of a forest sector reunion of sorts. This evening was a demonstration of the camaraderie and support within the forest sector as delegates and exhibitors mingled, snacked, shook hands and hugged in a display of mutual respect and friendship. Sandy had so much fun pulling all of these willing faces together for group photos.