Learning and Breaking Biases
August 10, 2015 11:37 am Leave your thoughts
Hello friends,
Before I came up here to Grande Prairie I had a lot of preconceived ideas about the forest products industry. People I talked to had said that the industry was in decline, the methods used were outdated, and there was little innovation occurring. What an eye opening experience it has been to find that the industry is anything but declining. Yes, the newsprint market has been shrinking recently but it has only pushed companies to diversify their operations and become more innovative. It has been fascinating to learn about companies who are pushing the definition of what a forest products company is rather than simply sticking to the status quo. This is just one example of a moment when my preconceived notions and personal biases were blown away.
This past year has seen emerging economic uncertainty in Alberta with plunging oil causing a slowdown in a previously booming economy. Up to this point I have made a conscious effort to explore industries outside of oil and gas through my co-op work terms. I have explored different roles in the public sector, agricultural chemicals industry and now the forest products industry. This uncertainty has really cemented that decision to gain experience outside of the obvious path. Not only will I come out with a wide range of skills but I have gotten to understand how diverse Alberta is as a province.
When I looked at the facts I found that the forestry industry contributes 2% to Canada’s GDP according to Natural Resources Canada. While the industry went through some tough economic circumstances in the past few years the Canadian industry has emerged as a more resilient and innovative competitor in the global market. By tapping into the emerging Asian markets of China and India the Canadian pulp industry is becoming well placed for sustainable long term growth. The Canadian government recently renewed funding for the Investments in Forest Industry Transformation (IFIT) program. According the National Research Council of Canada the IFIT program supports company initiatives that use innovative, “first-in-kind” technologies in Canadian forest products facilities. This government support will help companies accelerate innovation and further solidify Canada’s role as a leader in the global forest products market.
Before I began my co-op term with Weyerhaueser I was told that facilities in the forest products industry were only in remote, shrinking towns. Instead, I have discovered the many interesting, lively towns that people love to call home. Personally, I love living in tightly knit, smaller cities that have a vibrant atmosphere. It has been a delight to discover the diversity in the cities surrounding forest product facilities. You can choose between locations such as Grande Prairie, Castlegar, Port Moody, St. John or Thunder Bay. You can also find a wide variety of people from many communities across North America. With few professionals originally from the Grande Prairie area, it has created a welcoming, multicultural atmosphere that I have enjoyed being a part of.
So long for now,
Amy