2025-01-30 CTNA Newsletter EN Print
Download the PDF: 2025_CTNA_Newsletter_Jan30.pdf
A YEAR IN REVIEW: SECURING THE FUTURE OF FOREST RESTORATION AND MEETING SEEDLING DEMAND
Welcome to the latest edition of our newsletter, your connection to the people, progress, and purpose driving Canada’s thriving tree nursery sector. At the Canadian Tree Nursery Association/Association Canadienne des Pépinières Forestières (CTNA-ACPF), we proudly represent Canada’s tree nurseries—key players in growing over 95% of the nation’s tree seedlings. These seedlings are more than just trees. They are a commitment to our forests, economy, and communities, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
As we begin a new year, this edition takes a look back at the incredible progress we’ve made together. From advancing innovation and fostering partnerships to amplifying the voice of Canada’s nurseries, we are proud of the milestones achieved since our founding in 2023.
This “Year in Review” celebrates the dedication, collaboration, and growth that continue to drive our sector forward.
Let’s reflect, celebrate, and keep growing—one seedling at a time!
Thank you to our members, partners, and sponsors for your support.
CTNA-ACPF.CA
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE YEAR’S FIRST CHAPTER
Conferences and Events
In 2024 we had the privilege of participating in several impactful conferences across the country, showcasing CTNA-ACPF and engaging with passionate individuals in the forestry and nursery sectors.
We were honored to be the keynote speaker at the Nottawasaga Conservation Authority AGM in Ontario, where we introduced the CTNA-ACPF and highlighted the importance of the nursery sector and our vision for healthy, sustainable forests.
In February, we attended the Forests Ontario Annual Conference, where we emphasized the vital role of Canadian nurseries in producing the right tree seedlings to ensure thriving forests for future generations.
The Western Forestry Contractors’ Association Conference in Victoria, BC, was another highlight, offering opportunities to meet with friends, colleagues, and members of the CTNA-ACPF. We were inspired by the excellent speakers and engaging dialogue that advanced conversations on forestry challenges and solutions.
At the BC First Nations Forestry Conference, it was inspiring connecting with enthusiastic youth and their teachers, while planting trees and discussing career opportunities in forestry and nurseries. We extend our gratitude to K&C Silviculture, Westbank First Nation, Skulqalt Forestry, and Weyerhaeuser for donating seedlings for this inspiring event.
We also participated in the Forest Nursery Association of BC Annual Conference in Vernon, further deepening our engagement with forestry professionals in the region.
At the Atlantic Forest Nursery Conference in Charlottetown, PEI, we released a paper on the number of trees required to restore 15% of forests destroyed by wildfire (link to story). Additionally, we presented to the CIF, introducing the CTNA-ACPF and our activities to date.
We’re grateful for these opportunities to connect, share knowledge, and advocate for sustainable forestry practices nationwide.
SPRING AHEAD! 2024 WEBINAR
Our Spring Ahead! 2024 Webinar in collaboration with the National Tree Seed Centre was a tremendous success, drawing an impressive 263 registrants from around the world. It was inspiring to see so many engaged in advancing forest restoration through high-quality seed and stock. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our incredible speakers for their invaluable insights into nursery efficiencies, greenhouse innovations, and the latest advancements in seedling production. Their expertise brought fresh perspectives and actionable knowledge to all who attended.
Special thanks go out to our sponsors—Maple Leaves Forever, Harnois Industries | Greenhouse & Fabric Building Manufacturer, and Blackmore Company. Your generous support made this event possible and enabled meaningful discussions that will drive progress in the forest restoration sector.
We would also like to acknowledge the collaboration and support of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) | Ressources Naturelles Canada - National Tree Seed Centre and the Canadian Institute of Forestry / Institut forestier du Canada. Your contributions were integral to the success of this event.
To everyone who joined us, thank you for making Spring Ahead! 2024 such a memorable and impactful experience.
2 Billion Trees Capacity Grant
We’re thrilled to report the CTNA-ACPF has received a $300,000 grant from the Government of Canada’s 2 Billion Trees program to support the development of critical training programs (Forest Nursery Training Program - FNTP) designed to equip the next generation with the skills needed to cultivate healthy trees for reforestation efforts across Canada.
Minister Wilkinson announced the grant in Sudbury, ON with Rob Keen, RPF and Executive Director of CTNA-ACPF, in attendance. Our Executive Director addressed the urgent need for forest restoration. He also emphasized how rising deforestation rates due to wildfires are impacting our forests, which are vital to our communities, economies, and biodiversity. Delays in restoring these forests only increase future costs and missed opportunities to recover these valuable ecosystems.
This grant means CTNA will be working closely with our members, forest industry partners, educational institutions, First Nations, and other governments to create a comprehensive training program tailored to the needs of the nursery sector.
We thank Minister Jonathan Wilkinson, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) and everyone involved in making this milestone possible. This funding represents a crucial step toward building the nursery sector infrastructure needed for a greener and more sustainable future.
Western and Eastern Tour
Recent tours across Canada by the Executive Director provided an incredible opportunity to connect with CTNA-ACPF members, government officials, and industry leaders who are driving innovation and excellence in forest restoration efforts. During our visit of Kingsclear Tree Nursery in New Brunswick we were delighted to acknowledge their membership of CTNA-ACPF. In Quebec, we had the pleasure of meeting with staff from Harrington Tree Nursery and Reboisement Mauricie Inc. Both nurseries are dedicated to producing high-quality native tree seedlings for the provincial forest restoration programs. Each nursery showcased unique innovations in technology aimed at improving operational efficiency and seedling quality.
Our final stop in the east was at Strathlorne Forest Nursery in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, managed by Sean Gillis. Strathlorne is expanding to meet the increasing forest restoration needs in Nova Scotia and collaborating with local private nurseries to optimize production levels.
In British Columbia, we had the pleasure of visiting member nurseries and discussing their contributions to forest restoration. These visits included our newest members, Landing Nursery Ltd., Eagle Rock Nursery (Tolko Industries), and Mt. Ida Nursery Ltd. as well as Tremel Greenhouses, Smokey Lake Forest Nursery, and Bonnyville Forest Nursery from Alberta.
We also had an important discussion with BC Minister Mercier, Minister of State for Workforce Development, addressing the critical shortage of skilled nursery workers. Emphasizing the need for provincial support, we advocated for robust nursery training programs to meet the growing demands of the forestry sector.
Growing Our Community
We’re excited to share that our LinkedIn community has grown to 1,069 followers and continues to increase steadily, thanks to the support of everyone who shares and engages with our posts. This growing presence on social media helps amplify our mission and reach new audiences across Canada and beyond.
We are now proud to represent 60 nurseries across the country, representing over 95% of Canada's tree seedling growing capacity. As the value of tree planting and the demand for forest restoration efforts continue to grow, so too will the need for native tree seedlings. CTNA-ACPF is poised to play a pivotal role in helping Canadian tree nurseries meet this demand, ensuring a steady supply of high-quality seedlings to restore forests nationwide.
Through collective action and sharing best practices, CTNA-ACPF members are contributing to the ongoing success of forest restoration initiatives, helping to create a sustainable future for our nation's forests.
Forest Nursery Training Program
With funding assistance from the federal government’s 2 Billion Tree Capacity Grant Program, CTNA-ACPF has launched an important project to address the growing demand for skilled nursery workers in Canada. This initiative will play a key role in equipping the next generation of workers for the critical tasks of seedling production and forest restoration.
The main goals of this project include:
Understand Training Needs: Generate a detailed understanding of the core training requirements needed to meet the current and future needs of the nursery sector.
Develop Curriculum & Training Programs: Design a comprehensive training structure that will effectively recruit and train both new and existing nursery workers to meet these demands.
Additionally, the FNTP will identify educational institutions currently offering related training and those interested in participating. It will also assess which provinces are willing to support and engage in the training program beyond the study period. Additionally, the project will evaluate the current and future demand for skilled workers, given the increasing need for high-quality tree nursery stock to support forest restoration initiatives.
FNTP Task Team Members
Michael Taylor – Nursery Specialist / Spécialiste des pépinières, Blackmore Company, USA
Henry Yang – Senior Grower, K&C Silviculture Ltd., British Columbia
Kerry Mclaven – CEO, Forest Gene Conservation Association, Ontario
Isabelle Villeneuve – General Manager, Bonnyville Forest Nursery, Alberta
Sanna Larose – Assistant Business Manager, Sylvan Vale Nursery Ltd, British Columbia
Martin Noël, RPF – Manager, Kingsclear Provincial Forest Nursery, New Brunswick
Steven Kiiskila – Crop and Growing Team Manager, Arbutus Grove Nursery Ltd, British Columbia
Zoe Croke – Training Coordinator, Forestry Sector Council, Nova Scotia
Kevin Kemball – Business Development Lead, NAIT, Alberta
Jean-Marie Sobze – PhD, RPF, Manager, Centre for Boreal Research, NAIT, Alberta
Trevor Stanley – Trevor Stanley Consulting, Manitoba
Marc-Olivier Labrecque – Responsable des opérations, SARGIM, Québec
Mark McDermid – Seed & Stock Specialist, Forests Canada, Ontario
Siriol Paquet – Assistant Manager, Sylvan Vale Nursery Ltd, British Columbia
France Isabelle – Adjointe responsable aux opérations, SARGIM, Québec
To aid in the FNTP, CTNA-ACPF would like to welcome our task team members who will provide valuable insight, guidance, and advice throughout all stages of the FNTP. This team will play an essential role in informing key decisions and ensuring the project’s success. The Task Team is composed of experts with extensive experience in nursery operations across all levels, ensuring the program is grounded in practical, hands-on skills. The team includes professionals with deep knowledge in forest management and related fields, providing essential context for nursery operations within the larger framework of forest restoration and environmental sustainability.
2 Billion Tree Program Update
The 2 Billion Tree Program (2BTP) continues to make impressive strides in its mission to expand Canada’s forests and enhance ecosystem health.
157 million seedlings have been planted from 2021 to 2023, creating approximately 105,000 hectares of new forest.
The program is on track to plant a total of 716 million seedlings, establishing 477,000 hectares of new forest.
A shift towards an ecosystem-based forest management approach is underway, prioritizing sustainable practices and biodiversity.
There’s a growing understanding among participants about what’s needed to scale up forest restoration efforts, particularly in the areas of seed and seedling production.
Program Stability and Contribution Agreements
CTNA-ACPF recently reached out to the 2BTP Executive Director to clarify potential impacts of the federal prorogation on Contribution Agreements (CAs) and grants. The response provided reassurances:
The prorogation of Parliament does not affect ongoing applications or the delivery of the program’s mandate. The team remains committed to advancing applications as usual.
In the event of an election, the Privy Council Office will guide how government business is conducted.
Members inquired about the security of signed Contribution Agreements under a new government. 2BTP staff confirmed that no signed federal CA has ever been canceled.
A national map in the newsletter shows the distribution of Contribution Agreements and associated funding by province and territory, highlighting investments to date under the 2 Billion Tree Program.
Wildfire Reclamation Program
Alberta’s Wildfire Reclamation Program (WRP) supports the re-establishment of forest cover in areas damaged or destroyed by wildfire. While forestry companies are required to meet reforestation standards, wildfires can destroy already reforested areas, leaving them unreplanted and impacting forest sustainability, ecosystems, and communities.
The WRP assists organizations with reforesting these areas by funding eligible activities such as surveys, site preparation, planting, and seeding. However, WRP funds cannot be used for reforestation activities that are the regulatory responsibility of forest companies.
The Alberta government significantly reduced WRP funding in recent years. However, thanks to efforts from CTNA-ACPF members, the Alberta Forest Products Association, and the Western Forest Contractors Association, the province has committed $75M to support the program. To date, $27M of this has been matched by the 2 Billion Trees Program.
This program plays a vital role in addressing the costly impacts of wildfires and ensuring the long-term sustainability of Alberta’s forests.
Restoration and Seedling Demand
As the demand for reforestation grows in response to climate change and forest restoration needs, ensuring a sustainable and efficient supply chain for tree seedlings has never been more critical. The CTNA-ACPF highlights key priorities to address these challenges and strengthen Canada’s forest restoration efforts.
The devastating wildfires of 2023 and 2024 have underscored the urgent need for enhanced reforestation efforts across Canada. Over 22.5 million hectares of forest were destroyed—with 5.3 billion seedlings required to replant just 15% of the impacted lands.
In British Columbia alone, projected planting levels for 2025 have dropped by 58 million seedlings, further highlighting the strain on Canada’s nursery sector and the forest restoration supply chain.
Link to article
At the Atlantic Forest Nursery conference, CTNA-ACPF presented a report detailing the extent of Canada’s reforestation challenge following unprecedented wildfires in 2023 and 2024. Over 5.3 billion seedlings are required to restore just 15% of forest areas lost, underscoring a need for immediate government action to support Crown forest restoration.
“Action on this is urgently required by our Prime Minister, Premiers, and Forest Ministers,” emphasized Rob Keen, Executive Director of CTNA-ACPF. Keen highlighted the urgency of supporting tree nurseries to meet current and future demand amid climate pressures on Canada’s forests.
The CTNA-ACPF recommends the following actions:
Long-Term Commitments: Federal and Provincial governments must provide long-term contractual demand certainty to empower existing nurseries and seed producers to invest in their infrastructure and expand operations.
Science-Driven Solutions: Integrating western science with traditional knowledge will ensure the right trees are planted in the right place, fostering ecosystem resilience and biodiversity.
Strengthening the Workforce: Addressing labor shortages and investing in training programs for nursery workers are essential to ensuring sustainable seedling production.
Immediate Action: The time to act is now. Delaying reforestation only increases future costs and harms Canada’s forests, communities, and biodiversity.
The Association emphasizes the importance of investing in existing expert nursery systems rather than building new infrastructure, which risks fragmenting the sector. Such fragmentation could:
Reduce product availability and quality.
Redistribute the limited skilled workforce, straining rural communities and established nurseries
By strengthening the existing supply chain and providing long-term demand certainty, Canada can scale its response effectively without undermining the expertise and infrastructure already in place.
Together, with the support of governments, industry stakeholders, and communities, CTNA-ACPF members are committed to restoring Canada’s forests and ensuring a greener, more sustainable future.
Economic Analysis of Canada’s Tree Nurseries
A recent report by Green Analytics highlights the vital role of Canada’s tree nursery sector in supporting the economy, environment, and communities:
Economic Impact: The sector generates $256.3 million in annual revenue, contributes $535.4 million to Canada’s GDP, and supports 4,378 full-time equivalent jobs.
Forest Restoration: Producing approximately 726 million seedlings annually, Canada’s nurseries are critical to reforestation. Restoring 15% of forests burned in 2023 and 2024 would require 5.3 billion seedlings, creating $3.9 billion in GDP and over 30,986 jobs.
Environmental and Community Benefits: Nursery-grown seedlings sequester carbon, improve air and water quality, and enhance soil regulation, benefiting rural and Indigenous communities while fostering resilience.
With increasing reforestation needs, the sector is poised for growth, making continued investment in infrastructure and workforce development essential to its success.
Future Events and News
2025 Plans and Priorities
As we build on our first year’s successes, CTNA-ACPF is focused on the following key initiatives to strengthen the nursery sector.
Raising Awareness
Our goal is to raise the profile of the Association and its members at the provincial, federal, and local levels. By increasing awareness among decision-makers, opinion leaders, and stakeholders about the vital contributions of CTNA-ACPF members, we can strengthen our advocacy efforts and enhance our influence on key policy decisions affecting the nursery sector. We will:
Expand our communication strategy to highlight the sector’s contributions.
Leverage insights from the Green Analytics report to support advocacy efforts.
Grow our online presence and engage a wider audience.
Participate in key conferences and stakeholder events to strengthen our influence.
Ongoing Advocacy for Forest Restoration
We aim to secure continued government support for restoring wildfire-affected forests, recognizing them as valuable public assets that require responsible management and effective restoration strategies. By increasing public awareness and advocacy, we can elevate the visibility of this issue and drive stronger political action to support long-term reforestation efforts. We will:
Advocate for sustained government investment in reforestation.
Launch targeted outreach ahead of the next federal election to build momentum.
Host webinars and workshops to highlight the scale of reforestation opportunities.
Engage in industry conferences to reinforce the economic importance of restoration.
Create educational materials for decision-makers on the risks of underfunding.
In 2025, we are rolling out an online micro-credential course to provide essential training in nursery operations, launching a dedicated job board for members, and continuing to promote rewarding career pathways within the sector. These initiatives will help secure a skilled workforce ready to meet the growing demand for reforestation.
Building a Skilled Nursery Workforce
In 2025, we are rolling out an online micro-credential course to provide essential training in nursery operations, launching a dedicated job board for members, and continuing to promote rewarding career pathways within the sector. These initiatives will help secure a skilled workforce ready to meet the growing demand for reforestation.
Leveraging Economic Insights for Advocacy
The Green Analytics report will be a vital tool in advocating for the nursery sector. With a high-profile launch planned for early 2025, we will ensure its findings reach policymakers, opinion leaders, and industry stakeholders, demonstrating the sector’s economic significance and the need for continued investment.
By advancing these key priorities, CTNA-ACPF is shaping the future of the tree nursery sector—growing stronger, together.
Conferences and Events
The CTNA-ACPF team is excited to participate in several key conferences and events in 2025. These gatherings provide excellent opportunities to connect with industry professionals, share knowledge, and discuss the future of forestry and forest restoration:
January 29–31 – WFCA Conference, Victoria, BC
February 20 – Forests Canada Conference, Toronto, ON
February 26–27 – OPPFQ Annual Conference, Quebec City, QC
April 23–25 – First Nations Forestry Conference, Penticton, BC
June 18–20 – 9th Annual Indigenous Opportunities Resource Conference, Nanaimo, BC
August 11–15 – Forest Genetics Conference, Ottawa, ON
September (Dates TBA) – Forest Nursery Association Conference, Victoria, BC
CTNA-ACPF representatives will be attending these events, contributing to discussions on forestry advancements, networking with stakeholders, and advocating for sustainable practices. We look forward to engaging with members, partners, and experts at these exciting gatherings!
THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS AND SPONSORS
We want to express our sincere gratitude to our partners and sponsors for their invaluable support. Your dedication and contributions make our work possible, helping us drive meaningful progress in forest restoration and ecosystem health across Canada.
Together, we’re building a greener, more sustainable future. Thank you for being an essential part of this journey!