ontario forest industries association

The Ontario Forest Industries Association (OFIA) is a provincial trade association representing member companies ranging from large multinational corporations to small, family-owned businesses that produce a full spectrum of renewable forest products, ranging from dimensional lumber, pulp and paper and paper packaging, to engineered wood products and research and development in innovative technologies, such as engineered soils and organic mulch. The OFIA provides a forum for member companies to discuss issues of common interest and concern. Through various Boards, Committees and Task Forces, it also serves to provide a unified voice to the government and other industrial and business sectors. The Association is guided by a Board of Directors, which includes a representative from each member company. As part of its mandate, the OFIA works to: Ensure that industry positions are recognized and considered by government, Raise awareness and understanding of the industry and its positions with the public and develop partnerships like the Ontario Forestry Coalition (see link at bottom left), and Demonstrate the industry's responsiveness to environmental, economic, societal and forest management concerns, and to technological and market developments. OFIA's member companies are committed to the three pillars of sustainability: environmental protection, social development and economic development. Sustainable development has been defined as development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. To achieve sustainable development, companies must make these considerations in all aspects of their business and continually work to balance the three pillars. OFIA member companies represent approximately 70 percent of Ontario Crown land that is certified under internationally recognized systems.