Christine Leduc, SFI VP, Canadian Operations & Communications, Samuel Bourque, Manager Certification of Domtar and Quebec SIC, Nadine Block, SFI Senior VP, Network Initiatives, and Gordy Mouw, SFI Director, Network Relations
Montréal, QC—The Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI) is pleased to announce the Quebec SFI Implementation Committee (SIC) as the winner of the 2026 SFI Implementation Committee Achievement Award at the 2026 SFI Annual Conference. The committee is being recognized for its wide-ranging engagement across the SFI Conservation, Standards, Community, and Education pillars, demonstrating a longstanding commitment to advancing sustainable forestry in Quebec.
“This recognition from SFI reflects the collaborative leadership of the Quebec Implementation Committee across key SFI initiatives,” said Samuel Bourque, Domtar Certification Manager. “Together, we are advancing solutions for sustainable forestry while strengthening our ties with the public through outreach and education initiatives that make forests accessible to everyone.”
The Committee has played a key role in advancing SFI’s Species at Risk Module, an emerging tool designed to strengthen how forest managers identify and support species at risk within managed forests. The pilot, carried out with Quebec SIC member companies Domtar, Groupe Rémabec, and Barrette Chapais, will help SFI-certified organizations in Quebec better align forest planning with federal Species at Risk legislation.
“I always look forward to attending Quebec SIC meetings. The Committee continues to set the bar for leadership within the SFI community; bringing energy, collaboration, and a clear commitment to advancing SFI certification and sustainable forestry in Quebec,” said Christine Leduc, SFI Vice President of Canadian Operations and Communications. “By piloting the SFI Species at Risk Module, these companies are actively shaping a practical, forward‑looking tool that embeds federal species‑at‑risk considerations int SFI‑certified forests.”
Each year, the Quebec SIC participates in community events to promote awareness of sustainable forestry, reaching hundreds of students, and in 2025, the committee awarded three $1,000 grants (total of $3,000) to support students in their career pathways. Of note, they also provided support for forestry students from l’Université Laval for educational travel to Peru. Additionally, the Quebec SIC was recognized for their support of Forestia, a card game created by a professional forester that introduces the public to sustainable forest management through real-world practices translated into engaging, easy-to-understand gameplay.
Quebec is home to one of the most active networks in the SFI community, and the Quebec SIC continues to stand out for its collaborative spirit and hands-on leadership. The Committee previously received the 2022 SIC Achievement Award for developing four dynamic training videos designed to advance sustainable forestry and deepen understanding of SFI’s updated standards—watch a short video highlight. SFI is thrilled to be in Montréal this year to celebrate the committee’s ongoing impact on Quebec’s forests and people.
SFI Implementation Committees at the state, provincial, and regional levels work to broaden the practice of responsible forestry and achieve on-the-ground progress by collaborating with forestry and professional associations, conservation groups, universities, governments, and landowners. The SFI External Review Panel is an independent body that provides an independent review of SFI’s work and selects the SFI Implementation Committee Achievement Award recipient.
ABOUT SFI
The Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI) advances sustainability through forest-focused collaborations. We are an independent, nonprofit organization that leverages four interconnected pillars of work: standards, conservation, community, and education. SFI works with the forest sector, conservation groups, academics, researchers, brand owners, resource professionals, landowners, educators, local communities, Indigenous Peoples, and governments. Collaborating with our network, we leverage SFI-certified forests and products as powerful tools to help solve sustainability challenges such as climate action, conservation of biodiversity, education of future generations, and sustainable economic development.
MEDIA CONTACT
Christine Leduc
SFI VP, Canadian Operations & Communications
Sustainable Forestry Initiative
613-706-1114
Christine.leduc@forests.org
Lizzie Mafrici
Senior Coordinator, Communications
Sustainable Forestry Initiative
771-777-3866
media@forests.org
