Partnerships and Affiliations

Working with organizations and associations within the forest sector and our surrounding communities is an important aspect of our business. When we collaborate with others, we offer our expertise and resources, and in turn, we grow in the areas of sustainability, innovation and cultural awareness.

Our connections have shaped us into the company we are today. They allow us to contribute to the future of forestry and our communities. Some of our partnerships and affiliations include:

Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute (ABMI)

We have been a supporting member of the Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute since 1998. The ABMI is a non-profit organization that monitors changes in biodiversity, habitats and environmental disturbances in Alberta. We monitor our operations’ effects on our Forest Management Agreement area to maintain the forest’s biodiversity through collaborative research. Our company has the most extended reporting series with
ABMI — spanning ten years. An Al-Pac representative is also a part of the ABMI board.

Alberta Forest Products Association (AFPA)

The AFPA is a non-profit association that represents forest sector companies in Alberta. As a member, we work alongside the AFPA to develop public awareness of the forest industry and foster a greater understanding of Alberta’s forests.

Alberta Caribou Task Forces

In 2019, we became a member of the three Alberta Caribou Task Forces. The task forces consist of 42 representatives from municipalities, Aboriginal communities, the forest industry, trappers, recreational users and environmental organizations from three different Alberta regions. These task forces aim to find solutions that increase the caribou population while allowing responsible operations to continue.

Bigstone Cree Nation

Bigstone Cree Nation consists of three communities; Calling Lake, Chipewyan Lake and Wabasca. Our partnership aims to promote collaboration and implement mutually beneficial opportunities in economic development and community engagement.

Bigstone Forestry Inc. and JHL Forestry Inc.

In 2000, Bigstone Forestry Inc. (BFI), a logging company, was established through a partnership between Al-Pac and the Bigstone Cree Nation. In 2003, a similar partnership between the Chipewyan Prairie Dene First Nation, Heart Lake First Nation and Al-Pac formed, resulting in the establishment of JHL Forestry Inc. (JHL). Today, both companies operate independently and account for approximately a quarter of our annual timber harvest volume. They also support their local communities through community investment and employment opportunities.

Ducks Unlimited Canada

Ducks Unlimited Canada is a non-profit organization with a mission to conserve, restore and manage wetlands and associated habitats for North America’s waterfowl. For over 20 years, we have worked together to advance wetland and waterfowl conservation and address northeastern Alberta’s research needs. We continue this work through collaborative conservation projects that demonstrate our shared commitment to Boreal wetland stewardship and sustainable development in the working forest.

Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC)

The Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) provides a voice for Canada’s wood, pulp and paper producers nationally and internationally in government, trade and environmental affairs. As an association member, we support FPAC in promoting Canada’s forest industry.

Forest Management Wetland Stewardship Initiative

The Forest Management Wetland Stewardship Initiative is supported by a partnership between Ducks Unlimited Canada, the Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) and six forestry companies to protect wetlands in the boreal forest through sustainable forest management. The initiative earned an Award of Excellence from FPAC in 2020.

Peerless Trout First Nation

Peerless Trout First Nation is made up of 63,000 acres of designated reserve land and includes Peerless and Trout Lake communities. Our agreement focuses on mutual respect and cooperation as we work together to practice responsible forestry and provide economic development opportunities.