Forestry Worker Supports and Community Resiliency Council

Doug Routley was appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Forestry in March 2022 and has served as MLA for Nanaimo-North Cowichan and previously Cowichan-Ladysmith since 2005. While in opposition, Routley served as the official critic for Citizens' Services and deputy critic for Forests and Forest Futures. He previously served as Opposition critic for skills training.

Doug’s work experience is diverse and gives him a very broad understanding of so many of his constituents' lives and challenges. Doug has experience in construction and in logging, having worked as a sawmill worker and treeplanter. He also has been a business owner and operator, school custodian and school trustee. His diverse background in industry, business, labour, and politics gives him the understanding that working together cooperatively is the key to success.

Doug is a member of the Select Standing Committee on Legislative Initiatives.

Term:until September, 2024

Mike is presently working with Skeetchestn Natural Resources Corporation in the role of Chief negotiator and Advisor as well as further developing their Value-added incubator and post and beam alternative First Nations housing program.  Prior to this he had been overseeing the development of Skeetchestn’s Natural Resources program for the past 26 years including their value-added activities and several Forest Licenses as well as operating his own woodlot license for the past 37 years. Mr. Anderson has been actively involved in alternative wood building construction and eco-forestry since the 1960’s.  He was raised and has lived on the same rural woodlot property between Savona and Logan Lake all his life. Mr. Anderson is a Registered Professional Forester, Registered Professional Biologist and holds a Bachelors degree in Agriculture (Animal Sciences) from the University of British Columbia.

Term:until September, 2024
Nelson, B.C.

Sarah Breen is the Regional Innovation Chair in Rural Economic Development at Selkirk College and Adjunct Professor in the School of Environment & Sustainability at the University of Saskatchewan. Previously, Ms. Breen was a Senior Policy Analyst in the Rural Policy & Programs Branch with the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development for the Government of BC. Active in her community, she is on the Board of Directors at Kootenay Outdoor Recreation Enterprise and a Member of the Canadian Association of Geographers, the Economic Development Practitioners Network, the Rural Research Centres Network, and the Canadian Rural Revitalization Foundation.

Dr. Breen is the recipient of the International award - Excellence in Leadership, Sustainability, and a Government of British Columbia Premier’s Award winner in the Regional Impact Category. She holds a doctorate in Philosophy, Resource and Environmental Management from Simon Fraser University, a Master of Arts, Geography from Memorial University of Newfoundland, and a Bachelor of Arts (honors) in Geography from Lakehead University.

Term: Upon pronouncement for 1 year term
West Kelowna, B.C.

Todd Chamberlain is the General Manager at Interior Logging Association. Previously Mr. Chamberlain was the Assistant General Manager at Interior Logging Association, and Business Development Manager at Rock Solid Industries Inc./Valley Carriers Ltd. He is a member of the Association of British Columbia Forest Professionals. Mr. Chamberlain has a diploma in Forest Technology from Selkirk College. 

Term:until September, 2024
Port Alberni, B.C.

Jolleen Dick is a Hupacasath Woman. Her Nuu-chah-nulth name is suuwayaqawilth. Ms. Dick is the Tourism Development Manager for Tourism Vancouver Island, a self-employed Jewelry Artist, and an Elected Councilor at Hupacasath First Nation. Previously, she was an Indigenous Tourism Specialist with Tourism Vancouver Island, and an Executive Assistant for the Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. Active in her community, Ms. Dick holds a seat on Hupacasath First Nation’s Council and has volunteered with the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance and the Young Professionals of the Alberni Valley. She is the recipient of a Top 20 Under 40 Award for Business and Community Achievement. Ms. Dick holds a Bachelor of Tourism Management from Vancouver Island University (VIU) and completed a Hospitality Management Diploma at VIU.

Term:until September, 2024
Prince George, B.C.

Lori Forgeron is Owner, President & CEO of Workforce Development Consulting Services of Northern BC. Previously, Ms. Forgeron was Executive Director / Employment Consultant at Employment Action, and Manager of Employment Services Department at Price George Native Friendship Centre. Active in her community, she is Vice President at Aspect BC, a member of the Prince George Chamber of Commerce, Co-Chair at Aspect Rural and Remote Action Committee and a volunteer with BC Cancer Association and St. Vincent de Paul Society. Ms. Forgeron holds a Bachelor of Arts Major in Political Science from St. Francis Xavier University. 

Term:until September, 2024
Rossland, B.C.

Brian Fry is a Technology Entrepreneur. Currently he is Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer for GPE.earth. A Climate Technology Company whose BioNode sequesters carbon from waste biomass while providing a complete set of community utilities and data services. BioNodes can be located anywhere and are an ideal innovation tool for next generation forest management. Brian is also a Strategic Shareholder with Iris Energy. Over the past 35+ years, Mr. Fry has co-founded multiple organizations including RackForce, PodTech and i4C Innovation. Active in his community since 1989 he currently volunteers his time with the Kootenay Venture Network. Mr. Fry is a Distinguished Alumni from the British Columbia Institute of Technology. 

Term:until September, 2024
Burns Lake, B.C.

Dolores Funk is the former Mayor of Village of Burns Lake and Owner/Operator (Economic Development Consultant) of Locale North Co. Previously, Ms. Funk was a Senior Water Conservation Coordinator at the Water Security Agency in Saskatchewan. Active in her community, she has participated on the Board of Directors for the Chinook Community Forest, and for Burns Lake Supportive Services. Ms. Funk holds a Bachelor of Arts with distinction in Geography/History from Vancouver Island University (VIU) and a Diploma in Tourism Studies from VIU.

Term: until September, 2024
Castlegar, B.C.

Kelly Johnson is the President of the Public and Private Workers of Canada based in Vancouver, BC. The PPWC is an independent Canadian Union celebrating 60 years of progressive values. Mr. Johnson was the President of PPWC Local 1 in Castlegar from 2015-2022 and is employed at Mercer Celgar since 1984. Mr. Johnson is also an outdoors person and volunteers within his community for various sporting clubs. He has a business diploma from Selkirk College.

Term: until September, 2024
Smithers, B.C.

Dr. Titi Kunkel is the Vice President Academic, Students and International at Coast Mountain College (CMC). Previously, she was the Dean of Instruction for University Credits, Sciences, Humanities and Health Programs at CMC and held positions in the South Central Region with the University of Northern BC. Active in her community, Dr. Kunkel is an Executive member of the Senior Academic Administrator Forum, a Board Director with the Smithers District Chamber of Commerce, and a Member of the Town of Smithers Social Development Roundtable and the Rotary Club of Smithers. She holds a PhD in Natural Resources and Environmental Studies (with academic distinction) from the University of Northern BC (UNBC), a Masters in Natural Resources and Environmental Studies from UNBC, a Master’s in Business Administration from University of West London, England, and a Bachelor of Computer Science from the University of Lagos, Nigeria.  

Term: until September, 2024
Richmond, B.C.

Scott Lunny is Director of United Steelworkers District 3. Previously, Mr. Lunny was Assistant to the Director of United Steelworkers District 3. Active in his community, he is President of the Union Protein Project and has participated on the Timber Export Advisory Committee. Mr. Lunny holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Industrial Relations from the University of British Columbia, and an Associate Certificate in Marketing Management, Public Relations from the British Columbia Institute of Technology.

Term: until September, 2024
Grand Forks, B.C.

Dan Macmaster is Fibre Manager for Vaagen Fibre Canada. Previously, Mr. Macmaster was a high school teacher at Traditional Learning Academy and Bowmanville High School. Active in his community, he is the Executive Director of the Interior Lumber Manufacturing Association, Vice President of BC Community Forest Association, Director at First Nations Forestry Council, and Forestry Support for ONA Forest Working Group. Mr. Macmaster is a Registered Professional Forester with the Association of BC Forest Professionals. He has a Masters of Sustainable Forest Management from the University of BC, a Bachelor of Education from Queens University, and an Honors Bachelor of Science from Trent University.

Term: until September, 2024
Surrey, B.C.

Gavin McGarrigle is Western Regional Director at Unifor. Previously, he was Unifor’s BC Area Director. Active in his community, Mr. McGarrigle has been on the Boards of CCPA-BC and Vote PR BC and has volunteered his time with Better Transit and Transportation Coalition. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology/Professional Writing from the University of Victoria.

Term: until September, 2024
Penticton, B.C.

Brian Menzies is the Executive Director at Independent Wood Processors Association. Previously, Mr. Menzies was a Public Affairs Consultant and Principle Owner of Reframing Communications and held various positions with the Province of British Columbia including Chief of Staff for Office of the Minister of Finance & House Leader. He holds a Master of Arts in Conflict Analysis and Management from Royal Roads University, a Certificate in Mediation from the Justice Institute of BC, and a Certificate in Public Relations and an Undergraduate Arts & Science Studies (political science & economics) from the University of Victoria.  

Term: until September, 2024
Port Alberni, B.C.

Sharie Minions is Mayor of the City of Port Alberni, Executive Director at the 460 Mortgage Investment Corporation, Owner of the Brie & Barrel Bistro and Mortgage Broker at The Mortgage Group Canada Inc. Previously, Ms. Minions was a Councillor at the City of Port Alberni. Active in her community, she was Committee Member for the Taskforce for Housing Solutions, Director at the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District, Member on the North Island-Sunshine Coast Regional Advisory Committee and Board Member on the Upnit Power Corporation.

Term: until September, 2024
Burnaby, B.C.

Cindy Oliver spent 13 years as the President of the Federation of Post-Secondary Educators of BC (“the FPSE”), a role which involved leading the organization in the provincial bargaining process and conducting public advocacy on issues related to post-secondary education. Prior to her work with the FPSE, Ms. Oliver had roles as President, Vice-President and Instructor at the College of the Rockies. Active in her community, Ms. Oliver has been a guest speak at numerous conferences across North America and overseas on issues such as women’s rights in the workplace, women in trades, and bargaining in the public sector. Ms. Oliver holds a Master of Education from Lethbridge University and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English from Lakehead University.

Term: until September, 2024
Quesnel, B.C.

Bob Simpson is the former Mayor of the City of Quesnel. Previously, Mr. Simpson was Opposition Critic of Forestry and Aboriginal Affairs as an MLA for Cariboo North. He has a Bachelor of Science in Biology, and a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Victoria, and a Diploma in General Studies from Okanagan College.

Term: until September, 2024
Vancouver, B.C.

James Stanford is Economist and Director at Centre for Future Work and Honorary Professor at both McMaster University and the University of Sydney. Previously, Dr. Standford was an Economist and Director of Economic, Social and Sectoral Policy and Unifor. Active in his community, he is a Member and Research Associate of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives. Dr. Stanford is a Member of the Canadian Economics Association, a Steering Committee Member and past Chairperson at Progressive Economics Forum, a Founding Member of the World Economics Association and a Member of the Union for Radical Political Economics. 

He is the recipient of multiple honors and awards including the Neil Reimer Award from Unifor, the Galbraith Prize from Progressive Economics Forum and Outstanding Canadians Leadership Award from Ontario History and Social Science Teachers Association. Dr. Stanford holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the Graduate Faculty of the New School for Social Research, a Master of Philosophy in Economics from the University of Cambridge, and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Calgary.

Term: until September, 2024
Comox, B.C.

Corrine Stavness is the Vice President, Corporate Affairs for Western Forest Products. Previously, she was the Director of Prevention Services and Communications at the Ending Violence Association of BC, and Senior Director, Communications and Indigenous Relations, External Affairs and Diversity at Canfor Corporation. Ms. Stavness holds a Masters of Science in Economics from the University of Helsinki, and a Bachelors of Science in Forestry from the University of British Columbia.