The Council of Saskatchewan Forest Industries is a non-profit association of 7 companies active in Saskatchewan's forest resource sector. Our members are both forest products manufacturers and forest management companies. We collectively undertake about 90 percent of the primary forest management and harvesting activities in the province.

COSFI is committed to sustainable development of the forest resource. We envision a sector which values the natural resources we have access to; we compete successfully in global markets, and we provide safe work for many Saskatchewan residents. In doing our part, we represent the actions and issues of our membership in the following ways:

• COSFI promotes the mutual interests of our members with governments so a fair framework can guide Saskatchewan's forest future
• COSFI provides a forum for exchange of ideas so all members can advance and succeed in world markets
• COSFI promotes education and awareness of the industry so the public can participate in making decisions about their resources

WHY IS COSFI IMPORTANT?

Many people don't realize that Saskatchewan, known as a prairie province, is actually made up of more than 50 percent forested land. Forestry is a significant industry which, after potash, is Saskatchewan's largest manufacturer.

Because our forest contains a mix of hardwood (39 percent), softwood (36 percent) and mixed wood (25 percent) stands, Saskatchewan hosts a variety of manufacturing facilities and produces a diversity of products.

Using the forest's resources, Saskatchewan has one paper mill, two pulp mills, three plywood and osb mills, five large sawmills and a number of smaller wood processing plants. Each year, we ship in excess of one billion dollars worth of product to points in Canada, the United States and other countries.

COSFI is a common voice for Saskatchewan companies in a complex and ever-changing environment.

WHO BENEFITS?

Forestry has a tremendous impact on our provincial economy. Well thought out policies, fair legislation and sustainable practices benefit everyone in our province.

Directly, the Saskatchewan forest industry employs some 6,000 people and pays, annually, in wages and salaries, about $215 million. Another 7,600 Saskatchewan residents derive secondary employment from our activities.

Saskatchewan forest companies have also improved our social fabric through activities which include: using advanced technology to reduce pollution; developing a first-in-Canada Environmental Impact Statement on a 20 year forest management plan; and forging unique business partnerships between aboriginal and non-aboriginal organizations.

COSFI addresses issues to help member companies do their best. We are proactive partners by:

• taking leadership on industry-related issues as they arise
• listening to really understand and speaking to be heard
• advancing industry safety standards

SAFETY ASSOCIATION

Worker safety is an especially important issue in our industry where workers deal with many risks on the landbase using heavy equipment. cosfi has initiated changes that will assist employers, employees and government agencies by improving work habits.

COSFI led the initiative to form a provincial forest industry safety association which promotes safe work practices by:

• providing orientation and ongoing safety programs to employers and workers
• assisting employers in investigating and reporting accidents
• conducting site visits to share new developments in forest safety

Since the Safety Council was introduced, forest companies have been better able to limit the human and financial costs of worker injury.