Managing for TODAY
Planning for TOMORROW

Message from the CEO

Eureka Mountain Lookout, Monashee, British Columbia Harvested in 1996; replanted in 1997 Photo by: Leon Medema, Okanagan Regional Woodlands, Tolko Industries Ltd.

True Sustainability is dependent on balancing the Environmental, Economic and Social responsibilities of an organization. This can be challenging at the best of times. The ongoing crisis of the financial and credit markets combined with the down turn in the US home building industry has created unprecedented pressure on the economic performance of the Canadian Forest Industry. However, the combination of Tolko’s dedicated employees, prudent fiscal management, and our regional and product diversification strategy makes me confident that we will survive this downturn and remain as a strong and viable company.

I am very proud of the continued success we have achieved towards our environmental and social commitments despite the economic pressures on our operations. Our woodlands and manufacturing divisions continue to meet or exceed their obligations. Examples include ongoing strong relationships with our aboriginal partners, the successful adherence to our Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Sustainable Forest Management certification requirements, and the implementation of a new safety policy and safety performance measures.

Although we expect the current economic challenges to continue for the foreseeable future, we will be unwavering in our commitment to our Sustainability responsibilities. These will continue to be achieved through the combined efforts of our employees, our contractors and our stakeholder partners.

J.A. (Al) Thorlakson
President & CEO