Launching a new Partnership - Canada's Forest Trust Corporation and First Nation's Major Project Coalition

TORONTO, April 23, 2024 /CNW/ - In a shared commitment to fostering a world where nature flourishes and supports a sustainable future, First Nation's Major Project Coalition (FNMPC) and Canada's Forest Trust Corporation (CFT) are launching their Forest Growth Partnership. This partnership aims to bolster environmental and forest conservation efforts, coinciding with their 7th annual conference.

The FNMPC is set to host its largest conference yet in Toronto, attracting over 1,500 participants. Recognizing the environmental impact of such a large-scale event, including a significant carbon footprint generated over two days, FNMPC is dedicated to giving back to the planet.

For the first time, CFT will assist in this endeavour by planting and safeguarding over 3,000 trees across an area equivalent to 30 basketball courts. This initiative will not only restore natural habitats but also sequester and store approximately 820 tonnes of carbon dioxide?roughly the amount emitted by 6,165 flights between Toronto and Ottawa¹.

This forest-building initiative underscores the profound environmental influence that businesses can achieve by integrating nature-centric approaches into their strategies. Niilo Edwards, CEO of the FNMPC emphasized, "Recognizing our conference's environmental footprint, it is crucial that we take steps to reduce these impacts." Niilo added, "Our partnership with CFT also deepens our dialogue about the advantages that arise from collaborations between companies like CFT and First Nation organizations and enterprises."

This partnership also highlights CFT's efforts to create meaningful, effective and economically productive partnerships with First Nation communities and businesses. 

"Through profitable and innovative partnerships with Indigenous communities and businesses, we are committed to sharing knowledge and supporting the continued work of Indigenous peoples across Canada," said Gary Zed, Founder and CEO of Canada's Forest Trust Corporation. "We encourage all Canadian businesses to do the same."

Under the theme of "Our Collective Advantage: Indigenous Consent," this year's FNMPC conference will discuss First Nation communities' roles in sustainable development and showcase the real-time benefits of these collaborative efforts on the climate, economy, society, and health.

"By integrating Indigenous values and consent, we not only honour the rightful stewards of our lands but also pave the way for a sustainable model that respects both economic and environmental thresholds," said Niilo. "This partnership is a powerful example of how environmental stewardship and business can come together for the greater good."

Canada's Forest Trust Corporation (CFT) is a social enterprise committed to leading nature-based climate solutions by building Smart Foreststm. Through a customized Smart Foresttm Portal, we take meaningful action to support carbon storage and biodiversity protection and align this with sustainability and employee engagement initiatives. CFT equips businesses, organizations, and individuals with the tools to mitigate their environmental impact and boost climate literacy. With cutting-edge technology, Smart Foreststm enhance biodiversity, guarantee protection from clearcutting, and secure investments against climate risks. This is a turnkey path to a future where everyone supports nature and climate action.

The First Nations Major Project Coalition is a national 160+ collective group of First Nations made up of elected councils, hereditary Chiefs, Tribal Councils and Development Corporations, who have made the decision to come together to advance their shared interests of participating, and where appropriate gaining equity positions in the major projects taking place in their territories.

SOURCE Canada's Forest Trust Corporation