Interior Logging Association

Some exciting news regarding the WREST (Wildfire Reduction Equipment Support Trust)! This excerpt taken directly from Honourable Ravi Parmar, British Columbia’s Minister of Forests LinkedIn page.

"Over the past two years, the Wildfire Reduction Equipment Support Trust (WREST) has helped contractors doing critical wildfire risk reduction work by covering 10% of the cost of new and used logging equipment, as well as equipment modifications.

Speaking to the Truck Loggers Association, I was pleased to announce an important expansion: the Trust will now cover 25% of the purchase cost.

This matters. The equipment needed to do this work can cost up to $1 million, representing a massive upfront investment for contractors. As of Q3 alone, the program has already supported the purchase of 45 pieces of equipment. Expanding the coverage means real savings in the pockets of the people doing the hard work of protecting communities and landscapes from wildfire.

A big thank you to the and Todd Chamberlain for leading the advocacy on this change. This is a practical step that strengthens our wildfire efforts while backing the contractors who make this work possible."

See the original post link below:

Over the past two years, the Wildfire Reduction Equipment Support Trust (WREST) has helped contractors doing critical wildfire risk reduction work by covering 10% of the cost of new and used logging… | Ravi Parmar Over the past two years, the Wildfire Reduction Equipment Support Trust (WREST) has helped contractors doing critical wildfire risk reduction work by covering 10% of the cost of new and used logging equipment, as well as equipment modifications. Speaking to the Truck Loggers Association, I was pleas...

Nanaimo, BC – January 13, 2026 – The BC Forest Safety Council (BCFSC) is proud to announce the launch of Connection to Care, a free, confidential mental health support service designed to help forestry workers across British Columbia. This initiative officially began on January 5th, 2026, and will run until December 31st, 2027, offering vital upstream mental health care to thousands of workers in the forest sector.

The forestry industry faces unique challenges, and recent economic uncertainty has amplified mental health concerns among workers. Recognizing this, BCFSC has partnered with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) and the BC Municipal Safety Association (BCMSA) to deliver a call-in service that connects workers with qualified mental health professionals, including Registered Clinical Counsellors (RCCs) and graduate-level practicum students. The service is available Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 8:00pm.

“Mental health is a growing concern in BC forestry and we know that stigma and lack of access can often prevent workers from seeking help,” said Rob Moonen, CEO of BCFSC. “Connection to Care can help break down those barriers by providing confidential, accessible support when it’s needed most at no cost to anyone in forestry who needs it.”

See the attached press release and ad for more information.

The Interior Logging Association would like to congratulate Cherie Whelan who has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of The BC Forest Safety Council, effective April 1, 2026!

BCFSC Announcement: The BC Forest Safety Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Cherie Whelan as our new Chief Executive Officer, effective April 1, 2026.

Cherie brings extensive experience and leadership to the role. She served as CEO of the Newfoundland & Labrador Construction Safety Association for two years and previously held the position of Director, SAFE Companies (2016–2022) at BCFSC. Cherie is widely recognized as a health and safety champion and is highly regarded for her deep knowledge of industry challenges and her commitment to eliminating fatalities and serious injuries in both harvesting and manufacturing.

Cherie will succeed Rob Moonen, who announced his retirement in October 2025.

Please join us in welcoming Cherie Whelan as our new CEO. We are confident that under her leadership, BCFSC will continue to thrive and achieve new heights in delivering safety training and advisory services to British Columbia’s forest industry.

https://www.bcforestsafe.org/safety-alert/bc-forest-safety-council-appoints-new-ceo/

Thanks to Peter Lister and Shaun and Quentin from Integrated Operations Group for hosting Todd Chamberlain, ILA General Manager, and ILA Board Member Randy Spence on a tour of their operations yesterday with MLA Ward Stamer!



https://www.integratedops.ca/

Enjoy our newest Board Of Directors Spotlight!

This week we are featuring Second Vice Chairperson, Shari Smaha.

Proudly from Smithers BC and an advocating voice for Northern BC Foresty Sector! Oh, and did we mention she was a whiz on rollerskates from a young age?

How well do you know our other members? Meet the team at Johnstone's Benefits!

Johnstone's have been proud members of the ILA community for over a decade, providing group insurance plans to more than 75 ILA and NWLA members!

Thank you to Shelly and her team for providing our members with affordable benefits!

Enjoy our newest Board Of Directors Spotlight!

This week we are featuring First Vice Chairperson, Trish Balcaen. We know many of you are familiar with Trish, but how well so you really know her and her extensive history in forestry?

The Interior Logging Association Board of Directors, Staff and Members would like to thank Rob Moonen for all of his hard work and support through the years as the Chief Executive Officer of the The BC Forest Safety Council. We wish him many happy years of retirement ahead!

"BC Forest Safety Council Announces Retirement of CEO Rob Moonen

The BC Forest Safety Council (BCFSC) announces that Chief Executive Officer Rob Moonen will be retiring effective March 31, 2026, following 16 years of dedicated service, including 10 as CEO.

Under Rob’s leadership, BCFSC has become a trusted and influential voice for health and safety in B.C.’s forest sector. He guided the organization through significant transformation, strengthening training programs, expanding its mandate to include forest product manufacturing, and deepening its partnership with industry to improve safety outcomes across all operations.

“The Board extends its sincere gratitude to Rob for his exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of forestry workers,” said D’Arcy Henderson, Chair of the BCFSC Board of Directors. “Rob’s integrity, vision, and collaborative spirit have left an enduring mark on the Council and the industry. We thank him for his service and the legacy he leaves behind.”

The Board has initiated the recruitment process for Rob’s successor to ensure a smooth and effective transition.

Board of Directors
BC Forest Safety Council"

How well do you know our other members? Meet Roseanna and Mike, the owners of Top Down Enterprises!

We want you to get to know each other better, so we have created our Member Spotlights. Over time we will introduce you to the people in your forestry community!

Top Down Industries have been a member since 2016, and are a true success story, starting with one truck, and building themselves in to a leading business in the industry!

As an added bonus, they also offer special deals to our other ILA Members! Membership has its benefits! Check them out!