OTTAWA, ON−The Canadian Federation of Forest Owners is proud to announce the launch of the Christopher Lee Memorial Scholarship to recognize the achievements of dedicated, post-secondary forestry students, studying in Canada. This award honours the legacy of Christopher (Chris) Lee and celebrates his innumerable contributions in forestry to the advancement of social and economic development in communities across Canada. The Canadian Federation of Forest Owners (CFO) exists today because of Chris’s vision and his belief that we are stronger together.
“Chris was a strong believer in the future of forestry, propelled by a new generation of leaders making a difference in our world, by creating forest policy that provides sustainable solutions to climate change,” said Jean-Pierre Martel, Executive Director, Canadian Federation of Forest Owners
The $2,000 scholarship will be awarded each year to a post-secondary student enrolled in a forestry-related discipline at a Canadian university, college or technical school. Preference will be given to students who excel in their field with a special interest in forest policy and/or advocacy. All applications will be considered, and the evaluation will be based on academic performance, with consideration given especially to those working in the field of policy, research advocacy related to private forest lands across Canada, and with a demonstrated commitment and passion for the forest sector.
“Chris would be honoured to have a scholarship in his name to continue his legacy and commitment to sustainable forest management,” said Bonnie Braithwaite-Lee, Chris’s wife. “He was passionate about Canada’s forests, communities and his colleagues from coast-to-coast. Throughout his over 40-year career, he inspired many young people to enter and develop their careers in forestry,”
“I was always proud of my dad,” added Scott Lee. “This scholarship honours and acknowledges a fine human being, a great forester and a wonderful father.”
For additional information on eligibility and how to apply and information on other scholarships, visit www.forestowners.ca . The deadline for applications is June 30th of each year.
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About Christopher Lee
On September 17, 2021 forest dependent communities from coast to coast lost a true champion of Canada’s forests with the passing of Christopher (Chris) Lee, Registered Professional Forester (RPF). For more than four decades, Chris was a tireless advocate for Canada’s forest sector, working on resolving complex forest policy files for the federal government as well as executing leadership roles at the Canadian Lumber Standards Accreditation Board and at the Canadian Institute of Forestry. He is remembered as a dedicated forester who fully appreciated how Canada’s great, renewable resource is ultimately dependent on good policy and precise advocacy.
About the Canadian Federation of Forest Owners
The Canadian Federation of Forest Owners (CFO) is the national federation of private forest land owners. It promotes the economic and social interests of more than 450,000 Canadian private forest land owners in sustainable management by representing their views through a united national voice. CFO strives to balance the public interest and private property rights within a policy and incentive framework that fosters responsible stewardship. For more information, visit www.forestowners.ca
Media Contact:
Karen Brandt
250 510-0545