Key Question

How can the forest industry, environmental non-government organizations and Indigenous peoples collaborate to provide recommendations to provincial governments to advance conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem services in the boreal forest?

Solution

  • I developed a governance structure for the project to facilitate efficient progress and effective decision making.
  • I provided project management leadership for the initiative, guiding the group in development of foundational documents, including a Terms of Reference and Workplan for the project.
  • I organized meetings and workshops for the project team to facilitate effective and timely decision making.
  • I led development of government and Indigenous engagement strategies and coordinated meetings with government representatives and Indigenous communities to facilitate their effective and efficient engagement in the project.
  • I implemented reporting practices to ensure funders and stakeholders received information on the project in a timely fashion.

Situation

As Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®)-certified companies, Alberta-Pacific Forest Industries Inc. (Al-Pac) and Mistik Management Ltd. (Mistik) are committed to maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services in the boreal forest on their Forest Management Areas in north east Alberta and north west Saskatchewan. Commitment to the implementation of a suite of responsible forest management practices, including the identification and protection of important native ecosystems in the areas where the companies operate, is an interest also shared by Environmental Not for Profit (ENGO) groups and Indigenous Peoples. In 2017, Al Pac and Mistik Management Ltd joined forces the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) Northern Alberta and Saskatchewan chapters and Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) to jointly advance this goal. Effective engagement of the project partners, Indigenous Peoples and provincial governments was key to completing a gap analysis that would meet the requirements of the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®), set the stage for assisting the provinces of Saskatchewan and Alberta with their conservation goals, and contributing to achievement of Canada’s international conservation obligations. Initially, the project was designed to take place over a 12-month period, but based on timing of receipt of funding, the work had to be completed in 8 months.

This was a complex, cross-border, multi-stakeholder initiative with a tight timeline and the group needed a professional project manager to lead the project to successful completion in the given timeframe.

Services

Strengthening stakeholder relationships, Indigenous engagement, government engagement, Terms of Reference development, workplan development

Benefits

I facilitated discussion on issues at key decision points, making the most efficient use of participant’s time.

  • I proactively monitored influences and risks to the project to enable timely remediation of challenges and issues, and completion of the project on required timelines.
  • I summarized and presented recommendations at key decision points, making the most efficient use of signatory time.
  • I proactively monitored critical success factors and risks to enable timely remediation of challenges and issues.
  • I facilitated consensus and progress toward the group’s goal by strengthening stakeholder relationships.

Testimonials

Kris provides advantageous and efficient project management solutions with organized and streamlined deliverables.  She fosters an atmosphere of openness, sincerity and professionalism.  Her dedication to detail and project scope has ensured our success in meeting our complex objectives.  I would work with Kris again in any capacity and recommend her to others seeking a motivated and experienced team leader

Kevin Gillis
Certification Coordinator, Mistik Management Ltd.

Efficient, effective, professional, engaging, focused …. are some of the characteristics that exemplify Kris’ professionalism. She possesses a wonderful combination of technical abilities with exceptional project management and facilitation skills.

Elston Dzus
Ecologist, Alberta Pacific Forest Industries

Kris’ project leadership was instrumental to the successful completion of a complex, multi-stakeholder collaboration to conserve biodiversity in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Kris set the project and team up for success by thoroughly planning the work, putting in place robust, fair, and transparent decision-making processes and facilitating consensus amongst the project partners in an efficient fashion. She communicated effectively with the team, partners, and stakeholders, effectively managed the budget and schedule, and ensured that a high standard of work was delivered on the required timelines. Her work saved me time and increased the effectiveness of my participation. Kris’ calm, optimistic, but pragmatic personality makes her a pleasure to work with and facilitates a team environment. I wholeheartedly recommend Kris to anyone who is looking for a professional project manager to manage complex, multi – stakeholder projects.

Kecia Kerr
Executive Director, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, Northern Alberta