Many have made general statements about the need for the forest sector to improve its social licence even though the definition of what that actually means varies significantly. Invariably, in one form or another and by extension it will mean additional commitments and costs made by industry. This comes at a time when most recognize the need to improve our overall competitiveness and current high-cost structures.

The question for our panelists is how they manage and reconcile apparently conflicting agendas; or perhaps they don't necessarily have to conflict. We will hear perspectives on this topic from people directly working in the woods, those working diligently to improve relationships with their community, and from a broader national perspective.