Atlantic Canada's Top Employers (2026) Magazine - Magazine - Page 20
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ATLANTIC CANADA’S TOP EMPLOYERS (2026)
Forest Protection leads with people and purpose
A
t Forest Protection
Limited (FPL),
work is demanding
and often carried
out under high
pressure. Serving Atlantic
Canada, FPL delivers aerial
firefighting operations and forest
health services to protect natural
resources from wildfires and other
threats. The work can be deeply
rewarding, and long-term success
depends on investing in people
and embedding safety into every
decision.
“The work we do matters,”
says Ryan Campbell, a geospatial
information systems specialist.
“We are contributing to protecting
communities and people’s
livelihoods. That gives the work
real meaning.”
There’s immense
pride in the work we
do. For FPL, protecting
what matters most
starts with investing
in people, and that
commitment defines
our future.
— Nadia Morrison
Chief Financial Officer
Campbell’s perspective reflects
a common sentiment across FPL
that employees feel connected
to a mission larger than their
day-to-day roles. FPL leaders say
the sense of purpose not only
drives performance, but it also
Crews at Forest Protection Limited return from weekly flight practice.
fuels a culture where people take
initiative and support one another.
“We’re trusted to do our job
here,” Campbell says. “We
are supported to improve
how we operate and given a
real opportunity to take on
responsibility and make an
impact.”
That trust becomes most
visible during peak wildfire
season. During the long, dry
summer of 2025, FPL crews were
simultaneously supporting aerial
wildfire efforts across three
provinces. As air and ground
crews worked extended hours on
the front lines, employees from
across the organization stepped in
to do whatever was needed to keep
operations moving.
Teams ensured crews were fed
and hydrated, and washed aircraft,
ran errands and managed other
critical behind-the-scenes work.
Their priority was keeping aircraft
safely in the air and crews focused
on protecting communities. When
weather conditions grounded
flight operations, leadership
closed the office to give employees
time to rest and recover.
“When the pressure is highest,
our responsibility is clear,” says
Nadia Morrison, chief financial
officer. “We protect our people
first. Their safety and well-being
are our top priority, and that’s
what allows us to deliver season
after season.”
That support continues in the
off-season through a two-week
December shutdown, flexible
schedules including half-day
Fridays, and regular team
gatherings — from all-hands
meetings to barbecues and
informal team lunches. Employees
also have access to an online
physician program. Together,
these measures are designed to
reinforce connection, recognize
contributions and celebrate
achievements.
In aviation, safety is
fundamental, notes Campbell.
Safety is embedded into every
meeting and operational decision,
from leadership planning to daily
briefings. As Campbell notes,
employees are encouraged to slow
down, speak up, or stop work if
something doesn’t feel right.
“Safety is non-negotiable,”
Morrison says. “It’s the foundation
of everything we do. It’s how we
manage risk, protect our people
and make decisions that keep the
organization strong.”
Each operational season begins
with a full month of ground
school training for pilots and
operations crews, reinforced by
ongoing flight practice, disciplined
maintenance protocols, and a
strong teachable culture where
experience and knowledge are
actively shared. Employees
are empowered to raise safety
concerns without hesitation.
Growth and development
