Canfor taps Dianne Watts for board

Former Surrey mayor Dianne Watts has been appointed to Canfor Corp.’s board of directors.

“We are excited to have Dianne join our board and look forward to the experience, knowledge and fresh perspective that she will bring,” the lumber producer’s president and CEO Don Kayne said in a statement issued Thursday.

“She has demonstrated great leadership and will be a valuable addition to our board and our company.”

Watts’ political career spans over 20 years, beginning in 1996 when she was elected to the municipality’s city council. In 2005, she was elected mayor and held the postion for nine years before moving on to become the MP for South Surrey-White Rock for two years.

She stepped down from that position for a failed run to become the leader of the B.C. Liberals, won by Andrew Wilkinson.

Former Prince George mayor Shari Green moved to Surrey to work for Watts when she became MP and after her own failed bid to become the Conservative candidate for Cariboo-Prince George, eventually won by Todd Doherty, now the riding’s MP.

Green is now seeking the federal Conservative Party’s nomination in South Surrey-White Rock

“We are thrilled to have someone with Dianne’s experience join our team,” said company chairman Conrad Pinette. “She will be a tremendous asset to our board and I am confident she will make a positive impact on our company.”