BC Forestry Sector Urges Urgent Action, Writes to Premier Eby

Major organizations representing British Columbia’s forestry sector have written to Premier David Eby, calling for immediate action to address the growing crisis in the province’s forest industry.

The BC Council of Forest Industries, BC Wood and the United Steelworkers jointly sent a letter to the provincial government this month, urging Premier Eby to establish a Forestry Crisis Action Group under his leadership.

The groups said B.C.’s forestry sector is at a critical crossroads. While acknowledging that international trade pressures are beyond the direct control of the provincial government, industry leaders said B.C. has both the authority and responsibility to make local policy changes to keep mills and related industries operating.

The letter calls for the proposed action group to focus on reducing operating costs, removing regulatory barriers and stabilizing the province’s fibre supply.

The organizations also urged the government to prioritize keeping skilled forestry workers employed in the sector rather than focusing on retraining them for other jobs.