The BC Council of Forest Industries (COFI) is urging the provincial government to prioritize action over further reviews of forest policy.
This comes in response to the BC NDP-Green Party agreement, which includes a commitment to undertake a “review of BC forests.”
Linda CoadyLinda Coady, President and CEO of COFI, emphasized that another review is unnecessary, particularly given current challenges facing the province’s forestry sector. “Premier Eby has already publicly acknowledged that rising U.S. duties and tariffs on forest products would have a ‘devastating’ impact on thousands of jobs in resource communities across the province,” said Coady. “Now is the time for urgent action on existing commitments to maintain a competitive and sustainable forest products sector in BC.”
Coady noted that the sector has already undergone significant policy evaluations and reforms in recent years. These include the Modernizing Forest Policy Intentions Paper, the Old Growth Strategic Review and Action Plan, and various land-use planning and conservation initiatives, which have involved extensive consultation with stakeholders such as First Nations, labour groups, and environmental organizations.
COFI also highlighted the efforts of Andrew Mercier, Minister of State for Sustainable Forestry Innovation, who has spent the past year addressing issues such as fibre supply shortages and promoting value-added wood products. “Before yet another review is launched, Minister [Ravi] Parmar should be given time to put forward his plan for implementing existing initiatives,” said Coady, referencing Parmar’s recent comments emphasizing action over new frameworks.
Forestry remains a critical industry for the province, both economically and as a leader in Indigenous reconciliation and conservation partnerships. COFI stressed the need for a strategy to attract investment, scale up conservation efforts, and support forest-dependent communities.
Minister Parmar is expected to outline his vision for the sector at the Natural Resources Forum in Prince George next month. COFI concluded by calling for bipartisan collaboration in addressing the challenges facing BC’s forestry sector while ensuring practical, regionally focused solutions.
