FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
VICTORIA, B.C.: When every corner of B.C.’s forestry sector comes together to warn the Premier that the industry is in crisis, the government has run out of excuses.
Fifteen organizations representing forestry workers, businesses, contractors, manufacturers and communities have written an open letter to Premier David Eby calling for a Forestry Crisis Action Group. They’re calling on the government to stop piling on new taxes and fees, cut red tape, get more fibre to mills, and raise the annual harvest from roughly 29 million to 45 million cubic metres — a move that could bring in almost $600 million a year in additional government revenue.
“Just about everyone involved in the forestry industry is represented in this letter, and the government must listen to them,” said MLA Ward Stamer, Shadow Minister for Forestry, Environment, and Parks. “Action needs to be swift if we are going to save forestry. The NDP keeps pointing fingers at the U.S. Tariffs have made things harder, but the provincial government isn’t pulling the right levers to give this industry a lifeline. The cost of permitting and block layout has tripled in the past five years. Permitting and access to Crown fibre are decisions made right here in B.C. The government needs to stop making it harder for people to do their jobs.”
B.C. has already lost 21 mills since 2023, with roughly 15,000 forestry jobs gone since 2022. The NDP promised to raise the annual harvest to 45 million cubic metres. More than a year later, B.C. is still nowhere near that target.
“This is about real people losing good-paying jobs in communities that depend on forestry,” said MLA Linda Hepner, Shadow Minister for Labour. “Every time a mill closes, families feel it. Small businesses feel it. Entire communities feel it. The government needs to stop talking and start listening to the people who are working in this industry.”
MLA Gavin Dew, Shadow Minister for Finance, blasted Premier David Eby for choosing political theatrics over real solutions.
“David Eby needs to stop dressing up like an embarrassing cartoon lumberjack and start listening to people who actually work in forestry. The forestry sector is putting forward a practical solution to increase economic activity, stabilize the sector, and fill the fiscal hole left by the $1.5B gas royalty debacle. It’s time to stop the policy carousel, stop the self-imposed damage, and start working together to save jobs, save our economy, and shore up our fiscal position.”
“Forestry is part of the backbone of B.C.’s economy, and its decline should concern every British Columbian,” said Hon. Kerry-Lynne Findlay, Leader of the Conservative Party of B.C. “We cannot stand by while good jobs disappear, communities suffer and investment leaves the province. The government needs to recognize the seriousness of this moment and get B.C. back to work.”
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Media Contact:
Erika Acuzar
Conservative.Communications@leg.bc.ca
+1 (672) 922-1372
