B.C. forestry groups call industry a “breaking point” crisis

The organizations said increasing harvesting costs and escalating U.S. trade action were putting British Columbia timber companies under growing pressure. Their letter called for an immediate provincial crisis action group. [1][2]

The coalition included 15 provincial forestry associations, ranging from major industry representatives to the B.C. Community Forests Associations. It asked the group to move economically viable wood, reduce costs and remove regulatory barriers. [1][2]

The requested action plan would be delivered within 30 days and would suspend any new taxes on the sector, establish a permitting-triage process and advance a provincial commitment to raise the economically viable harvest to 45 million cubic metres. [1][2]

The groups also called for a stable fibre supply and measures to protect operating businesses and retain, rather than retrain, British Columbia’s skilled forestry workforce. The report does not specify immediate layoffs or closures. [1][2]

The appeal framed the pressure as part of a longer boom-and-bust pattern. Parmar promoted testing regional forestry plans that divide local land into areas where harvesting is allowed or restricted. [1][2]