Statement Addressing Challenges in B.C.'s Forestry Sector

The Business Council of British Columbia (BCBC) represents over 200 of the province’s largest employers across diverse industries, including forestry. We are deeply concerned about the future of this vital sector, which is B.C.’s second-largest export industry, generating substantial revenues that support families and fund public services. The forestry sector has been significantly impacted by changes to policy and regulatory frameworks, a declining annual allowable cut, and external factors such as softwood lumber tariffs and volatile prices. Together, these challenges have created uncertainty, increased costs, and diminished opportunities, with serious consequences for communities across the province. 

Affordability remains the top concern for British Columbians, who worry about the rising cost of living and feel the province is on the wrong economic track. A strong natural resources sector, including forestry, is fundamental to prosperity. Public support for forestry is clear: many British Columbians identify the province with forestry, three-quarters hold a positive impression of the sector, and over 90 per cent recognize its critical role in sustaining a resilient economy. 

Over the past decade, forestry has contributed over $17 billion to B.C.’s GDP, provided 100,000 jobs, paid $9 billion in salaries and benefits, and generated nearly $7 billion in government revenue to fund public services. This is not just a rural industry — it is also integral to urban southwestern B.C. In 2022 alone, Vancouver and Surrey benefited from over $1 billion in forestry-related supply chain spending and community investments, while the region accounted for 25 per cent of all forestry jobs. Forestry is also a cornerstone of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, offering opportunities for business development, skilled jobs, and revenue sharing. 

In the near term, we urge the government to pause any further policy changes that could significantly impact the sector. It’s critical to reflect, measure, and evaluate the cumulative impacts of recent decisions, ensuring predictable access to fiber in a working forest. This must be a key focus of government action, alongside fast-tracking innovation in forest management, improving the use of wood waste and biomass, and fostering partnerships with Indigenous communities.