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Final Cut: Rooted in collaboration

The B.C. forestry sector is at a critical juncture, grappling with intersecting challenges such as constrained fibre supply, price volatility, policy transitions, a new provincial government and a shifting political landscape ahead of a federal election. 

B.C. Premier David Eby has highlighted the vital role of resource sectors like forestry in the province’s prosperity and the need to be more agile and responsive. Speaking at the Truck Logger Association Convention in January, Premier Eby recognized that “this industry is very much under siege,” with the threat of tariffs, and acknowledged that provincial policies have been a source of frustration for the industry.

Many sawmills in B.C. are operating below the 80 per cent capacity required for profitability, according to analyst Russ Taylor. Adding to these pressures is the US administration’s intention to double the rate of duties on Canadian softwood lumber, with the potential for additional, economy-wide tariffs.

To address these challenges, the Premier outlined priorities for his government including cutting red tape, expediting decision-making, and improving alignment between government and industry. Swift and decisive action in these areas will be essential to supporting forest industry operations.

Despite differing perspectives, there is broad consensus among industry stakeholders, First Nations, labour groups, communities, and government that the status quo is unsustainable. To navigate complex policy debates and find solutions, meaningful progress begins with shared priorities. Strengthening partnerships and collaborations can drive economic reconciliation and advance forest landscape planning. Innovations in thinning and silviculture can reduce wildfire risks, improve forest health and maximize biomass utilization to minimize waste. A predictable fibre supply is crucial to the success of all these initiatives.

Forests Minister Ravi Parmar has called for bold measures to restore confidence in the sector. His mandate includes directives to deliver permits promptly and efficiently, and to ensure a sustainable land base that can provide predictable access to a minimum harvest of 45 million cubic metres per year. These efforts will involve bringing together industry, First Nations, and communities through forest landscape planning tables to chart a path forward for the stewardship of B.C.’s forests and forest industry.

This work will also include a review of B.C. Timber Sales (BCTS). A review that includes independent input and analysis will be an important step to address fibre supply availability in B.C. and re-establish the province as an attractive destination for forest-product manufacturing investment.

While these signals are encouraging, the real challenge lies in translating commitments into tangible actions. B.C. must actively participate in the “Team Canada” approach to international trade disputes and bolster the sector by supporting a stable investment climate, reducing operational costs and addressing permitting bottlenecks. 

Working together, the forest sector can present a cohesive message to the government and other partners on the solutions to the challenges we face. To help us come together, the BC Council of Forest Industries (COFI) will hold its annual Convention on April 2-4, 2025, in Prince George – the heart of B.C.’s natural resource economy.

Under the theme “Where Do We Stand? Strategies for Competitiveness and Sustainability,” the 2025 COFI Convention will assess the sector’s current standing and lay out the steps we can take to move forward. A comparative study of BC’s forestry sector against global benchmarks in competitiveness and sustainability will highlight strengths, gaps, and opportunities. This analysis will lay the foundation for discussions on overcoming barriers and seizing new opportunities.

Other themes include market barriers and trade diversification; transformation through innovation; hot takes on new technologies; and ‘the elephant in the room’ – fibre supply.

With over 600 delegates expected, the convention promises to encourage collaboration, spark innovative ideas and chart a path toward a strong, sustainable future for B.C.’s forest sector. 

Zara Rabinovitch is vice-president, sustainability and public affairs at the BC Council of Forest Industries (COFI), where she is responsible for advancing the B.C. forest sector’s role as a provider of low-carbon, renewable products, leading government relations and public affairs strategies, and engaging on environmental policy and regulation impacting forest product manufacturing.