A Better Future for B.C. Forestry: Building on Progress While Confronting Challenges

Progress made on forestry

B.C.’s forestry sector remains a cornerstone of the provincial economy, providing over 44,000 direct jobs and supporting nearly 100,000 more in related industries. Under the B.C. NDP, steps have been taken to stabilize the industry.

The government has prioritized sustainable forest management, with increased investments in reforestation and strategic forest management practices aimed at protecting this vital sector. Policies have also been introduced to enhance community support and worker transition programs, especially in regions where forestry serves as an economic backbone.

These measures, while positive, represent just the beginning of the work needed to ensure long-term sustainability for the sector

Ongoing challenges

Despite recent progress, B.C.’s forestry sector faces unprecedented challenges. Environmental disasters, such as wildfires and the mountain pine beetle infestation—both exacerbated by climate change—have devastated large swaths of harvestable timber. Furthermore, global economic factors such as volatile U.S. housing markets and the declining demand for paper products due to digitalization continue to strain the industry. Since 2001, forestry employment has dropped by 45%, affecting nearly 35,000 workers. While past unsustainable practices have compounded these issues, the focus now must be on preserving jobs while balancing environmental responsibility.

Nobody can afford John Rustad’s B.C.

Under previous governments, short-sighted forestry policies failed to address sustainability, contributing to the crisis facing the industry today. John Rustad was in Christy Clark’s cabinet for six years and did nothing to improve conditions for B.C.’s many forestry communities.

In contrast, the B.C. NDP has worked to rebuild a more resilient sector by prioritizing worker protection and sustainable harvesting. The BC Conservatives, with their history of opposing strong environmental protections and comprehensive forestry reform, risk reversing the progress made. Their policies have often placed corporate profits over community stability, a path that would only exacerbate the current challenges.

Take action

Moving forward, the B.C. NDP is committed to a multi-pronged strategy to save the forestry industry. Key initiatives, such as the creation of a Forestry Sector Council and a Forest Adjustment Bureau, will help stabilize jobs and maintain sustainable harvesting practices.

Voters must remain vigilant in supporting a government that understands the complexities of the forestry sector and continues to work toward a balanced, sustainable future.