B.C. Forestry Industry Faces Crisis Amid Overregulation

The forestry industry in British Columbia is facing a significant crisis, according to Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Ward Stamer. Speaking in the B.C. Legislature on October 6, 2023, Stamer attributed the challenges to overregulation and a perceived disrespect for forestry workers. He highlighted the closure of sawmills in towns such as McKenzie, Chetwynd, and Houston, stating that these closures result from “failed government policy” that has restricted access to timber for harvesting.

At its peak, the forestry sector provided over 100,000 full-time jobs in British Columbia. Today, that number has nearly halved, Stamer pointed out. The crisis is exemplified by the decision of the forestry giant Canfor, which announced last year that it would not proceed with plans to replace its closed sawmill in Houston. The company’s president and CEO, Don Kayne, noted that the ability to access sufficient economic timber is vital for operational sustainability. He attributed the decline in harvest levels to both “natural disturbances” and the “cumulative impact of policy changes and increased regulatory complexity.”

Regulatory Challenges and Economic Impact

Stamer emphasized that the issues facing the forestry industry extend beyond timber availability; they involve a lack of political will to support the sector. He criticized the “bureaucratic tape, endless studies, and ever-changing environmental regulations” that make long-term planning for the industry nearly impossible. According to Stamer, when government policies shift faster than the growth of a spruce tree, it results in diminished investment and job losses.

The impact of the struggling forestry industry is particularly pronounced in rural areas of British Columbia, which are often far removed from decision-making centers. “Forest towns don’t ask for much,” Stamer said. “They just want their fair shot to earn a living from the land that they’ve cared for for generations.” He argued that too frequently, important decisions are made in urban centers like Vancouver and Victoria, where policymakers may lack firsthand experience with logging operations or sawmills.

Stamer asserted that reducing regulatory burdens does not have to come at the expense of environmental protections. He highlighted that workers in British Columbia’s forestry industry are often some of the most responsible stewards of the environment, adhering to strict regulations and understanding the necessity of maintaining healthy forests for both ecological and economic reasons.

Path Forward for the Forestry Sector

For Stamer, true sustainability requires a balanced approach that considers both ecosystem protection and the preservation of jobs. He called for greater collaboration with Indigenous Nations and urged decision-makers to prioritize science-based policies over politically motivated ones.

He advocated for increased access to sustainable timber, investments in modern mills, and the elimination of bureaucratic inefficiencies that hinder innovation. “We must keep more logs in B.C. to create local jobs and ensure communities share in the benefits of the resources between them,” he stated.

Stamer concluded by emphasizing the historical significance of the forestry industry to British Columbia, suggesting that with appropriate leadership and respect for the concerns of rural residents, the province can overcome its current challenges. “B.C.’s forest crisis is not inevitable,” he asserted. “It’s a result of choices. With courage, accountability, and respect for rural British Columbians, we can turn this crisis around and restore forestry as the proud, thriving industry it’s always meant to be.”