Premier David Eby began his address to the Truck Loggers Association (TLA) Leader’s Luncheon by addressing the economic uncertainty posed by U.S. trade policies, both the existing softwood lumber duties and the proposed 25% tariff on all Canadian imports. He outlined the significant economic impact of the tariffs on BC, should they be implemented and last for four years, which is the loss of over 100,000 jobs and $60 billion in GDP. Working in concert with the rest of Canada, Eby said there are three components to BC’s response.

First, retaliatory tariffs would target key U.S. political districts heavily reliant on Canadian goods, such as agricultural and manufactured products, to ensure decision-makers feel the economic consequences. For example, leveraging exports from BC’s tech smelter in Trail, which produces specialty metals critical for U.S. defense industries like night-vision goggles. Second, the strategy emphasizes strengthening British Columbia’s economy by addressing bureaucratic delays, accelerating permitting processes, and improving infrastructure. Eby highlighted plans to expand access to low-carbon electricity, which could reduce operating costs for industries and position BC products as premium low-carbon goods in global markets. Third, the plan focuses on market diversification, with initiatives to deepen trade relationships in Asia and other international markets. 

Premier Eby also highlighted the province’s commitment to ensuring a sustainable and predictable forestry sector. He tasked Forest Minister Ravi Parmar, through his mandate letter, with working towards a 45 million cubic meter annual allowable cut. Achieving this goal, Eby explained, requires streamlining permitting processes to address delays that have hampered progress in the sector. He cited examples where faster permitting has already led to improvements, such as in the mining sector, where permit times were reduced by 35%, and outlined plans to apply similar strategies to forestry. The Premier also emphasized the importance of utilizing active forest management practices, including wildfire risk reduction and reforestation efforts, as crucial components of achieving the allowable cut.

Although Eby expressed frustration over unresolved processes in Prince George, where delays have created uncertainty in guaranteeing the annual allowable cut, he illustrate where progress has been made. He pointed to successful collaborations in the Vernon area, where forest management initiatives are protecting local watersheds and reducing fire risks. Eby highlighted the Lake Babine First Nation’s agreement with West Fraser, a landmark supply agreement that strengthens fibre availability while fostering economic development and reconciliation. He also noted the Kisumkalem First Nation’s efforts to reopen a previously closed mill in Terrace using three newly acquired fibre licenses. These examples, Eby said, demonstrate how partnerships with Indigenous groups and private companies are helping to protect jobs, ensure the sector’s long-term viability, and provide the stability needed for businesses to invest confidently in BC’s forestry future.

The Premier addressed questions submitted by the audience. Concerns were raised about the lengthy timelines for obtaining forestry permits, to which Eby responded by reiterating his commitment to streamlining processes. Additional questions centered on frustrations surrounding the transfer of tenure to First Nations and the legal harvesting rights held by forestry contractors in some cases. Eby explained that his government is working to provide greater transparency and predictability in tenure processes to balance the interests of First Nations, contractors, and local communities. He emphasized that tenure reallocations must support reconciliation while maintaining economic stability. Finally, a question was raised about whether CEOs’ criticisms of government policies and their impact on the investment climate in British Columbia were justified. Eby acknowledged these concerns and explained that while government policies must balance environmental and economic priorities, his administration is taking steps to foster a competitive and stable environment to encourage long-term investments in the forestry sector.

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