Mark Carney
B.C.’s forest sector counted Prime Minister Mark Carney’s latest round of support for their industry that was unveiled Wednesday, including $500 million in new funding for loans, as helpful. …Kim Haakstad, CEO of B.C.’s Council of Forest Industries said the measures Carney unveiled Wednesday in Ottawa “reflect an important recognition of the role forestry and forest products play in the economic strength of Canada.” …In Victoria, B.C. Forest Minister Ravi Parmar welcomed Carney’s commitment to create a forest sector transformation task force, among the measures. …How effective the programs are, though, will depend on how quickly the support can reach companies on the ground. …“The best way out of this is some sort of trade agreement between Canada and the United States,” Independent Wood Producers Association’s Brian Menzies said. “Because our industry doesn’t want to be bailed out. We don’t want support. We actually just want to do our business.”
In related coverage:
- Press Release by Unifor: Forestry and steel sector supports encouraging
- CTV News: New Brunswick producers worry about looming closures
- CFJC Today: BC Forest Critic Stamer applauds federal funding, wants to see change at the provincial level
- My Prince George Now: BC leaders welcome new lumber supports, criticize steel measures