VICTORIA – Premier David Eby says a recent agreement advancing wood construction in China will deliver results for the forestry industry in British Columbia, but also acknowledges that it will take “time, energy and commitment” to create a sustainable industry. A five-year-agreement between British Columbia’s Forests Ministry and the Chinese government boosts the research, development and promotion of modern wood construction in China, and Eby says it [will help by] diversifying markets. Eby spoke at the BC Natural Resources Forum in Prince George, B.C., saying …punitive tariffs from the U.S. have had devastating effects on the foundational industry of forestry, including mill closures leading to job losses, and communities losing revenue. …Eby says the work around forestry is “challenging” and “it always feels too slow for the urgency of the threat,” but promises that “predictable land access, permit reform, value added investments and new trading relationships” will deliver a better future for forestry.   

Additional coverage in the Prince George Citizen, by Matthew Hillier: Eby sees more international trade as a way forward for BC forestry