David Eby

Our forest sector has long been a cornerstone of BC’s economy. Now it is under direct attack by Donald Trump. …For us, this is an existential threat. These tariffs are a direct threat to mills in every corner of the province and to the livelihoods of so many. The forest sector has already faced major changes in response to climate challenges, biodiversity loss, wildfire risks, and economic shifts. Forestry built this province and forestry built this country. We have schools and hospitals thanks to hardworking forestry workers, whose labours support entire communities. This is a crisis. And it is an emergency. That is why we are working with Ottawa to deploy, with urgency, the more than $1 billion committed to the forestry sector. Here in BC, we are becoming the economic engine to drive the Canadian economy forward-with multibillion-dollar public investments encouraging massive private investments in energy, minerals, and forestry.

Our strategic plan, ForestryBC: Our Path Forward, aims to sustainably support an annual harvest of 45 million cubic metres. A key goal is to ensure a predictable supply of fibre. …To ensure Canada stands on its own two feet, we are finding new global markets for our bounty of natural resources. It is time for us to find reliable trading partners, and we are doing so. By diversifying, we will ensure our forestry sector remains strong for years and generations to come. A sustainable forest economy is an achievable goal. It will drive prosperity in every corner of our province and our country. And the only way this will be a success is if we continue to support our most important resource of all-the skilled and hard-working people of British Columbia. I want to assure everyone whose family and whose community depend on these forest jobs. We will stand with you. Here at home. In Ottawa. And around the world.