Region Archives: Canada West

Special Feature

A call to all forestry students and young professionals of BC: Are you interested in being a part of the future of forestry?

BC Forestry Youth Conference
February 13, 2026
Category: Special Feature
Region: Canada West

We are gauging interest in a conference for students and young professionals across B.C. in the forestry industry. The goal of this conference is to create a more unified forestry sector throughout the province by bringing together students and young professionals to discuss current and future challenges in forestry, explore innovative solutions, and build relationships that can support us throughout our careers. This is a youth-led initiative and so having your opinions and participation is crucial to determine the topics and speakers for the conference. We have created a short survey (see link) to help determine the topics and timing of this conference.  This is a chance for young professionals and students like yourself to build a more connected, informed, and forward-thinking forestry community and empower them to help shape the future of forestry in B.C. 

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Business & Politics

Government of Canada strengthening industries and businesses in B.C.’s Southern Interior

By Pacific Economic Development Canada
Government of Canada
March 2, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, Canada West

CASTLEGAR, BC — The Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada announced an investment of more than $13 million for ten Regional Tariff Response Initiative (RTRI) projects across BC’s Southern Interior. As part of the RTRI, these investments are in sectors that have been particularly affected by global trade disruptions – such as forestry, equipment manufacturing and value‑added wood manufacturing. The investments support individual companies as well as sector‑wide efforts to improve transportation reliability, supply‑chain visibility, and access to domestic and global markets. More details about all the investments announced today can be found in the backgrounder. …Chris Kalesnikoff, President and CEO, Kalesnikoff said “Today’s funding announcement will allow us to further expand our existing unique capacity to build and deliver modular timber housing, classrooms, commercial spaces and other buildings precisely, affordably and efficiently.”

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A timeline of the Crofton mill

By Eric Richards
The Discourse
February 26, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, Canada West

On Dec. 2, 2025, Domtar announced it would permanently close Crofton’s nearly 70-year-old mill citing a lack of affordable fibre in BC and rising cost of materials. In response, the Municipality of North Cowichan created a Community Transition Table to coordinate union leadership, worker support and discussions on the future of the mill site. …The Discourse has compiled a timeline of major events at the Crofton mill to help understand the historical context of the latest mill closure. …1957: The mill opens and BC Forest Products (BCFP) told the citizens of Crofton it would employ 300 people and have an annual payroll of $1.5 million. Crofton was chosen as the location for the mill after an “extensive” three year survey by BCFP found the Cowichan River had adequate water supply for the mill. 1963: BCFP announced an $18.5 million expansion of the Crofton mill to expand the capacity to produce paper for its second newsprint machine.

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Squamish, 100 Mile House mayors want to save railway that connects South Coast to the Interior

By Tom Summer
CBC News
February 28, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada West

The mayors of Squamish and 100 Mile House, B.C., want to see the railway linking their two communities preserved. CN Rail is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of a portion of B.C.’s rail network between Squamish and Exeter, just northwest of 100 Mile House. In July 2025, the national rail operator said it provided notice of its intent to discontinue those operations. 100 Mile House Mayor Maureen Pinkney says her town is working with several other municipalities to make a business case for the railway, and have hired a consultant to research the details. The rail line goes through an industrial park in 100 Mile House, explained Pinkney, connecting industries like forestry. The town’s oriented strand board plant shut down in 2019 and West Fraser closed its lumber mill at the end of last year, but Pinkney said there’s still fibre that can be utilized for other wood products.

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Canfor rejects First Nations bid for its Houston holdings

By Rod Link
Houston Today
February 26, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, Canada West

HOUSTON, BC –Houston area First Nations were in talks to buy Canfor’s now-closed Houston sawmill and timber tenure throughout last fall, only to have an offer rejected in December, says the chief councillor from the Lake Babine Nation. “Canfor shut down all talks at once,” said Wilf Adam last week. “They did not like the price. That was it.” The company has been trying to sell its Houston and area holdings after years of rolling openings and closures in response to overall market pressure and high operations costs at the mill. …There was hope in the spring of 2023 when… but that hope was quashed in the spring of 2024 when the company announced it was shelving the prospect of a new mill. It then began looking for a buyer for the mill and tenure.

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Council of Forest Industries announces Convention Keynote Speaker Bryan Yu

BC Council of Forest Industries
February 25, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada West

Join Bryan Yu, Chief Economist at Central 1 Credit Union, for a clear-eyed keynote on the economic forces shaping the year ahead. In his presentation, 2026 Macroeconomic Outlook he will examine trade uncertainty, global competition, and pressure at home. What’s ahead for BC and Canada’s economy? Hear what the outlook means for BC’s forest sector and the strategic decisions leaders will face in a rapidly changing economy. Mark your calendar for April 8 – 10, and register before March 6 to take advantage of Early Bird discounts.

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Forestry workers on north Island ratify deal after eight-month strike

By Darron Kloster
Victoria Times Colonist
February 24, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada West

About 100 members of the United Steelworkers Local 1-1937 who work as loggers north of Campbell River are set to return to work after members voted 67% in favour of a new collective agreement on Tuesday. The agreement includes 19% and 22% wage increases over the six-year term, as well as other improvements in line with the rest of the coastal forest industry. The union members working for La-kwa sa muqw Forestry LP had been on strike for eight and a half months. The strike started on June 6 over the company allowing new non-union contractors to do work traditionally done by USW members, among other issues. “Our members did what they set out to do — protect USW work from being eroded by non-union employers,” said Brian Butler, president of USW Local 1-1937. He added that the workers also achieved the coast forest industry pattern agreement that was set between USW Local 1-1937 and Western Forest Products in January 2025.

 

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Business groups demand B.C. cancel Provincial Sales Tax expansion

By Rob Shaw
Chek News
February 24, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada West

The 18 organizations, representing everything from mining to real estate, forestry, construction and retail have banded together to demand the B.C. government halt plans to expand the Provincial Sales Tax to services like security, accounting and engineering. But Premier David Eby says his government needs the money. The organizations say their members will be harmed by government’s decision to expand the PST to professional services. The move, contained in last week’s budget, will generate almost $500 million in revenue for the province by expanding the seven per cent PST to services… The joint event included the B.C. Chamber of Commerce, B.C. Real Estate Association, Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses, B.C. Council of Forest Industries, Independent Contractors and Businesses Association and Urban Development Institute, amongst others. …Eby said he would work with the business community to try and address concerns. But business leaders said nothing short of scrapping the tax hike is acceptable.

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“I don’t want a handout, I want a job”: Laid-off Island mill workers fight for EI

By Skye Ryan
Chek News
February 23, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, Canada West

Raw logs were being loaded for export at the shuttered Crofton pulp mill – just weeks after hundreds of local workers were laid off over a lack of wood fibre, and as about 120 sidelined Chemainus sawmill employees brace for their EI benefits to run dry. “I don’t want a handout, I want a job,” said Brian Bull, who was laid off from Western Forest Products’ Chemainus sawmill. …North Cowichan’s mayor says repeated appeals to federal officials to grant workers the additional 20 weeks of EI benefits promised by the Prime Minister in the summer of 2025 have gone unanswered. “There’s about 120 workers impacted at the Chemainus sawmill. The majority are set to lose their EI benefits next month. …So laid-off Chemainus sawmill workers are urging the provincial government to stop raw log exports. Elzinga said he fears their the Chemainus sawmill may never re-open, due a lack of fibre supply.

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Province looks to Indigenous-led businesses to expand resource industries

By Matthew Hillier
Prince George Citizen
February 23, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, Canada West

One of the topics of conversation this year at the Natural Resources Forum was the development and expansion of First Nations-led industry in the province, particularly businesses in the natural resources industry. …Many First Nations also hold extensive woodland licences, including Huu-ay-aht, Wei Wai Kum, Hupacasath, Tseshaht, Canim Lake, Lheidli T’enneh, Lake Babine, Nee Tahi Buhn and K’ómoks/Qualicum. Closer to home in Prince George, Tano T’enneh Enterprises works as the business and economic arm of the Lheidli T’enneh and holds the largest First Nations Woodland Licence in BC, with exclusive timber harvesting rights to more than 217,000 hectares. …“Skills training is obviously one of the huge things,” said Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Spencer Chandra Herbert. “So we’re in the final stages of developing our equity financing program for First Nations. We also know the federal government is moving into this field as well.”

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Eby says B.C. could fight lumber tariffs in U.S. courts

By Wolfgang Depner
Canadian Press in the Victoria Times Colonist
February 21, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, Canada West

British Columbia Premier David Eby said a ruling by the United States Supreme Court that strikes down far-reaching global tariffs opens the door to challenge other tariffs that currently hurt his province’s softwood lumber industry. While Friday’s ruling does not lift long-standing American anti-dumping levies on B.C. softwood, Eby says it “opens up the possibility” of the province mounting a legal challenge in U.S. courts to the additional 10-per-cent tariff imposed last fall on national security grounds. …Eby added that the additional 10 per cent tariff “has been quite devastating” for the softwood lumber sector. …Eby said that while a future legal challenge falls “pretty squarely” within federal responsibility, B.C. might take a direct run at it. …About 40 per cent of Canadian lumber exports to the U.S. come from B.C., where the industry is dealing with low harvest levels and mill closures leading to hundreds of job losses.

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Western Forest Products and Tla’amin Nation Announce Milestone Agreement for the Purchase and Sale of Western’s Stillwater Forest Operation

Western Forest Products Inc.
February 19, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada West

Tla’amin Territory – Western Forest Products Inc. and Qwoqwnes Forestry Holdings Limited Partnership, an entity beneficially owned and controlled by Tla’amin Nation (“Qwoqwnes”), have reached an agreement for the purchase by Qwoqwnes of a 100% ownership interest in the assets comprising Western’s Stillwater Forest Operation, located near Powell River, British Columbia, for an aggregate purchase price of $80.0 million. The Stillwater Forest Operation includes Block 1 of Tree Farm Licence 39 which covers approximately 154,000 hectares of forest land, the majority of which is located in the traditional territory of Tla’amin Nation. Subject to closing of the Transaction, Qwoqwnes, through the business of Thichum Forest Products, will manage an allowable annual cut of approximately 469,200 cubic metres of timber from TFL 39 Block 1 and will enter into a longterm fibre supply agreement with Western to sell timber harvested from the tenure to Western to support Western’s BC coastal manufacturing operations. 

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‘Not disposal sites’: Snuneymuxw calls for action after oil spill, toxic sawmill effluent discharge at Duke Point

By Laura Brougham
Chek News
February 19, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada West

Snuneymuxw First Nation is calling on other levels of government to act to protect its waters following an oil spill and long-standing discharge of “toxic sawmill effluent” at Duke Point near Nanaimo. The nation is calling for a full environmental investigation following the incidents it says are caused by Environmental 360 and Western Forest Products. The nation has sent letters to the federal, provincial and municipal governments calling on them to act. This comes after an oil spill was discovered on Jan. 2 which was eventually discovered to be from Environmental 360 properties. The nation also says it was recently informed of long-standing and significant toxic effluent discharges from Western Forest Products’ sawmill and says the issue has been ongoing for four decades. Snuneymuxw says it was misinformed about the scale and severity of the issue by the company, and recently learned there was a “high likelihood of ecological damage.”

Additional coverage in the Nanaimo News Bulletin: Snuneymuxw demands investigation into Western Forest Products runoff

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CN Rail corridor through 100 Mile House reportedly saved

By Misha Mustaqeem
The Clearwater Times
February 18, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, Canada West

The CN railway running through 100 Mile House will not be discontinued after all. District of 100 Mile House Mayor Maureen Pinkney said that the consultant hired to assess the rail line’s future had told her, and around 87 other stakeholders in the region between North Vancouver and Prince George, that removal of the rails was off the table. …CN Rail announced it would be discontinuing service between Squamish and 100 Mile House… and that rails and ties are removed after discontinuance. …Potentials for the new use of the rail tracks include the return of passenger rail to 100 Mile House. …Pinkney said that there could be opportunities from the saved rail line to make up for lost tax revenue from the closure of the West Fraser Mill, as well as the OSB plant. 

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Canfor secures naming rights for Whitecourt’s new Culture and Events Centre

By Brad Quarin
The Whitecourt Star
February 19, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, Canada West

WHITECOURT, Alberta — The new culture centre being built adjacent to Festival Park in Whitecourt will be called the Canfor Culture and Events Centre, after the company Canadian Forest Products which obtained naming rights, according to the Town of Whitecourt. “We’re proud to support the communities where we operate,” Tom Thompson, Canfor Alberta region general manager, said. …Thompson said Canfor supported the centre through its Good Things Come from Trees Foundation. …The Town of Whitecourt began offering naming rights for the new facility and parts within it in the spring of 2025. …Canfor Corporation moved into Whitecourt in 2022 after completing its purchase of Millar Western Forest Products’ lumber operations and wood products assets.

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BC logging association’s joint statement on BC’s 2026 Budget

BC Truck Loggers Association
February 18, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada West

The Truck Loggers Association, Interior Logging Association and North West Loggers Association are pleased BC’s Budget 2026 acknowledges the importance of forestry and includes funding intended to address the province’s ongoing forestry crisis. However, we note the budget forecasted annual harvest levels of only 29 million cubic metres, which fall far short of Premier Eby’s mandate to Forests Minister Ravi Parmar to achieve an annual harvest level of 45 million cubic metres. This is unsustainable for forestry-dependent communities, damaging to the provincial economy at a time of an unprecedented deficit, and deeply discouraging for the forest workers and contractors who have endured too many years of uncertainty. Our associations and the forest industry are collectively committed and prepared to support Minister Parmar and government in achieving positive outcomes for our sector, communities and the broader economy. We remain ready to work collaboratively on practical solutions. However, meaningful progress requires a clear vision and accountable plan to restore markets for British Columbia’s forest sector to move harvest levels toward the 45 million cubic metre objective. 

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B.C. Budget: LNG a bright spot, but red ink dismays business groups

By Derrick Penner
The Vancouver Sun
February 17, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, Canada West

Brenda Bailey

For all the measures touted as keys to unlocking BC’s resource sector, such as speeding up permits for mining activity, Finance Minister Brenda Bailey’s budget includes additional tax hits. …The ministry of forests will see its budget go from $1.3 billion in 2025-26 to $910 million in fiscal 2026-27 to $860 million in 2027-28. …The budget includes some new measures for BC’s beleaguered forestry sector, such as $50 million in new and reallocated federal funds to support for Indigenous scholarships, the purchase of equipment to aid in wildfire fighting and refunding the province’s Fire Smart program. However, Bailey’s document doesn’t make specific mention of measures Forests Minister Ravi Parmar alluded to at the BC Truck Loggers Association. …BC had set a target to harvest 45 million cubic metres of timber, but the document shows the 2025-26 harvest at 29 million cubic metres, with the number expected to stay at that level through the three-year financial plan.

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Council of Forest Industries Statement on BC Budget 2026

The BC Council of Forest Industries
February 17, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada West

VANCOUVER, BC – Kim Haakstad, President & CEO of the BC Council of Forest Industries (COFI), issued the following statement today in response to the Government of British Columbia’s 2026 Provincial Budget: “As the province navigates significant fiscal and economic challenges, the forest sector continues to face intense pressure. We welcome Budget 2026’s recognition of the urgent crisis facing the forest sector and the government’s plan to make targeted investments that support the sector today while building a more resilient future. We are concerned about the budget’s plan for a harvest level of 29 million cubic metres over the next three years—a figure that sits well below the province’s own Allowable Annual Cut (AAC) of approximately 60 million cubic metres. …Working together we can reverse the trend of mill closures and rising costs of doing business so forestry can continue to contribute to the well-being of families and communities across the province. 

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B.C. budget includes tax increases, job cuts and $13B deficit

By Justin McElroy
CBC News
February 17, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, Canada West

Brenda Bailey

The BC government’s 2026 budget announced a series of tax increases, capital project delays, and a reduction of 15,000 public sector jobs over three years. Despite this, major deficits are still forecasted for the indefinite future. “This budget is different from our past budgets, because this moment is different,” said Finance Minister Brenda Bailey in her speech to the legislature on Tuesday. The speech blamed the province’s economic condition on challenges such as US tariffs and a cooling housing market. “It’s time to take a pause on some of the things we want to do to focus on the things we need to do.” A $13.3 billion deficit is forecast for the 2026-27 fiscal year, up from $9.6 billion for this year. …The government announced a diverse range of tax increases that it said would primarily impact higher-income earners, causing an average increase of $76 a year. 

In related coverage by:

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B.C. forecasts upswing for natural gas and tough times in forestry as deficit soars

By Brent Jang
The Globe and Mail
February 17, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, Canada West

The BC government is forecasting that the natural gas industry will play a larger role as the top driver of provincial resource revenue, while warning about tough times in the former economic powerhouse of forestry. Natural gas royalties are expected to ring in at nearly $1.3-billion for the 12 months ending March 31, 2027, up 38%. …The government is anticipating $521-million in forestry revenue for the 2026-27 fiscal year, up 3%, but still down sharply when compared with several years ago. …In the 2020-21 fiscal year, forestry revenue surpassed $1.3-billion and natural gas royalties reached $196-million. …Tuesday’s budget introduces a temporary Stumpage Payment Deferral Program in an effort to ease the cash crunch for companies. The voluntary program covers the first 11 months of 2026. …The government anticipates that the trend of depressed annual volumes of tree harvesting will continue over the next several years, restricting the production of softwood lumber. [to access the full story a Globe & Mail subscription is required]

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B.C. budget supports growth but falls short for many workers, says United Steelworkers

United Steelworkers
February 17, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, Canada West

The United Steelworkers union found positives in a difficult BC budget. …Recognizing the uncertainty created by US trade policy… USW Western Canada Director Scott Lunny said… “Today’s budget advances the government’s work towards long-term economic stability, including BC’s goal of securing $200 billion in private-sector investment over the next decade in sectors including mining, forestry and manufacturing”. …USW noted positives, including: a continued commitment in funding to strengthen permitting capacity in resource industries; a $400- million Strategic Investments Special Account to leverage federal government dollars for investment and job creation in key sectors like value-added forestry, responsible mining, manufacturing and clean energy; and unprecedented investment in skilled trades funding as well as a training grant to encourage apprenticeships. …”While we welcome the $20 million to help workers and employers in tariff-impacted sectors like steel and forestry, there is still a missing commitment to stabilizing and sustaining the primary forestry sector,” said Lunny.

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Why This Mill Survives When Others Don’t

By Forestnet
You Tube
February 10, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada West

‘Making forestry sexy again’ That’s the bold mission Bhavjit Thandi is on as the new face of Richmond Plywood. Most CFOs stay in the boardroom, but 38-year old Bhavjit Thandi hit the mill floor on day one to understand the 70-year-old employee-owned co-op where workers take out mortgages just to get in. We dive into how this “shareholders on the floor” co-op model powers a zero-waste juggernaut that invests millions in automation and hiring more workers while other mills go dark. Expect hot takes on the dangerous “gray market” imports threatening Canadian construction and the brutal reality of battling the world’s most expensive fiber costs. Bhavjit pulls no punches on government red tape, the Trump factor, and why Richply refuses to shut down even when demand tanks.

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Truck loggers feeling the effects of a lagging B.C. forest industry, critic says

By Brendan Shykora
Nanaimo Bulletin
February 13, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: Canada, Canada West

Ward Stamer

As BC’s forestry industry licks its wounds following a series of recent mill closures, BC’s forest critic says truck loggers are hurting, too. Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Ward Stamer attended the TLA’s convention last month, and came away with a dire picture of how these BC workers are feeling in terms of their job security. …Stamer lamented the closing of the Atli Chip mill near Port McNeill, announced last month. He said the closure was unexpected, but not altogether unsurprising given the domino effect set in motion by a previous Crofton pulp mill closure on Vancouver Island. He said “we never heard a peep” about the Atli Chip mill closure in the week before it happened, “but that’s what happens when you get something like a pulp mill that goes down, it can drag anywhere between four to six solid mills with it.” 

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Finance & Economics

Taiga reports Q4, 2025 net loss of $9.1 million

By Taiga Building Products Ltd.
Cision Newswire
February 27, 2026
Category: Finance & Economics
Region: Canada, Canada West

BURNABY, BC — Taiga Building Products reported its financial results for the year ended December 31, 2025. …The Company’s consolidated net sales for the quarter ended December 31, 2025 were $359.6 million compared to $389.0 million in the same quarter last year. The decrease in sales was largely due to lower average lumber prices and a decline in sales volume during the quarter. Net earnings for the quarter ended December 31, 2025 decreased to a loss of $9.1 million, compared to net income of $6.6 million in the same period last year, primarily due to a $20.5 million non-cash write-off of goodwill and intangible assets related to Taiga’s subsidiary in Washington State. …The Company’s consolidated net sales for the year ended December 31, 2025 were $1,631.8 million compared to $1,634.4 million last fiscal year. Net earnings for the year ended December 31, 2025 decreased to $28.6 million from $47.6 million last fiscal year.

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B.C. outperforms Canada on exports despite tariffs and weak hiring

By Bryan Yu, chief economist of Central 1
Business in Vancouver
February 11, 2026
Category: Finance & Economics
Region: Canada, Canada West

B.C.’s export performance moved against the national pattern in November. Domestic exports to international markets rose 7.6 per cent year over year to $4.59 billion, whereas exports nationally declined by about four per cent on a customs basis. This contrast partly reflects differences in the types of goods each region exports. Nevertheless, provincial export trends remain soft, reflecting U.S. tariffs on key products like lumber, and end of de minimis treatment of low value exports. Year-to-date, B.C. exports slipped a mild 0.1 per cent from same-period 2024, which was slightly stronger than the national reading. …That said, a declining trend continued in the battered forestry sector (-13.7 per cent year over year), where tariffs have compounded weakness from timber supply constraints and other duties already imposed by the U.S.

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Wood, Paper & Green Building

Kelowna updates regulations to create greener buildings

By Ty Lim
The Kelowna Capital News
February 25, 2026
Category: Wood, Paper & Green Building
Region: Canada West

Climate change is on the forefront for the City of Kelowna as the municipality supported updating regulations around new developments to address climate change. During a city council meeting on Monday, Feb. 23, council voted to support a series of bylaw amendments intending to make Kelowna more resilient to climate change and related weather effects. The city set out three sets of bylaw changes that aim to mitigate wildfire risk, provide more variety in tree growth and greens in new developments and to build more energy efficient buildings. For wildfire mitigation strategies, the city is using practices by FireSmartBC which tells homeowners to reduce fire fuel within 10 metres of a building. …To make greener buildings, the city is removing stepback requirements for within heights of five to 12 stories.

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Wood Connections Newsletter – February 2026

BC Wood Specialties Group
February 20, 2026
Category: Wood, Paper & Green Building
Region: Canada West

The latest Wood Connections newsletter delivers a mix of strategic announcements, professional development opportunities, program updates and industry news shaping British Columbia’s wood products sector. It leads with the Save-the-Date for the 23rd Annual Global Buyers Mission set for September 10–12, 2026, in Whistler, a key event for connecting international buyers with Canadian manufacturers. Funding support for export-oriented projects through CanExport SMEs is highlighted, alongside a call for supplier imagery submissions to naturally:wood’s promotional directory. The bulletin promotes upcoming learning opportunities, including a Webinar on grants and government funding, and UBC CAWP Management Skills Training courses focused on boosting quality and production planning. In program updates, BC Wood’s participation in global trade shows and missions such as Korea Build Week and Interzum Guangzhou 2026 reinforces export engagement. The Industry News section showcases wood-centric storytelling and continuing developments like the nine-storey mass timber hybrid building in East Vancouver.

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BC Wood Seminar: Learn about Grants and Government Funding Programs that Support BC’s Value-Added Wood Manufacturers

BC Wood Specialties Group
February 19, 2026
Category: Wood, Paper & Green Building
Region: Canada, Canada West

Zoom Webinar | Wednesday, February 25, 2026 | 10:00am – 11:30am PST | Zoom. BC’s wood manufacturers are facing real challenges from labour shortages and export pressures to rising costs and growing sustainability expectations. The good news? There’s funding available to support your hiring, workforce development, technology upgrades, product innovation, and market expansion. Join this session designed specifically for processors, builders, and related businesses in the value-added wood sector. You’ll learn how to use grants strategically, not reactively, to achieve your business goals. What you will learn:

  • Which government and grant programs apply to your business: hiring, training, market expansion, R&D
  • How to align grants with your growth and sustainability plans
  • Tips on developing a funding strategy
  • Information on CanExport Program and the Trade Commissioners Office

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New National Platform Connects Education and Industry to Advance Construction Training: MMC Edu

By Modern Methods of Construction Education
British Columbia Institute of Technology
February 13, 2026
Category: Wood, Paper & Green Building
Region: Canada, Canada West

Modern Methods of Construction Education (MMC Edu) is a national platform that connects education and industry to advance construction training in Canada. It is a key outcome of the Mass Timber Training Network: Advancing Trades for a Sustainable Future (MTAT) project, which brings together a national network to advance wood as a low-carbon building material by addressing major barriers to mass timber adoption across the country. Led by the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) in partnership with Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) through the Green Construction Through Wood Program (GC Wood), the MTAT project focuses on education and training as a key vehicle for reducing barriers and preparing the next generation of the workforce. MMC Edu serves as a shared platform where network members, industry partners, and educators can exchange knowledge and access resources that support innovation, sustainability, and workforce readiness across Canada.

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International Pulp Week – Only 48 hours left to lock in Early Bird rates

International Pulp Week
February 13, 2026
Category: Wood, Paper & Green Building
Region: Canada West

International Pulp Week (IPW) is the premier annual gathering for the global market pulp sector, organized by the Pulp and Paper Products Council (PPPC). Set for May 10–12, 2026 at the Sutton Place Hotel in Vancouver, BC, the three-day conference brings together producers, customers, logistics providers, analysts and other key stakeholders from around the world to share market intelligence, expert insights and strategic dialogue on trends shaping the future of pulp markets. Through keynote presentations, expert panels and extensive networking opportunities, IPW offers decision-makers high-value analysis, opportunities for business development, and collaboration across the pulp supply chain. The event has become a must-attend forum for those involved in international pulp production, trade and investment, with participants from more than 40 countries expected to attend.

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Forestry

Commemorating a Decade of Building Healthier, More Resilient Forests Throughout British Columbia

Forest Enhancement Society of BC
March 3, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

Wayne Clogg on right

Reflections from Forest Enhancement Society of BC’s First Board Chair, Wayne Clogg as FESBC marks its 10th anniversary… For decades, foresters across British Columbia (B.C.) within government, industry, and academia had been calling for increased public investment in forest management beyond basic reforestation obligations. “B.C. has world-class forest practice standards,” Clogg shared. “We ensure that harvested areas are replanted and planned appropriately, but there was no long-term program at the time to invest in improving forest conditions beyond that baseline.” …While FESBC was initially envisioned as fully independent, Clogg acknowledges that this structure proved impractical. “FESBC is, in reality, a Crown agency, delivering forest enhancement projects on behalf of the Provincial government,” he said. …As FESBC continues to steward government funding to invest in forest enhancement projects, Clogg hopes the public will continue to support sustained investment and recognize the Society’s ability to deliver high quality results with its many project partners.

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Focusing on the future of B.C. forests

By Rob Botterell, Green Party MLA for Saanich North and the Islands
The Peninsula News Review
March 3, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

Rob Botterell

“Talk and log” old growth, mill closures, drought, wildfires, lack of value-added products from second-growth forests, and climate change have shaken … the forest sector in BC. NDP forestry initiatives, such as the Old Growth Strategic Review, have stalled. Nor is the province any closer to protecting 30 per cent of the B.C. landbase by 2030, implementing the biodiversity and ecosystem health framework, local watershed governance, and a paradigm shift to a sustainable industry… Out of the 2025 Green/NDP Accord, an independent body, the Provincial Forest Advisory Council, developed a road map to transform forestry management to a system that delivers stability to the sector that everyone can support. …For my part as the Green caucus forests critic, I will continue to press for immediate implementation of the PFAC report, as well as previous commitments, including full implementation of the Old Growth Strategic Review, 30/30, the biodiversity and ecosystem health framework, and local watershed governance.

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BC Wildfire Service staff welcomed home from Australia

By the Ministry of Forests
Government of British Columbia
March 1, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) staff have returned to B.C. after supporting Forest Fire Management Victoria in Australia for the past month with wildfire-fighting efforts. “Our world-class BC Wildfire Service has once again stepped up on the global stage,” said Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests. “As we prepare for the 2026 wildfire season, our BCWS crews consistently demonstrate exceptional skills, courage and professionalism wherever they’re called to serve.” On Jan. 25, 2026, BCWS deployed 37 people to the state of Victoria to help respond to the Walwa River Road fire and provide support in the Tallangatta Incident Control Centre. The team consisted of a 15-person incident management team, a 20-person fire crew and two agency representatives. …Ahead of this year’s wildfire season, B.C. continues work to keep people and communities safe by focusing on all four pillars of emergency management: prevention, preparedness, response and recovery.

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Improving B.C.’s permitting processes through regulatory changes

By the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship
Government of British Columbia
February 27, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

Four regulatory amendments will make it easier and more efficient for people and businesses to get the natural-resource permits needed to rebuild homes from wildfire, begin new home construction and restore ecosystems. “We are making it easier and faster to start important projects, from rebuilding homes after disasters to restoring wetland habitat and industrial sites,” said Randene Neill, Minister of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship. “Shorter timelines mean projects get started faster, more jobs are created, and we all benefit from a stronger economy.” Changes to the Water Sustainability Regulation and the Riparian Areas Protection Regulation focus on improving clarity and supporting people and businesses to reduce project timelines. Flexibility has been added for developments in low-risk riparian areas, including after a wildfire or for utility maintenance, to proceed following a streamlined process. …Local governments, First Nations and Crown corporations will be able to conduct stream-restoration activities more easily.

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Fort Nelson community forest uses salvageable lumber funds for replanting

By Ed Hitchins
Energetic City
February 27, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

FORT NELSON, B.C. — A joint operation by First Nations and the Northern Rockies community gave an update regarding salvageable lumber within the northeast. The Fort Nelson First Nation (FNFN)  and Northern Rockies Regional Municipality Community Forest is a joint entity to assist manufacturing companies in the Fort Nelson area, according to its general manager Percy Wright. Wright added it is a 50-50 partnership between both parties. …Being a community forest with a volume-based licence, it means the company is not allowed to harvest lumber outside a specific area. During the winter of 2025-26, Wright says the team at the community forest was able to recover salvageable wood from the wildfires of the past several years. …Salvaged wood was able to be sold to West Fraser Timber and sent to mills in Chetwynd and Quesnel. Funds went back into the reforestation of the area.

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Forest Genetics Council of BC February Newsletter

Forest Genetics Council of BC
February 27, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

The February 2026 FGC eNewsletter highlights several key developments in forest genetics across British Columbia and beyond. It introduces Dan Nadir, RPF, as the new Executive Secretariat for FGC, succeeding Brian Barber, and outlines his forestry background and experience. The newsletter promotes an upcoming BC Seed Orchard Association webinar on March 12, featuring presentations on seed extraction and orchard management from Quebec and New Brunswick. Recent events where forest genetics featured prominently are covered, including presentations on seed planning in a changing climate at the Western Forestry Contractors’ Association conference and FGC’s participation at the Forest Professionals BC conference. The update also highlights a new national report identifying challenges and solutions for improving Canada’s tree seed supply chain. Finally, it lists upcoming meetings and conferences in 2026, such as tree improvement workshops and international seed orchard conferences, encouraging engagement and continued professional development.

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February Rumour Mill RoundUpDate

By John Betts
Western Forestry Contractors’ Association
February 27, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

In this newsletter you will find:

  • Poll Finds Industry Members Unclear About WFCA Role: A recent WFCA survey found that many forestry sector contractors and staff may not be certain what the WFCA does. The WFCA is now developing a communications strategy for its members, the public and politicians. The goal is for the reforestation-restoration community to be recognized for their necessity to the wood products sector, their reliability as a supply chain, youth employment opportunities, growing role in recovering from and mitigating climate change, commitment to reconciliation, boon to rural economies, skill in growing seedlings and plants, example-setting in workplace safety and training, and their remarkable and skilled workers and their stories. 
  • If a Restoration Economy is the Future of Our Forestry Sector, What Is It? “What is the restoration economy?” was the central question at last month’s WFCA Conference. 
  • Forestry Service Providers Compensation Fund Gets $5 Million

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How the hell did the B.C. Forest Industry get here?

By Jim Stirling
The Logging and Sawmilling Journal
February 27, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada, Canada West

How the hell did we end up in this situation? It’s a question that everyone involved in BC’s wood products business has asked themselves during the last few years. The question doesn’t have a simple answer. Instead, there are several contributing factors that have steered the forest industry into its current mess. But two problems are of critical importance now: securing reliable fibre access and dealing calmly with the international uncertainty triggered by US President Donald Trump’s lust for world trade dominance and military supremacy. But the BC forest industry has deep roots and some of the issues which began long ago have now come home to roost. All at the same time. They’ve created a confluence of concerns. That’s evident in the silent sawmills, the scattering of a skilled workforce—and communities in crisis throughout the BC interior.

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Mission locals petition to stop logging project in Hatzic Valley, cites area history of landslides

By Alyssa Conti
Fraser Valley Today
February 28, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

MISSION — Hundreds of Mission residents are hoping to stop a logging project at its root before the first branch breaks. The Hatzic Valley Community Association recently issued an advisory regarding plans to log between Eng and Kussman Roads, with construction set to begin this summer if Forest Service Road Proposal 2801 is permitted. Residents were then advised to share their thoughts about terrain stability, historical flooding and landslide events, or watershed concerns in the area before March 6 with the Chilliwack District Tenures Team. As of Thursday, February 26, a petition was started to stop the project, citing the watershed’s 44-year history of repeated debris flows, landslides and destructive flooding that have once damaged 45 homes in a single storm and relocated entire creek channels through residential areas.

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The Regional District of Nanaimo secures money for Hamilton Marsh with government and non-profit help

The Nanaimo News Bulletin
February 26, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

The Regional District of Nanaimo now has the money to purchase Hamilton Marsh lands. While the original price tag was $30 million, Mosaic Forest Management lowered its asking price to $28 million in January and in a Wednesday, Feb. 25 press release, the RDN announced it has secured the finances to acquire the 360-hectare site. Almost $550,000 was raised by the Nanaimo and Area Land Trust, Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region, Hamilton Wetlands and Forests Preservation Society and Oceanside Ducks Unlimited Canada, with additional assistance from the B.C. Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, Government of Canada, Nature Trust of B.C. and Sitka Foundation. …The deal is expected to close March 31 and subsequently, will be the RDN’s 13th regional park and conservation area, the press release said. …Mature forests within the Coastal Douglas-fir moist maritime subzone are located on the lands.

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Supporting chronic wasting disease response through Cranbrook deer hunt

By Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship
Government of British Columbia
February 26, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

Results from a targeted deer hunt in the Cranbrook area show no new detections of chronic wasting disease (CWD), supporting ongoing efforts to contain and manage the disease in southeastern B.C. From Jan. 5-31, 2026, a general open-season deer hunt was implemented in a defined area near Cranbrook to bolster sampling efforts and reduce the risk of CWD spreading to surrounding deer and elk populations. A total of 228 deer were harvested during the hunt. All samples submitted for testing were negative for CWD. Of the deer harvested and tested, 79% were white-tailed deer and 21% were mule deer. Although no animals tested positive, targeted hunts within the established management zone aim to reduce deer population and density, providing fewer opportunities for close contact between animals and limiting the risk of CWD spread.

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Forest Enhancement Society of BC project updates from around the province

The Forest Enhancement Society of B.C.
February 26, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

The newsletter highlights the ongoing work of the Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) as it enters its tenth year of operations, showcasing the positive impact of FESBC-funded partners on forests across British Columbia. It opens with a safety tip from the BC Forest Safety Council aimed at improving workplace orientations and on-the-ground safety. FESBC also invites readers to participate in its Decade in Review, asking for stories about memorable, locally meaningful projects that have strengthened forests or communities. The newsletter introduces FESBC’s new Administrative Assistant, Jen Kulchar, and celebrates community forestry by linking to the BC Community Forest Association’s new film, Rooted Together. It also features a Faces of Forestry profile on Hengda Liu and shares additional news on FESBC-related forestry developments and partnerships. Throughout, the focus remains on collaboration, forest resilience, and the people driving meaningful forestry work province-wide.

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Could shifting gears from forestry to tourism pay the bills?

By Nora O’Malley
Ha-Shilth-Sa | Canada’s Oldest First Nation’s Newspaper
February 25, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

Many people in British Columbia, including those living in remote First Nations communities, still rely on forestry revenue to keep the lights on. But as the forestry industry continues to wade through economic uncertainty, outdated forest legislation and – in some regions – a declining fibre supply, one can’t help but wonder: Could shifting gears to tourism pay the bills? “We watched the fishing industry decline …Now we’re watching the forestry decline. We are in a place where we need to look at other options…. I think tourism is a great option for that story,” said Paula Amos, Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC). The harvest tenure for TFL 61 is held by Pacheedaht Andersen Timber Holdings (PATH) and managed by Angus Hope.  … “There are a lot of challenges,” Hope says. From the “glacial pace” of government to the high cost of getting the logs to market, Hope says the status quo just doesn’t make sense anymore.

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Fort Nelson First Nation seeks directors for forestry company

By Ed Hitchins
Energetic City
February 26, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

FORT NELSON, B.C. — Directors are being sought for a northern B.C. First Nations forestry company directive. Dechita Forestry is the industry arm of Fort Nelson First Nation (FNFN) and has launched an appeal seeking new directors… Its aim is to “advance sustainable forestry opportunities that reflect values and long-term interests” of FNFN. The board of directors will consist of a member of FNFN’s council, a member of the First Nation not affiliated with the council, and a community member of Fort Nelson who is not a FNFN member. Their responsibilities will include  “provid[ing] oversight, governance and strategic direction to ensure the success and accountability” of Dechita Forestry, according to the post. Initially named Fort Nelson Forestry Corporation, the company re-branded to its current name, which translates to forest or bush.

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Indigenous Leadership Driving Large-Scale Forest Rehabilitation in the Cariboo Chilcotin

The Forest Enhancement Society of B.C.
February 27, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

Williams Lake, B.C. – Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation Ltd. (CCR), a joint venture company owned by the Tŝideldel First Nation, the Tl’etinqox Government and the Yunesit’in Government, has been implementing large-scale, Indigenous-led forest management programs and initiatives within their communities for nearly a decade. Recently, with funding support from the Forest Enhancement Society of BC, CCR has expanded its forest rehabilitation work, delivering innovative treatments that are making local forests in the Chilcotin more resilient to climate change and losses from wildfires. A project of note is a fire salvage and ecosystem restoration project called “the Palmer project”, located in the Cariboo Chilcotin in an area heavily impacted by wildfires in 2017. 

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Mosaic Tests New Approach to Forest Management in Koksilah Watershed

Mosaic Forest Management
February 26, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

DUNCAN, BC — Mosaic Forest Management is launching a multi-year pilot on its private lands in the Koksilah watershed on Vancouver Island to demonstrate how working forests can deliver both economic performance and environmental resilience by integrating watershed services, carbon programs, renewable energy, recreation and real estate activities alongside timber production. This pilot supports the historic government-to-government agreement signed by Cowichan Tribes and the Province in May 2023 to develop BC’s first water sustainability plan in the Koksilah River which has experienced critically low summer flows in recent years.  As part of the planning process, Mosaic sits on the Community Collaborative Advisory Table for the Xwulqw’selu / Koksilah Watershed and Water Sustainability Plan (XWWSP). “This pilot is about figuring out what works by combining sustainable forestry with watershed stewardship and other land solutions,” said Duncan Davies, President and CEO of Mosaic. “We’re committed to building the business model that makes this approach viable and scalable where the right conditions exist.”

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First Nations coalition prepares to take over Canfor timber allocation

By Rod Link
Houston Today
February 25, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

It could take anywhere from six months to a year before a coalition of area First Nations can start logging following a timber acquisition deal made with the provincial government in January during a natural resources forum in Prince George. The wood, amounting to 1 million cubic metres, comes from a licence held by Canfor and was timber that the company was not logging itself. Called an ‘undercut’ because it amounts to less than what Canfor could cut, the timber will now be converted into a licence held by a coalition of Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chiefs, the Witset First Nation, the Lake Babine Nation, and the Wet’suwet’en First Nation. When logging does start, the new licence will call for logging of 200,000 cubic metres a year for five years. Through regulations, an undercut can be transferred by the forests ministry from one entity to another.

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College of Applied Biologists announces 2026 Conference Keynote Speaker

College of Applied Biologists of BC
February 25, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

Megan Hanacek

The College’s 2026 Conference is on April 9-10, 2026 in Victoria, BC… Early-bird pricing is now available. This year’s Keynote Speaker is Megan Hanacek is a professional biologist (RPBio) and forester (RPF), business owner and TV personality. She is the CEO of the non-profit Private Forest Landowners Association and owner of an environmental assessment firm. For over 25 years, she has led project work with the provincial and federal governments, private industry, First Nations, non-governmental organizations and academia throughout British Columbia. Previously, Megan was a planning forester with the Ministry of Forests working on large scale projects including the Great Bear Rainforest to smaller scale management of wildlife values and habitat. She served on the College of Applied Biologists Board (2020-2025) and still stands as one of the longest standing female finalists on the hit HISTORY channel survival shows “ALONE”. The topic of Megan’s keynote will be “Thriving (not just surviving) during uncertain times.”

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B.C. is Burning documentary screens in Clearwater

By Josh Fischlin
The Clearwater Times
February 23, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada, Canada West

The BC is Burning documentary came to Clearwater with the message that reducing wildfire risk requires better fuel management in the province’s forests. …The room was full of over 70 community members, including local fire responders. Following the film, a Q&A session was held by Mayor Merlin Blackwell with the documentary maker Murray Wilson, local FireSmart coordinator Chance Breckenridge, and the BC government’s chief forester Shane Berg. The nearly 47-minute film has been shown about 20 times in around 12 communities, according to Wilson. It talks about the scale of the wildfire issue in B.C. and runs through a set of proposed solutions revolving around various forms of forest management. …Addressing potential critiques about the film’s proposed solutions, such as the perception that it promotes forestry and clearcutting, Berg, the province’s chief forester, said there’s been “no deterioration of our legislation” regarding the protection of forests and the environment. 

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Prince George area marks milestone as BC Timber Sales Auctions two commercial thinning projects

By Dave Branco
CKPG Today
February 23, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

PRINCE GEORGE – British Columbia’s Forests Minister Ravi Parmar has announced that changes to BC Timber Sales are beginning to yield positive results, particularly in the Prince George area. The province aims to boost job creation, support local mills, and enhance forest health through this updated approach. Following a 2021 review of BC Timber Sales, several recommendations were made, and since then, the province has reported an increase in timber sales across British Columbia.  This includes the recent auction of two new commercial thinning sales in the Prince George area, marking a significant achievement for the region.

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Storm dumps 108 centimetres of snow on Vancouver Island’s Mount Washington

By Claire Palmer
CBC News
February 23, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada, Canada West

The mood was jubilant at Mount Washington Alpine Resort on Vancouver Island after a weekend storm saw 108 centimetres of snow blanket the resort. The snow was a welcome reprieve from the warm and wet weather that started the season… A snowpack report from last week revealed that Vancouver Island’s snowpack levels are the lowest in the province, sitting at just 39 per cent of normal snowfall accumulation, meaning this past weekend’s storm was desperately needed. Matt Loney, an Environment Canada meteorologist, says that an extended period of ridging — an elongated area of high pressure in the upper atmosphere — kept weather systems away, causing a prolonged dry period on Vancouver Island. He says things are shifting back to normal, and to expect more snow later this week.

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B.C. forests minister says the province rethinking FireSmart funding model

By Mark Page
Parksville Qualicum Beach News
February 21, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada, Canada West

B.C. Forest Minister Ravi Parmar says the province is planning to rethink how it funds community FireSmart initiatives after topping up the program with a one-time $15 million boost in the latest budget. “There’s been a lot of success, but I need to ensure that that program is meeting the needs of communities,” Parmar said on Thursday, Feb. 20. …This fund began to run dry earlier this year, and the government imposed a closed intake starting on Jan. 30 to disburse the last $25 million. The deadline for communities to apply is April 30. …But they also sought more money. UBCM President Cori Ramsay wanted an additional $40 million. …Some communities, like West Kelowna, need this money — and more. West Kelowna has been forced to evacuate tens of thousands of residents and has lost hundreds of homes to fires in recent years.

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City of Vernon will keep up program to make wooded areas safer from fire

By Darren Handschuh
Castanet
February 22, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

The Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) has approved the final funding required to complete fuel management treatments in the Ellison area of Vernon. A report to Vernon city council at their regular meeting Monday, states the $125,000 investment will support treatment of two units, bringing the total area treated on Crown land to 72 hectares. “Fuel reduction work on this project began in 2023, and these final units will be completed by Nakimu Ventures Inc. no later than March 31, 2027,” the report says. “The city applied to FESBC to support fuel management on these Crown lands as part of our efforts to reduce wildfire risk in one of the higher risk wildland–urban interface areas identified in the Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan.” The project counterparts and strengthens other recent initiatives in the area, including BC Timber Sales 2021 clearcuts and BC Parks hand treatments completed in 2022.

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The old dogma of industrial forestry no longer cuts it

By Mike Morris, former MLA, Prince George-Mackenzie
The Prince George Citizen
February 20, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada, Canada West

The forest industry and related associations, unions and community leaders have now coalesced behind the banner “forestry is a solution.” Their purpose, they say, is “to address the urgent challenges, from building affordable housing to reducing wildfire risks in our backyards” and to “rally British Columbians to support forestry workers and their families.” They will roll out the old dogma that BC practices the most sustainable forestry in the world. …The real purpose, I suspect, is that the coalition wants to continue the old model of intensive industrial forestry, despite the reality that our forests can no longer support this outdated model. In 2003, in an address at UBC, Pedersen, the chief forester of the day, stated that the forest industries’ plan was to harvest BC’s primary forests as quickly as possible and convert them into densely planted managed forests. Today, they have achieved that vision.

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Greater Victoria students help discover new fungi species in B.C.

Victoria News
February 19, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

A community science initiative is uncovering previously unrecorded fungi across Greater Victoria, highlighting the region’s rich and still largely unknown biodiversity. Some discoveries may even represent species new to science. The project, MycoMap BC, invites the public to photograph, collect and submit mushroom and slime mould samples for DNA sequencing. Since launching last fall, nearly 14,000 collections have been submitted across British Columbia, including about 2,500 from Greater Victoria. “We’re building baseline data on fungal biodiversity that simply doesn’t exist yet,” said Elora Adamson, project coordinator at the University of Victoria biodiversity lab. As of mid-February, roughly 350 DNA sequencing results have been processed. Adamson said 11 collections represent species recorded for the first time in British Columbia. … Of those results, six newly recorded fungi were found in Greater Victoria, four in Sooke and two in Victoria.

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Community forest advocates headed to Vernon

By Liam Verster
Vernon Matters
February 19, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

Representatives from the province’s community forest groups will gather in Vernon this summer to find solutions to challenges the sector faces. The B.C. Community Forestry Association will hold its 24th Annual General Meeting in Vernon June 3 to 5. Community forests are licensed provincial lands that are managed through partnerships, usually between municipalities, First Nations, and other stakeholders. They are intended to be managed in a way that prioritizes the needs of the community, such as local stewardship, sustainable forest management, and economic benefits. The association (BCCFA) is a grassroots, membership-based non-profit that acts as advocates for the community forest industry. “Every year we hold a conference and annual general meeting in or near one of our member communities,” Jennifer Gunter, Executive Director of the BCCFA, told Vernon Matters. “This year we will be hosted by the Monashee Community Forest, which is a partnership between the Splatsin First Nation and the Village of Lumby.”

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The myth of the “raw log”

By Stewart Muir
Resource Works
February 19, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

By the time a so-called “raw log” is loaded onto a truck — or in a small minority of cases, onto a ship — it has already travelled through a dense web of economic activity that is anything but raw. It has been identified and cruised through professional forest planning. Roads have been engineered and constructed. Heavy equipment has been purchased, financed and maintained. Logging crews have mobilized. Mechanics and welders have serviced machinery. Truck drivers have hauled. Fuel suppliers have delivered. Silviculture obligations have been funded or secured. Stumpage has been paid to the Crown on public lands. In many instances, Indigenous partnerships and benefit agreements structure access and revenue sharing. Every log carries embedded value long before it ever approaches a mill gate or tidewater. Industry analyst David Elstone has noted that it can take more than 100 distinct job functions to sustainably plan, harvest and deliver timber from forest to primary manufacturing. 

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https://fraservalleytoday.ca/2026/02/18/vancouver-foundation

By Mike Vanden Bosch
Fraser Valley Today
February 18, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

FRASER CANYON — The Nature-Based Solutions Foundation in Vancouver says it has recently acquired two clusters of private land inholdings totaling just over 55 hectares within the traditional territory of the Kanaka Bar Band in the Fraser Canyon for conservation purposes. According to a news release from the conservation organization, the 55 hectares of land are inside the boundaries of Kanaka Bar’s proposed Indigenous Protected & Conserved Area (IPCA). The foundation says the acquisitions will safeguard exceptionally diverse old-growth forests, including habitat that features Canada’s largest documented Rocky Mountain juniper, and they build on NBSF’s earlier purchase of the “Old Man Jack’s” parcel in 2022, thereby bringing the total to three private properties to be returned to Kanaka Bar through Indigenous-led conservation, title-registered legal protection, and long-term stewardship funding.

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Forest loss can make watersheds “leakier,” global study suggests

By UBCO Faculty of Science
The University of British Columbia
February 19, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

Forest loss does more than reduce tree cover. A new global study involving UBC Okanagan researchers shows it can fundamentally change how watersheds hold and release water. The research analyzed data from 657 watersheds across six continents. It found that both forest loss and changes in forest landscape pattern cause watersheds to release a higher proportion of “young water”—rain and snowmelt that moves through a watershed within roughly two to three months of falling. “Young water is a signal that water is moving quickly through a system,” says Ming Qiu, lead author and doctoral student in UBC Okanagan’s Earth and Environmental Sciences program. “When the young-water fraction is high, it means less water is being stored in soils and groundwater for use during drier periods.” The study was co-authored by Qiu and Dr. Adam Wei, professor in UBCO’s Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science. 

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’Wuìk̓inux̌v Nation sues B.C. over timber licence extension amid final treaty talks

By Stefan Labbe
Business in Vancouver
February 17, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada, Canada West

A BC First Nation in the final stages of treaty negotiation is suing the province for allegedly breaching the “honour of the Crown” after an official extended an expiring timber licence in its traditional territory. Filed in a BC Supreme Court last week, the application for judicial review from ’Wuìk̓inux̌v Nation seeks to overturn an August 2025 decision… that gave Interfor a three-year extension to log an estimated 50,000 cubic metres of timber. The court application argues that allowing a third party to continue harvesting on the nation’s lands—without their consent and against their environmental concerns—is a step backward that the law no longer allows. The claim, which also names Interfor, arrives at a volatile moment for BC politics: by leaning on a landmark legal precedent set in December 2025, it lands squarely in the middle of a heated debate over how the province manages its natural resources in an era of reconciliation.

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Fibreglass pollution in Cowichan estuary raises concern

By Robert Barron
Lake Cowichan Gazette
February 18, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

North Cowichan wants something done about the growing amount of fibreglass pollution in the Cowichan estuary. Council passed a motion at its meeting on Feb. 4 that the municipality write a letter to senior levels of government and the appropriate regulatory authorities asking that they raise awareness of the issue and take action to deal with the problem. Coun. Christopher Justice, who made the motion, said that the issue of derelict and deteriorating fibreglass boats is something that is becoming more acute in local harbours and waterways. …North Cowichan Mayor Rob Douglas said the municipality must signal its support for the continued operation of the Western Forest Products sawmill, which operates in that area. He said he spoke to officials at the mill before the council meeting. “They advised me that they are not aware of any fibreglass contamination coming from the mill site,” Douglas said.

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Alberta spending $400M on new water bombers for aging firefighting fleet

By Dayne Patterson
CBC News
February 17, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

Alberta is spending $400 million to add five new water bombers to its aging firefighting fleet over the next several years. The deal with Calgary-based De Havilland Aircraft is expected to see the first amphibious plane delivered in 2031. The Canadair DHC-515 plane can skim bodies of water and fill its 6,100-litre tank in about 12 seconds. …Premier Danielle Smith said the money is separate from the $160 million the province spends on its wildfire response each year. …The province says 18 air tankers were available to respond to wildfires last year, four of which were Alberta-owned and -contracted. Those four were built between 1986 and 1988. Loewen said the aging planes still have life left in them, but doesn’t want to wait until their retirement to begin bolstering the fleet. The purchase is expected to create about 1,000 jobs while adding to the current fleet.

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Forestry report draws criticism

By Cheryl Jahn
CKPG Today
February 17, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

PRINCE GEORGE – [Local forester and forestry advocate Michelle Connolly says what’s being suggested in a recent report, titled “From Conflict to Care: BC’s Forest Future,” is off the mark.] “One of the core beliefs is that people are better at managing nature, than nature is, even though forests have been self-organizing and self-managing for millennia,” says Connolly. “The lack of self-awareness right up front in that report is troubling, because it means that they’re not aware of their own biases and belief systems that are guiding the things they’re putting in this report.” Kiel Giddens, Conservative MLA for Prince George-Mackenzie, says the report overlooks a lot of industry concerns.  …Giddens says, while the report misses the mark overall, he agrees with Objective Number 2 around regional decision making. …But Connolly says where the report truly hits the mark is over what is seen as a lack of transparency in the decision-making processes.

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The BC NDP promised to phase out glyphosate. Forestry companies are still spraying

By Ainslie Cruickshank
The Narwhal
February 13, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada, Canada West

British Columbia’s three major political parties found rare common ground in the last provincial election on the forestry sector’s use of glyphosate….During the 2024 campaign, the BC Greens promised to ban the use of all chemical herbicides in forestry. The BC Conservatives committed to stop all aerial spraying of glyphosate. And the BC NDP, which was re-elected with a slim majority that October, promised to phase out the sector’s use of glyphosate altogether. Despite those commitments, chemical herbicides were sprayed across hundreds of hectares of forests in 2025, mostly in the area northeast of Prince George, B.C. …The area forestry companies reported spraying with herbicides each year in B.C. has declined since 1989, when it peaked at about 40,000 hectares, according to a 2019 report by FPInnovations, which describes itself as a private non-profit focused on research and development in the forestry sector.

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Museum Musings: Whistler’s remaining old-growth forests

By Kristina Swerhun
Pique News Magazine
February 16, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

Whistler is fortunate to be surrounded by temperate rainforest, which is essential to the resort’s appeal as a tourist destination. Forests have also proven to be highly beneficial for human mental and physical health. …Old-growth forests, defined as undisturbed for at least 250 years, are vital to addressing the interconnected biodiversity and climate crises. …On the climate side, old-growth forests store vast amounts of carbon in living trees, dead wood, and undisturbed soil. …Since the early 1900s, Whistler’s forests have been logged extensively, and low-elevation old-growth forests that once covered the valley are now found only in limited areas. Commercial logging and thinning have continued by the Cheakamus Community Forest (CCF) since 2009, though old-growth logging was deferred in 2021. …Given that old-growth forests thrive on stability, attempting to manage them doesn’t make ecological sense, especially since they are already among the most climate-resilient ecosystems on Earth.

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Timber technology to get a $5.9M upgrade

University of Alberta – Folio
February 17, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

Robert Froese

Essential scientific tools used to balance timber harvesting with environmental sustainability are getting a significant update, powered by a $5.9-million investment in University of Alberta research. Forest growth and yield models … are being redeveloped in an eight-year project led by professor Robert Froese, supported with funding from the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta, Alberta Forestry and Parks and the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment. The work will create a new generation of models … and will provide capabilities specific to Western Canada’s boreal and Rocky Mountain forests that foresters and land managers are asking for, says Froese, Endowed Chair in Forest Growth & Yield in the Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences. The project will modernize tools used in forest management, for tasks such as timber supply analysis, and for forecasts of how forests will respond to thinning, reforestation activities, tree genetic improvement, innovative silviculture, conservation and climate change.

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Peers honor John Walker as a Distinguished Forest Professional

By Pat Matthews
My Cariboo Now
February 17, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

A Williams Lake man was of three people to be recognized by Forest Professional British Columbia (FPBC). At the 78th annual forestry conference on February 5, John Walker was honored as a Distinguished Forest Professional. …“John is a respected collaborator and mentor across BC, particularly in the Cariboo region, where he builds strong connections between forestry practices, First Nations stewardship and research,” Forest Professionals BC Board Chair Dave Clarke said. “I’ve been in Williams Lake since 1996 starting in consulting making decisions on a block by block level. Now working with Williams Lake First Nation it’s more landscape level working towards different policies and then also being operational. A lot of the Fire Mitigation work around town we’ve been a part of and helped push for,” Walker said. He has also collaborated with the BC Wildfire Service to develop thinning methods for prescribed burns, reducing wildfire risk, restoring culturally important plants, and enhancing operational efficiency.

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FireSmart funding changes raises concerns

By Dean Stoltz
Chek News
February 11, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada, Canada West

Fire departments across BC are concerned about changes to the FireSmart program and how funding is provided to communities as they plan for wildfires. The Ministry of Forests says it’s moving to a more “holistic approach” based on where risk is the highest but the fire chief who was at the centre of the Wesley Ridge wildfire on Vancouver Island last summer says the program is too important to change. Nick Acciavatti says funding from the provincial FireSmart program was instrumental in saving numerous homes in the Wesley Ridge fire. …The program provides funding to local fire departments that then go into local neighbourhoods to educate and undertake fire prevention work like brush clearing and cleaning properties of combustible materials. But that money may no longer be available to any fire department that applies for it is something Acciavatti is concerned about, considering the changing wildfire conditions here on Vancouver Island.

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Next Woodlot Talk | Fisher Workshops | Silviculture Learning Opportunities | Planting Program

Woodlots BC
February 13, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

The latest Woodlots Weekly delivers a comprehensive update for woodlot licence holders and forest professionals across British Columbia. This issue highlights an upcoming Woodlot Talk on February 19 featuring Gord Chipman, Woodlots BC Executive Director, offering insights from recent forestry conferences and a 2026 outlook. Free in-person Fisher habitat workshops are being offered in Smithers, Prince George, Dawson Creek and Williams Lake to support effective forest planning. There’s also a final reminder to register for regional silviculture workshops in Nanaimo, Prince George and Kelowna, with virtual options available. Support for wildfire risk reduction is showcased through details on the Wildfire Reduction Equipment Support Trust (WREST), designed to assist contractors in acquiring essential equipment. Forest Canada tree planting programs are also listed, offering financial support for restoration efforts following disturbances. Finally, the issue includes a robust Events Calendar with AGMs, conferences and workshops across the province.

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Motion to ban raw log exports pulled at Regional District of Nanaimo board meeting

By Maryse Zeidler
CBC News
February 13, 2026
Category: Forestry
Region: Canada West

Doug Pauze

The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) board has reneged on a decision to advocate for a ban on raw log exports following feedback from wood manufacturing companies that said such a ban would put them out of business. RDN board members reviewed correspondence from the Coastal Forest Policy Coalition, Harmac and Coastland Wood Industries imploring them to rescind their recent decision to put forward a resolution to ban raw log exports at the upcoming Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities meeting. The resolution called on governments to ban exports to encourage manufacturing in B.C. and support employment in B.C.’s forest industry. …”If B.C. bans log exports, manufacturing on the coast will shrink,” said Coastland Wood Industries president Doug Pauze. “Instead of protecting jobs, a ban would trigger widespread curtailments, put contractors out of business and strip millions in provincial revenue out of the economy.” Pauze said the idea that banning raw log exports would “magically redirect” wood fibre to domestic mills is “simply not true.”

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Carbon, Climate & Bioenergy

A thousand cuts: Why B.C.’s lumber crisis is also a climate challenge

By Yadullah Hussain
RBC Thoughts Leadership
February 26, 2026
Category: Carbon, Climate & Bioenergy
Region: Canada, Canada West

Canada’s stumbling forestry sector could hurt the country’s ability to develop homegrown sustainable solutions for packaging, building and retail sectors. …Ottawa and the BC governments have both acknowledged the depth of the province’s forestry crisis through targeted budget measures, but there may be room for more: new investment tax credits to encourage biomass use, improved procurement guidelines to support greater uptake of Canadian wood in government projects, and for the newly launched Build Canada Homes agency to prioritize Canadian lumber in federal construction products. It could prove to be a significant climate move as buildings currently make up 18% of Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions. These approaches will support an industry in crisis today but its future will hinge on three key factors: market recovery, positioning sustainable wood products as a strategic asset in the transition to a low-carbon economy, and how effectively it can adapt to climate-driven wildfire risk.

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Health & Safety

Truck driver fatigue is costly – and can be reduced

BC Truck Loggers Association
March 3, 2026
Category: Health & Safety
Region: Canada West

Transport truck drivers have the most injury claims for work-related crashes of any occupation in BC over the last 10 years. And driver fatigue is a contributing factor in many crashes. Developing a strategy for reducing driver fatigue is smart business. It can help save lives and reduce the risk of injuries. It can also help you meet your legal responsibilities. Use Road Safety at Work’s no-cost resources to create or enhance your fatigue management strategy. Transport truck drivers account for nearly one-quarter of all injury claims from work-related vehicle crashes in our province, according to WorkSafeBC. …A successful fatigue management strategy depends on an effective safety culture and employee engagement. Encourage drivers to report fatigue and to pull over for a short rest when they feel it. Discuss it at safety meetings. Make fatigue part of your fit for duty assessments. Emphasize the importance of adequate sleep.

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Forest Safety News – March 2026

BC Forest Safety Council
February 26, 2026
Category: Health & Safety
Region: Canada West

The March 2026 issue of Forest Safety News is out now — and it’s packed with important updates for everyone in the forest sector! From mental health resources to leadership changes and upcoming safety events, this edition focuses on building safer workplaces across British Columbia. This month’s lead story highlights the Connection to Care program, a FREE and confidential support service for forestry workers navigating stress, job pressures, or life challenges — because mental wellness is now a core part of workplace safety. We also mark a leadership moment as long-time CEO Rob Moonen retires after 16 years, and Cherie Whelan steps in as the new CEO, bringing deep experience in safety and industry engagement. Plus, don’t miss the Interior Safety Conference in Kamloops — a full day of sessions and networking for professionals across harvesting, silviculture, transportation, and manufacturing. There’s much more inside including safety alerts, training updates, and industry links you’ll want to see. Read the full issue for all the details!

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Simon Fraser University study raises alarm on marine fiberglass pollution in Cowichan Bay

By Robyn Stubbs
Simon Fraser University News
February 24, 2026
Category: Health & Safety
Region: Canada, Canada West

COWICHAN BAY, BC — Simon Fraser University researchers have uncovered concerning fibreglass contamination in a key estuary on Vancouver Island, raising concerns about how an as-yet overlooked contaminant could affect aquatic birds, marine life and coastal communities that rely on shellfish and seafood. A new SFU study found fibreglass particles buried in the sediment and biofilm layers of the Cowichan Estuary, a 400-hectare intertidal ecosystem used by the Cowichan Tribes First Nations for generations. The areas is an internationally designated important bird area and used for harvesting clams, geoducks, crabs, waterfowl, cod roe, urchins and salmon. …Key findings include: Fiberglass particles detected at 96% of the sediment testing stations in 2023… Sediment concentrations were highest near industrial activity and the log transport channel… Biofilm concentrations found at sites near the Western Forest Products mill pond, the Westcan Terminal, and a busy marina in Cowichan Bay Village.

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WorkSafeBC Health and Safety Enews – February

WorkSafeBC
February 20, 2026
Category: Health & Safety
Region: Canada West

The WorkSafeBC February eNews highlights fresh tools, safety insights and upcoming opportunities to strengthen workplace health and safety. The newsletter opens with a spotlight on new safety posters designed to prompt safer conversations on topics like responsibilities, bullying, harassment and preventing slips and falls, with some available in multiple languages. It then shares new resources on fall prevention and commercial fishing safety, and summaries of recent incident investigations involving serious injuries across sectors including mining, construction and agriculture. A key operational update previews changes to worker injury reporting, as reporting by fax or mail will be phased out in March 2026 in favour of an improved online system. Updated payroll reporting guidance clarifies that cash tips on T4 slips no longer need to be separately tracked in assessable payroll. The eNews also invites participation in several events, including the Day of Mourning on April 28, a safety conference on Vancouver Island, and a webinar on preventing cargo securement mistakes.

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