Denise Mullen
David Elstone
The longstanding softwood lumber dispute, wherein the US persistently alleges BC subsidizes its lumber industry already has the Americans imposing a 14.4% duty on BC lumber, so an additional 25 per cent tariff could prove catastrophic, triggering layoffs, mill closures and economic turmoil in forestry-dependent communities. … Given the escalating risk of a full-scale trade war, BC must adopt innovative and assertive countermeasures to safeguard its forest sector. These measures are emergency response actions to address the regulatory and tax regime in BC and, while temporary, some could have long-term benefits after the tariffs are gone. …Given the potential for widespread sawmill closures, BC must actively seek alternative markets, particularly in Asia. Furthermore, in such extreme times as the province faces, consideration of less politically popular exporting opportunities may need to be explored.
These include temporarily eliminating fee-in-lieu charges on unmanufactured log exports… Eliminating the provincial sales tax where applicable on forestry-related transportation. …Repeal of the carbon tax and other fuel consumption-related taxes. …BC could look to pause, for now, the introduction and implementation of new environmental and forestry policies. …It is imperative to emphasize that… none of these proposals require direct financial handouts from the provincial government. Instead, the focus should be on targeted regulatory relief and cost reductions, ensuring business continuity and workforce stability. BC now faces a critical juncture — either accept mass unemployment and economic stagnation, or implement bold, temporary measures to keep the proverbial lights on for its forest sector. A decisive and calculated response is not just desirable, it is essential for the long-term sustainability of BC’s economy and the forest sector, in particular.
The largest creditor of the San Group wants to take control of some other Vancouver Island businesses connected to the former sawmill company. Kingsley Group operates in Coombs, and court documents show that it has some close ties to the San Group. The Royal Bank of Canada, which is owed $6.7 million from the Kingsley Group, wants to recall its loan and secure the company’s assets. The bank is owed more than $107 million from the San Group. It comes as the San Group’s Alberni Valley mills remain for sale as a court-appointed-monitor tries to drum up interest. …Kamal Sanghara and Sukhjit Sangara are directors with a 32.5 per cent stake each in Kingsley Group, and both are former owners of the group. …CHEK News spoke with Sukhijit Sanghera, a former owner of San Group at Kingsley, and asked if the San Group moved money to Kingsley Trucking and other places to hide assets or prop up Kingsley’s business.
The minister responsible for forestry and local MLA Ravi Parmar said a new council on softwood lumber will bring industry expertise together to help navigate the economic concerns with U.S. duties, and any potential tariffs that could be coming Canada’s way. While many people across the country have let out a sigh of relief about the pause on U.S. tariffs, Parmar said those in the forestry industry are still feeling the economic threat loom. “We’re already dealing with duties to the tune of 14.4 per cent. With tariffs on top of that—we could be dealing with 50 to 55 per cent duties and tariffs on our softwood lumber going into the United States,” he said, adding how that scenario would be devastating. …However, Parmar acknowledged the softwood lumber dispute with the U.S. has been a long-time problem, adding that his task of getting the industry back on its feet is made difficult by the duties.
BURNABY, BC — The United Steelworkers union welcomes Premier David Eby and the Government of BC’s decision to expedite major projects, representing an investment of approximately $20 billion, and for establishing a council to advocate for forest workers in the face of existing and pending duties and tariffs. The strategic move to advance critical mineral and energy products not only boosts the province’s economic resilience, but also ensures job security for USW members. …By accelerating these projects, the province is taking proactive steps to mitigate external economic pressures and reinforce that B.C. is a key leader in the sector. The advisory council to deal with potential impacts of increased duties and possible additive tariffs on lumber exports to the U.S. is equally important. The USW is pleased to be included in the council, which is working to get rid of the softwood duties.
[Companies] in B.C. and across Canada, were given a last-minute, one-month reprieve Monday afternoon after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump… The wood products sector sends $5.7 billion of products to the U.S., and another $962 million in pulp-and-paper products. On Monday, Interfor said it has been closely monitoring the U.S. tariff issue for some time, and as a diversified North American producer, comes into this new environment in as good a position as anyone in the industry. “Our leadership team has been hard at work identifying ways to insulate our company from tariff exposure where possible and put us in the best position to continue to thrive,” said Svetlana Kayumova, Interfor’s vice-president of corporate communications and government relations. “We know there is a housing shortage across North America, and the lumber products we produce are a vital part of the solution.” Interfor has mills on both sides of the border.
A local forest-sector manufacturer is receiving a boost from the province to help grow its product line. Atco Wood Products — located in Fruitvale, 67 kilometres southwest of Nelson — is considered one of the top producers of softwood veneers and related by-products in the region. Through the B.C. Manufacturing Jobs Fund (BCMJF), the Government of B.C. will hand Atco $50,000 to complete planning for a new veneer-production facility, and purchase and commission new equipment to improve fibre utilization and optimize production. The company — which also manufactures veneer, ties, posts, wood chips, mulch and biomass — has evolved from its sawmilling roots, into a cutting-edge manufacturer of specialized softwood veneer and other wood products. As part of new support for forest-sector manufacturers throughout the province will help create jobs and boost local economies while diversifying the range of fibre sources used to manufacture high-value, made-in-B.C. forest products.
Premier David Eby is tasking a new cabinet committee with co-ordinating the whole-of-government approach to protect B.C.’s workers, businesses and economy against ongoing tariff threats from the United States. Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, will chair the committee, which will act as a day-to-day war room, co-ordinating actions across government to fight back on behalf of British Columbians and grow the province’s economy. “The proposed U.S. tariffs are a direct attack on B.C.’s families,” Premier Eby said. “This threat isn’t going away anytime soon – not while this president is in power. …Minister Kahlon brings deep experience in government to the table and is uniquely positioned to co-ordinate this work across government ministries.” The B.C. government has stepped up with a three-point strategy to fight back and protect British Columbians …The new committee will ensure that B.C.’s response is fast, tough and fully focused on protecting British Columbians.
Stocks in B.C.’s three major publicly traded forestry companies were predictably down this morning (February 3), when stock markets opened after this weekend’s declaration of a trade war between the U.S., Canada and Mexico. U.S. stock markets were jolted, too, Monday morning, as was the S&P TSX composite Index. The Canadian dollar fell to $0.68 to the American dollar following Saturday’s confirmation that Trump will hit Canadian imports with 25 per cent tariffs, and 10 per cent tariffs on Canadian energy imports, beginning Tuesday. North American stocks fell sharply in early morning trading before recovering somewhat. Canadian companies that are highly exposed to the U.S. were jolted, with companies like West Fraser Timber, Canfor Corp and Interfor Corp. experiencing early morning drops of four, five and six per cent respectively, before correcting somewhat later in the morning.
Dear Minister Ravi Parmar: I am writing to you in reference to your recent Minister’s Statement regarding photos of tree spiking claimed to be of Fairy Creek, submitted to you anonymously and without verification. I understand from the reporter who subsequently interviewed me that the purported sender was “Friends of Fairy Creek.” My name is Kathy Code and I am a Fairy Creek Forest Defender. …Thus, I was dismayed to read your statement. Not only are you giving public voice to unsubstantiated claims from an unknown sender, but the weight of your office gives some credence to the underlying accusations. …I ask on behalf of the citizens of BC that you withdraw your statement as a means of maintaining the dignity of your office. 
The overall goal is to have a working forest while sustaining ecological and cultural values so that future generations have access to forest areas just as diverse and healthy as those currently enjoyed. For Sunshine Coast Community Forest (SCCF) operations manager, Warren Hansen, ecosystem-based management (EBM), a tool introduced in its operations in 2021, “came from the heart” of what the community wants from SCCF. In his opening remarks at a Jan. 30 Community Advisory Panel and public information webinar, he noted that SCCF’s board and community advisory panel are committed to using EBM in stewarding its tenure by harvesting timber in a way that curbs losses of biodiversity. The overall goal is to have a working forest while sustaining ecological and cultural values so that future generations have access to forest areas just as diverse and healthy as those currently enjoyed. To do that, SCCF relies on advice from contractors including Laurie Kremsater and Anna Yuill, who presented an overview of EBM to about 35 people tuned into the webinar.
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One of the biggest policy changes needed in B.C. is to forestry policy. B.C. policy for the last 50 years has resulted in a rapid clear-cutting of a large part of our forests even as all the research indicates that: Within a 60-80 year time span, only 20-30 per cent of forests can be cut in any one area without harming the hydrological cycle. On this basis, most BC commercial forests have been severely over-cut making a mockery of the Annual Allowable Cut. …Clear-cutting results in increased risk of forest fires up to 30 years when replanted. …Re-planting is a form of green-washing giving companies cover for the forest damage they do. …Due to the increase in forest fires partially due to logging, BC forests have [become a] carbon source. …The Power of Forests: Protecting Communities and Nature with a New Forest Act effort was launched by the 
This is the beginning of convention season and that means many opportunities to learn, connect, and hear from government officials, project partners, and community organizations about problems, policies, and possibilities for the sector. The mood, thus far, is introspective, with reviews planned for BC Timber Sales and the forest sector in general. …At FESBC, we are reviewing applications for funding over the next two years. Demand for funding currently far exceeds supply. In this newsletter: A safety tip from the BC Forest Safety Council; Faces of Forestry features Erin McLeod; Information on FESBC’s 2025-27 second round of funding; Impact and benefits of the Pressy Lake Pilot Project; Nakusp & Area Community Forest’s wildfire risk reduction projects; and a podcast feature from the University of Northern British Columbia Forestry Club.
