BC Forests Minister Ravi Parmar brought passion and urgency to the stage at the COFI Conference in Prince George, delivering a high-energy speech before joining a panel discussion on how leadership across governments, communities, and industry can shape the future of the province’s forest sector. …The centrepiece of Parmar’s remarks was his overhaul of BC Timber Sales (BCTS). Parmar said BCTS must evolve from a market-pricing tool into an active driver of forest stewardship. “We should harness this organization to deliver on the public’s expectations and support the future we want to see in forestry.” He announced that BCTS will double its volume allocation for value-added and untenured manufacturers, allowing small companies to submit joint bids, and that it will expand its leadership role in forest stewardship. The new direction includes commercial thinning, wildfire risk reduction, salvage of damaged timber, and cultural and prescribed burning in partnership with First Nations.
Joining Parmar on the panel were Greg Stewart of Sinclair Group and COFI, Chief Councillor John Jack of the Huu-ay-aht First Nations, Mercer International CEO Juan Carlos Bueno, and Vancouver City Councillor Lisa Dominato. Together, they tackled questions about long-term sustainability, reconciliation, urban-rural partnerships, and innovation. …In a final round of takeaways, panelists called for trust, collaboration, and urgency. Parmar closed by saying that 2025 must be the year the sector comes together to develop a shared roadmap. “No pressure,” he said. “It’s not just my work—it’s our work. That’s the opportunity we have before us.”
- Prince George Citizen – More federal support needed for BC forestry, Parmar says