BC’s forest industry stands at an important juncture and crossroads of its future prosperity and the high standard of living it imparts to individuals, communities, and society. Much has been written, documented and analyzed about its massive contribution to the gross domestic product, taxes and revenues to all levels of government, the 100,000 jobs dependent on its success, and the absolute reliance for so many of BC’s resource communities. In fact, BC’s forest sector is one of a few “profitable” job segments that drive our economy and government services through above average wages and consequential higher tax revenues. …Today we find a forest sector under significant (or severe) stress with uncertainty being the predominant constant from initiatives at the federal and provincial levels. This uncertainty arises from the flood of programs, policies, and initiatives each arising without any apparent consistency, coordination, or weighing of economic impacts among them.

As British Columbians, we must recognize the importance of a viable resource industry in our province and must demand clear and consistent objectives when new land use, environmental, and Indigenous reconciliation policies are undertaken. …As all these considerations are being examined, there needs to be a concurrent process that dramatically reduces the regulatory complexity and delays we currently face in running our businesses. The permitting processes must be straightforward, timely, predictable and fair. Obviously, we are biased towards the success of BC’s forest sector given we have a vested interest in its prosperity and hopefully a continued standard of living in BC. I encourage you to ask the right questions and be informed on voting day. Look for the answers from all candidates that will lead to the success of our forest sector and towards the general prosperity of our communities and province.