Kelly Marciniw

When I became Chairperson of BC Wood Specialities Group this past year, there were already glimmers of the challenging year we would have related to trade internationally, fibre access locally, and the steady squeeze of labour constraints. These challenging times are exactly why there is such strength in being a member of an industry association like BC Wood.

BC Wood has historically been known as the go-to association for international market development. We have on-the-ground staff in Japan and Korea, and expertise in markets in other parts of Asia, Mexico, Europe, and the USA. We have also been proactive for years in growing British Columbia wood products’ market share in other parts of Canada like the Ontario high-end cottage market. This diversity of market expertise is a key strength now as the whole country is looking to diversify away from our southern neighbour. Part of our strength as a resilient economy is having numerous robust trade relationships. With BC Wood, we can look forward to expanding the value of forestry products sold within our own country and to the many countries globally that Canada enjoys friendly trade relations with.

The fibre access file has been a significant issue BC Wood has been active and successful on for our members. The BC Timber Sales (BCTS) task force met repeatedly with various sectors from log & timber builders to custom cutters. Many of our members’ suggestions made their way into the task force recommendations. Fibre access of the right kind of trees and volumes will continue to be fine tuned given the long-term nature of this renewable natural resource.

As an association BC Wood is in a strong financial position including this year securing long term funding. This provides stability for our members and investment in multi-year projects and markets. Thank you to our funders for recognizing our value and investing in us for our members, their employees, and the economic value we bring to the province.

Our membership numbers are over 100 strong and we have an actively engaged Board of Directors. Our long-term CEO Brian Hawrysh is retiring this year and our hiring committee is in active search.

All of this is possible given the committed leadership and staff of BC Wood – they are out there representing, connecting, and promoting our members and the industry as a whole everyday. On behalf of the Board, I extend a huge thank you to them. Thank you too to my fellow board members, who collectively represent all 7 sectors of our members and regions throughout the province.

And a final thank you to the buyers and specifiers of BC wood products throughout Canada and the world. Your recognition of the high quality products made with high quality fibre we grow and manufacture here is appreciated. We trust those relationships will continue to grow steadily.

Kelly Marciniw
Chairperson, BC Wood Specialties Group