The Province has formed a new council to advance BC’s interests in the long-standing softwood lumber dispute with the US. The council brings together leaders from the forestry sector and labour, alongside experts on US relations and officials from the BC government. The B.C. Softwood Lumber Advisory Council convened its first meeting on Jan. 30. It advises the Minister of Forests, including the sixth administrative review, providing recommendations on steps BC can take to eliminate the 14.4% duties. The council will also help the Province advocate to the federal government. Parmar will chair the council… and the US Council members are:
- Harry Bains, former minister of labour, Government of B.C.
- Dan Battistella, former president, Interior Lumber Manufacturers’ Association
- Linda Coady, former president and CEO, BC Council of Forest Industries
- Geoff Dawe, national president, Public and Private Workers of Canada
- Rick Doman, chairman, Boreal Carbon Corporation and former forestry executive
- Scott Lunny, western director, United Steelworkers
- Gavin McGarrigle, western regional director, Unifor
- Ric Slaco, former vice-president and chief forester, Interfor
- Dallas Smith, president and CEO, Na̲nwak̲olas Council
Related in CFJC Today: Forest critic Stamer questions omission from new council