At the Truck Loggers Association (TLA) Conference, Ravi Parmar, British Columbia’s Minister of Forests, delivered a keynote address that tackled the pressing challenges and opportunities facing the province’s forestry sector. Parmar, who has recently taken on the role of Minister, introduced himself as someone deeply committed to the industry and its future. Sharing his background as a first-generation Canadian, he reflected on the opportunities BC had provided his family and his desire to ensure forestry remains a foundational pillar of the province’s economy and communities.
Minister Parmar began by acknowledging the frustrations and concerns of forestry workers, contractors, and industry leaders, recognizing the significant challenges facing the sector, including high stumpage costs, regulatory inefficiencies, and mill closures. He expressed a personal commitment to restoring confidence in BC’s forest sector while also addressing the economic struggles faced by forestry-dependent communities. Parmar emphasized the urgent need to stabilize the sector and provide certainty for communities that rely on forestry. “Building trust starts with being transparent about our decisions and ensuring communities understand why certain policies are in place,” he stated, underscoring the government’s focus on accountability.
Parmar highlighted inefficiencies in BC’s permitting system, a longstanding concern for the industry, and outlined the government’s strategy to address these issues. He pointed to successes in regions like the Central and North Island, where Forest Landscape Planning (FLP) tables have helped resolve bottlenecks and expedite permits that had been stalled for years. Parmar described FLP tables as collaborative spaces where government, industry, and First Nations can work together to address local challenges and improve resource management. “These tables are already producing results,” he said, referencing the progress made in cutting permits.
Parmar also committed to addressing internal bureaucratic hurdles within the ministry, emphasizing that streamlining operations is a top priority. He noted that the Premier had tasked him and his team with ensuring that natural resource ministries work more efficiently, focusing on eliminating delays and improving coordination across regional and district offices. “This is not just about permits; it’s about restoring trust and confidence in government to deliver,” Parmar stated, reiterating the need for clear timelines and consistent decision-making. He cited the Central and North Island regions as examples where FLP tables have helped move cutting permits forward after years of delays.
Parmar underscored the government’s commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous communities. He highlighted successful examples of partnerships with First Nations, such as co-management agreements and tenure transfers. “Reconciliation must be at the heart of everything we do,” he declared, adding that meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities is essential for the sector’s future. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to integrate Indigenous perspectives into forest policy and land-use planning, emphasizing the importance of co-governance and shared decision-making.
Parmar announced plans to double the volume of BC Timber Sales (BCTS) allocated to value-added manufacturers from 10% to 20%, representing 1.1 million cubic meters in 2025. “We’re not just looking at fibre flow; we’re ensuring this review reflects the realities of today’s industry while planning for tomorrow,” he said, reinforcing the government’s focus on modernization and sustainability. He also praised programs like the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund, which has already supported projects creating thousands of jobs and leveraging significant private investment.
Parmar acknowledged the growing threat of climate change and its impact on BC’s forests, particularly in the form of increasingly severe wildfires. “We need to prepare the next generation of forestry workers by investing in skills training and partnerships with post-secondary institutions,” he added, connecting workforce development to climate resilience and innovation. “We need to become better stewards of our land,” Parmar said, calling for a shift toward proactive measures such as commercial thinning and community firebreaks.
He also touched on the importance of reforestation and carbon sequestration, noting the potential for innovative partnerships with private companies to support large-scale reforestation projects. “If companies like Amazon or Microsoft want to invest in reforesting BC and earn carbon credits, I’m all for it,” he said, emphasizing the dual benefits of environmental restoration and future timber supply.
Parmar announced the launch of a comprehensive review of BC Timber Sales, promising to deliver actionable results within six months. He emphasized that this would not be a typical drawn-out government review, but one focused on efficiency and concrete outcomes. Parmar has assembled an expert task force to guide the process, including representatives such as Lenny Joe from the First Nations Forestry Council and former BC Minister George Abbott. The review aims to enhance fibre flow, particularly to support value-added manufacturing, and ensure a sustainable harvest base.
Finally, Parmar emphasized the government’s commitment to implementing the recommendations of the Old Growth Strategic Review, focusing on balancing conservation with economic activity. He also stressed workforce development as essential to ensuring a sustainable pipeline of skilled workers for the forestry sector. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of rebuilding public trust in forest management practices through increased transparency and accountability.