Photo Courtesy, Canadian Press
creating jobs in forestrty

B.C. says focusing on mass timber will support jobs in forestry

Jun 16, 2020 | 1:34 PM

VICTORIA—B.C. Premier, John Horgan has appointed Ravi Kahlon, Parliamentary Secretary for Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development to lead the expansion and use of mass timber in buildings across the province.

The Premier made the announcement in a call with representatives of the B.C. Council of Forest Industries.

“As our economy bounces back from the COVID-19 crisis, we want to do everything we can to support forest workers.”—John Horgan, B.C. Premier

“By focusing on mass timber, we have an opportunity to transition the forestry sector to high-value over high-volume production. This will mean opportunities for local workers, strong partnerships with First Nations and greater economic opportunity while making a significant contribution to advancing CleanBC,” added Horgan.

The B.C. Government announced last year that it intended to encourage the increased use of mass timber building products in its capital construction programs, particularly in the development of the new St. Paul’s Hospital, in Vancouver and the replacement of the Royal B.C. Museum in Victoria.

“These are high-value wood products that are shining examples of our government’s commitment to create jobs using our publicly owned natural resources,”—Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development

Kahlon will engage with local governments, industry and the construction sector, as well as work with Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Selina Robinson, and a new assistant deputy minister of mass timber implementation.

Kahlon will also reach out the the Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Competitiveness, and Forest Innovations Investment Ltd. in their efforts to develop new markets for mass timber.

“Mass timber is key to diversifying and creating a more resilient forest sector.”—Ravi Kahlon, Parliamentary Secretary for Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development

The province says that this announcement builds on work which was announced by the government last year, when 13 communities in the province committed to adopting innovative and safe mass timber technology for taller wood buildings that are faster to build, better for the environment, and help create new jobs for forest communities across BC.