Prince George backs call for public inquiry into forestry practices

The proposed inquiry would examine the relationship between forest management practices and wildfire risk and severity across British Columbia. Areas identified for review include harvesting practices, reforestation, fuel management, prescribed burning, landscape planning and wildfire prevention strategies.

The resolution also calls for examination of the integration of Indigenous knowledge and cultural fire stewardship, the adequacy of provincial policies and legislation, the impacts of climate change on wildfire risk, and the effectiveness of emergency preparedness, response and recovery programs.

According to a report presented to council, a public inquiry is typically reserved for issues of significant public concern where questions exist regarding government decisions, systemic shortcomings or major policy reforms.

Under B.C.’s Public Inquiry Act, the provincial cabinet has the authority to establish a commission of inquiry into matters deemed to be in the public interest.

Council will take the resolution to the Union of British Columbia Municipalities and send letters to the Premier, the Minister of Forests and the Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness requesting provincial action.

The resolution argues that forests are vital to communities, Indigenous Nations and the provincial economy, while emphasizing that there is growing recognition that forest management decisions are closely connected to wildfire risk, community resilience, ecological health and the long-term sustainability of the forest sector.

It further notes that increasingly severe wildfire seasons have affected communities across British Columbia through evacuations, smoke events, damage to infrastructure, disruption of transportation networks and impacts on public health and local economies.

Supporters say an independent review could help provide evidence-based recommendations for improving resilience and reducing future wildfire risks.

However, not all councillors were convinced that a public inquiry would necessarily lead to meaningful change.

Coun. Ron Polillo raised concerns about the financial implications of launching a provincial inquiry at a time when governments are already struggling with fiscal pressures.

“I worry about cost,” Polillo said, suggesting the request may receive little consideration given the province’s current financial situation.

Coun. Trudy Klassen expressed a different concern, noting that numerous studies and reports have already examined forestry management practices and wildfire-related issues.

Her concern centred on whether another review would produce different results if governments fail to act on recommendations already made through previous investigations and reports.

The staff report also highlighted an alternative avenue available to council through direct engagement with the Forest Practices Board.

The board already conducts audits, investigations and reviews related to compliance with provincial forestry and wildfire legislation. Its work includes evaluating issues related to wildfire resilience and forest management practices across the province.

Council could choose to pursue discussions with the board either as an alternative to a public inquiry or alongside its advocacy efforts.

Despite reservations raised during debate, council members generally agreed that the issue is important enough to pursue and that the conversation around forest management and wildfire risk deserves greater public attention.

Coun. Cori Ramsay said the initiative aligns with broader efforts to advocate for forestry communities and ensure their concerns are heard at higher levels of government.

“I don’t know if the province is going to consider this at all, but what I do know is that this will garner attention to all of our advocacy around the forestry sector,” Ramsay said.

Ramsay’s comments carried added significance as she spoke not only as a Prince George city councillor but also in her role as president of the Union of British Columbia Municipalities.

While members acknowledged the chances of the resolution being accepted as an emergency submission at the upcoming UBCM convention are slim, supporters maintained that putting the matter before delegates remains worthwhile.

They argued that communities across British Columbia have experienced the consequences of severe wildfire seasons and may share concerns about the impact of forest management policies on fire behaviour and community safety.

The resolution reflects a broader debate unfolding across the province as scientists, industry representatives, Indigenous communities, government agencies and local governments continue to assess the causes of increasingly destructive wildfire seasons.

Many experts point to climate change as a major factor contributing to hotter, drier conditions and longer fire seasons. Others have argued that forestry practices, fuel accumulation and landscape-level planning also play significant roles in determining how fires spread and how communities are affected.

Prince George’s resolution seeks to bring those issues together under an independent review process designed to examine the full range of contributing factors.

If approved by the province, a public inquiry could hear from experts, Indigenous leaders, industry representatives, emergency management officials and affected communities before producing recommendations for future policy changes.

The wildfire inquiry request is one of several forestry-related initiatives being advanced through municipal advocacy channels.

Council noted that other forestry resolutions are also being presented, including proposals related to establishing a federal Ministry of Forests and broader efforts aimed at strengthening the forestry sector.

Whether the province ultimately agrees to launch a public inquiry remains uncertain.

For Prince George council, however, the vote signals a desire to push for a broader conversation about how forests are managed and what steps can be taken to reduce wildfire risks while supporting the long-term health of communities and the provincial forest

by Cheryl Jahn

Prince George backs call for public inquiry into forestry practices

What's Trending