BC timber sales under the microscope

“B.C. is not what it was in 2002. You know, that was the start of the mountain pine beetle. We’re in a mid-term timber supply. We’re also in a very different environment now. Just environmentally, right. With climate and increased wildfires, but also where we are also addressing multiple values.”

BC, along with a number of provinces, has been embroiled in a softwood lumber dispute for years, with the United States alleging unfair trading practices when it comes to the sale of Crown-owned timber. It alleges BC subsidies the sale of its timber, giving Canadian producers an edge. That’s why the organization was created in 2003.

“BC Timber Sales was designed to meet the market price system. It was designed to create an opportunity for others other than just the major licensees to have access to fibre, but also was designed to also balance the fibre flow to the mills and local communities,” explains Joe.

He says the job of revamping the organization has huge implications for the future of forestry. “How B.C. timber sales work, and the strength or weakness of that mechanism is whether weather is what will attract or deter investment. British Columbia does need investment. British Columbia needs to have an economy. British Columbia needs to have a place for people to go to work every day.”

It’s expected the trio will have results back to the government sometime this summer.

by Cheryl Jahn

BC timber sales under the microscope

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