Conservative Party of BC Demands Immediate Action on Forestry Crisis: Delays in Permitting Hurting Jobs and Communities

In response to the BC government’s announcement of a review of BC Timber Sales (BCTS), the Conservative Party of BC is calling for immediate, tangible action to address the critical issues facing the forestry sector, rather than more delays and bureaucratic processes.

“The forestry sector is in crisis, and British Columbians deserve real solutions—not more reviews and delays,” said Ward Stamer, Critic for Forests and MLA for Kamloops – North Thompson.

“BC is already the highest cost jurisdiction and now government wants to spend more time studying the problem while mills are closing, jobs are being lost, and communities are suffering. We need immediate action to speed up the fiber approval process and grant access to burnt timber to ensure mills have the resources they need to survive.”

The Conservative Party of BC is advocating for two critical, actionable steps:

1. Expedite the Fiber Approval Process – Streamlining the current permit system to eliminate unnecessary delays in timber harvesting approvals, ensuring mills can access timber without costly waiting periods.
2. Enhance Access to Burnt and Residual Fiber – Simplifying regulations to allow for the efficient use of fire-damaged timber and residual fiber, reducing waste and supporting mill operations.
3. Implement a "One Project, One Permit" Process- Significantly reduce costs to all parties (i.e. government, First Nations, and industry) and make it viable to invest in BC forestry again.

“The government’s announcement does nothing to address the current bottlenecks in accessing timber," Stamer added.

"Mills need predictable access to fiber, and they need it now. The government must cut through the red tape that’s holding our forestry sector back.”

Stamer further emphasized that permitting delays in BC are a significant barrier to the industry’s recovery.

“Forestry companies typically have an 18-month window to harvest burnt timber before it loses value. Yet, we’re hearing that it can take that long or longer just to get government approval. In Alberta, the process can take as little as eight days. The difference is staggering, and it’s costing BC jobs.”

“We can’t afford to sit back and wait for another lengthy review process,” added Stamer.

“Our forestry sector is an historic cornerstone of BC’s economy, and it’s time the government treated it with the seriousness and respect it deserves. These two solutions can be implemented immediately and would provide real relief to workers, communities, and businesses across the province.”

The Conservative Party of BC remains committed to standing up for the forestry sector and the hardworking British Columbians who rely on it.