Where is the BC Timber Sales (BCTS) review that was promised? How about something – anything – from the so-called Advisory Council? What exactly is this government doing?

NDP Appointment at Forestry Innovation Investment “Just Shuffling Chairs on the Titanic”


Conservative Official Opposition Caucus Shadow Minister for Forests Ward Stamer is blasting the NDP government’s announcement of a new board chair of Forestry Innovation Investment (FII), calling it another example of inaction and political theatre while forestry communities continue to suffer.

“British Columbians don’t need another announcement, they need results,” said Stamer. “Where is the BC Timber Sales (BCTS) review that was promised? How about something – anything – from the so-called Advisory Council? What exactly is this government doing? From where I sit, it looks like just shuffling chairs on the Titanic.” 

Stamer noted that while Rick Doman brings decades of industry experience, the appointment does nothing to fix the deep-rooted crises the sector faces: mill closures, slumping harvest volumes, regulatory paralysis, and the steady erosion of family-supporting forestry jobs. 

“Without fibre, all of these initiatives are worth absolutely nothing,” Stamer added. “Mr. Doman is well-respected in the industry, but even the best board chair won’t fix a broken system without political will. Communities are desperate for action. Instead, we get another NDP press release while sawmills close and workers are forced to leave their hometowns.” 

The BC Conservative Caucus is again calling on the government to: 

• Deliver the long-promised review of BC Timber Sales (BCTS). 
• Provide a concrete update on the Forestry Advisory Council’s work. 
• Clear permitting backlogs and stabilize timber supply for mills. 
• Present a real plan to protect forestry jobs and stop the bleeding in forestry communities. 

“Forestry built this province,” said Stamer. “It deserves better than endless delays and empty announcements. The NDP has to stop governing by press release and start delivering the results they promised.”