started · updated
British Columbia forest sector faces crisis amid mill closures
The British Columbia forest sector is experiencing a significant downturn, marked by the loss of over 15,000 jobs and the closure or curtailment of more than 20 mills since 2022. This instability is driven by sawmill and pulp mill closures, catastrophic wildfires, and shifting market conditions.
Industry advocates and the Council of Forest Industries (COFI) are calling for urgent policy action ahead of the provincial election to restore global competitiveness and secure a predictable wood supply. Proposals include prioritizing community forestry, a model that allows municipalities and First Nations to manage local forests. Currently, 62 community forests operate in the province, with more than half held by or partnered with First Nations. According to the BC Community Forest Association, these community-managed forests generate 74% more jobs than the industry average.
Entities
BC Community Forest Association · BC NDP · British Columbia · Conservative Party of BC · Council of Forest Industries · First Nations
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] More than 15,000 forestry jobs have been lost in British Columbia since 2022. cofi.org
- [● 11 SOURCES] There are 62 operating community forests in British Columbia. similkameenspotlight.com · agassizharrisonobserver.com · barrierestarjournal.com · nelsonstar.com · vicnews.com · +6 more
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Over 20 mills have closed or curtailed operations in British Columbia since 2022. cofi.org
- [● 11 SOURCES] Community forests generate 74% more jobs than the industry average. similkameenspotlight.com · agassizharrisonobserver.com · barrierestarjournal.com · nelsonstar.com · vicnews.com · +6 more
- [● 11 SOURCES] More than half of B.C. community forests are held directly by or operated through partnerships with First Nations. similkameenspotlight.com · agassizharrisonobserver.com · barrierestarjournal.com · nelsonstar.com · vicnews.com · +6 more