UBCM endorses Nanaimo proposal to ban B.C. raw log exports

The Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) has endorsed a resolution from the City of Nanaimo calling for a provincial and federal ban on the export of raw logs and lumber from British Columbia. The resolution argues that a lack of affordable fibre supply has led to the closure of sawmills and pulp mills, resulting in job and tax losses for resource-dependent communities.

Data indicates that between 2.8 and 3.5 million cubic metres of raw logs have been exported from the province over the last five years. Proponents of the ban, including Nanaimo Councillor Paul Manly, argue that current surplus tests under the B.C. Forest Act are insufficient because mill closures make it easier to pass the test. The resolution aims to encourage value-added manufacturing within the province to support the local forest industry and ensure mills can transition to utilizing marketable tree species.