Forestry Industry Questions Purpose of New B.C. Council, Government Defends Broader Vision

The B.C. government’s announcement of a new Provincial Forest Advisory Council has sparked skepticism from the province’s leading forestry industry group, which questions the need for another advisory body with what it describes as a “vague scope and mandate.”

Unveiled Thursday, the new council is intended to offer guidance on how to support the province’s struggling forestry sector while protecting forest ecosystems. The province says the council was formed in part through its agreement with the B.C. Green Party, amid pressure to conserve more old-growth forests and navigate ongoing trade challenges with the U.S.

But the Council of Forest Industries (COFI), representing many of the province’s forestry companies, says there are already multiple working groups and initiatives addressing forestry issues—many of which have yet to be acted on. “We’re not sure what the overall objective of this new council is,” said COFI president Kim Haakstad. “There’s no clear representation from companies that manage these resources every day.”

Government officials say the new council is designed to balance diverse interests and includes voices from forestry professionals, academia, unions, and former industry leaders. Members include Garry Merkel of UBC’s Centre for Indigenous Land Stewardship, Shannon Janzen, a former Western Forest Products executive, Jason Fisher of the Forest Enhancement Society of B.C., and Jeff Bromley from the United Steelworkers Wood Council.

Labour leaders have welcomed the new body. The United Steelworkers union, which represents thousands of forestry workers across the province, says over 2,500 members have lost jobs in the past decade, and the new council gives workers a critical seat at the table.

Green Party House Leader Rob Botterell praised the initiative as a chance to reshape forest policy around sustainability, science, and First Nations partnership. “This council presents an opportunity to advance bold, transformative action,” he said in a statement.

Co-chair Merkel says the goal is long-term, sustainable planning to create stability in a sector affected by political shifts and international markets. “If we manage our forest resources well here in B.C., we reduce dependence on unstable global factors,” he said.

While COFI remains wary of adding another layer to B.C.’s forestry governance, the province insists the council will be key to forging a path that supports both environmental stewardship and economic resilience.