Harvest deferral could threaten 18,000 B.C. jobs: COFI

VANCOUVER, B.C. – The president and CEO of the BC Council of Forest Industries, Susan Yurkovich, responded to the Province’s intention to defer 2.6 million hectares of old-growth forest across British Columbia on Tuesday.

She says the decision would lead to the closure of mills, as well as threaten the jobs of over 18,000 British Columbians.

“If fully implemented, this move will have a profound and devastating impact on people, families and communities across the province,” said Yurkovich in a statement.

“While we are still digesting the details, our initial analysis indicates that these deferrals would result in the closure of between 14 and 20 sawmills in BC, along with two pulp mills and an undetermined number of value-added manufacturing facilities. This represents approximately 18,000 good, family-supporting jobs lost, along with over $400 million in lost revenues to government each year – revenues that help pay for healthcare, education and other services British Columbians count on.”

Yurkovich says the Province’s announcement on Tuesday is based on recommendations from a panel of advisors, four out of five of whom have ties to environmental organizations like the Sierra Club and West Coast Environmental Law.

“It is unfortunate that the panel has advanced their recommendations without due consideration for the impacts on the people and the communities who depend on the forest, including a small portion of old-growth, for their livelihoods.”

Yurkovich says the timing of the decision is troubling since the forest industry has been able to deliver revenues exceeding $4 billion to government during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping B.C.’s financial position.

“At a time when the world is looking to low-carbon forest products from sustainably managed forests to help address the climate challenge we all face, it is disappointing that today’s announcement ignores the fact that B.C. is already a conservation leader and recognized globally for its certified sustainable forest practices and products.”

Yurkovich says of the 11.4 million hectares of old forests, over 75 per cent are already protected or are outside the timber harvesting land base in order to ensure these old forests are abundant for generations.

“Our strong hope is that the Province will commit to a fact-based, balanced and inclusive approach, including meaningful engagement with Indigenous Nations, forest professionals and other local experts, before proceeding with decisions that could irreparably harm workers, companies and communities across our province.”