BC 'needs to restore hope' for the natural resource sector, says Kevin Falcon

BC’s forestry sector has been the topic of much debate and discussion across the province this week after the loss of over 700 jobs in the North.

On May 10, Canfor announced the closure of its Polar sawmill in Bear Lake and its Northwood Pulp Mill in Prince George as well as the suspension of its planned reinvestment in Houston.

The company said a shortage of fibre was the reason for the Northwood closure but they also blamed the NDP government’s policy and regulation changes that have reportedly caused harvest levels to “decline dramatically."

The leader of the Conservative Party of BC told NowMedia on May 13 that the announcement was “tragic.”

That same day, BC United issued a statement calling the mill closures a “disturbing” trend of “capital fleeing” the province.

They also called on Premier David Eby to provide immediate relief for forestry workers.

“David Eby and the NDP have turned their backs on BC’s forestry sector and its workers. Their policies have driven away investment and left families and communities in despair,” said Mike Bernier, BC United shadow minister for forests.

“Workers deserve more than empty words and platitudes. They need immediate financial support today and a government that stands up for and is proud of our natural resource sector.”

In a May 15 interview with NowMedia, Kevin Falcon blamed the NDP for the recent closures, pointing to "regulatory chaos" and permitting “paralysis” when it comes to accessing timber.

Falcon said that the NDP government doesn’t "care much about what happens east of Hope,” claiming that they are a very “urban government.”

He said people are “scared” about losing their jobs and “feeling abandoned” by the province.

An economic study from the BC Council of Forest Industries found that the number of forestry-related jobs dipped to 90,000 in 2023 and harvest levels dropped to 35 million cubic metres, which is down from the 50 million cubic metres in 2021.

“We got a problem that we have a government that frankly doesn't support the natural resource sector, whether it's forestry, whether it's mining, whether it's LNG and these are hugely important jobs and capital investment for communities right across the province, but particularly in rural BC,” Falcon told NowMedia.

“We've got to get back to having a government that is not ashamed of our natural resources, but actually is thrilled that we are given this incredible opportunity that most jurisdictions countries around the world would give anything to have the kind of natural resources that we've got.”

However, Bruce Ralston, minister of forests, told NowMedia in a statement that the province’s “number one focus” was supporting workers, families and communities impacted by the mill closures.

“The recent news from Canfor is devastating. Right now, our number one focus is on supporting workers, families and communities,” Ralston told NowMedia.

“Community rapid response teams are in place to support people and the communities of Bear Lake, Houston and Prince George. Support is being coordinated from across ministries and organizations and includes skills training, short-term employment opportunities, employment assistance, retirement transition support and community transition services.”

Ralston said he acknowledged the stress people were feeling with the announcement of the Canfor closures but said the NDP were taking action to give rural communities access to new economic opportunities.

He said that includes a strong natural resource sector in forestry, mining and energy.

According to Ralston, the NDP were working to speed up salvage logging approvals, funding local forestry manufacturing projects and partnering with the Forest Enhancement Society of BC to bring more fibre out of the bush for pulp mills.

“Forestry will continue to be at the foundation of BC’s economy, providing tens of thousands of good jobs. Together with labour, pulp and paper, licensees, wood manufacturers, contractors, organizations and First Nations, we’re working to strengthen and diversify the forest industry,” he said in his statement.

Falcon said that the province needs to “restore hope” and claimed that BC’s timber industry was a renewable resource and that "improved forest management" would be better for the environment.

NowMedia asked Falcon what he thought the government could do to improve forest management.

He said BC needs “engaged leadership.”

“It can't just be some low visibility NDP cabinet minister out there reading speaking points,” he said.

“It just has to be really engaged, like getting on top of the problem, working with First Nations, working with contractors, with the forestry sector to say ‘What can we do differently?’ and just start getting going.”

However, Ralston said BC was also working to support the mining and the LNG sectors in BC.

“Mineral exploration spending continues to increase in BC, and with three new mines open or set to open this year, hundreds of new jobs are on the way for rural communities,” Ralston said.

“Meanwhile Cedar LNG has received their environmental certificate—a major milestone towards production. Cedar LNG will be one of the lowest-emitting facilities in the world and provide job opportunities during construction and once operational.”

Ralston also pointed out that BC Hydro will be building new infrastructure across the province, which will in turn support “thousands of jobs” in rural communities.

With the upcoming election, NowMedia asked Falcon what British Columbians can expect from the BC United if he is elected as premier.

Falcon said the complaint he hears most often from companies like Canfor when they discuss investing in the province is that the “goalposts” keep moving under the NDP.

He said British Columbians “can expect certainty” if the BC United are elected.

“When I become premier, the message is going to be, I want people and I want capital coming back to BC. We love our natural resource sector,” he said.

“We think we do it ethically and responsibly, but we are going to make sure we put people back to work and get that revenue generated that we need to look after our aging population.”