Forestry Sector Information
Historic Forestry Agreement Signed with Four First Nations and Western Forest Products
Pictured Left to Right: Dallas Smith, President of the Nanwakolas Council; Tlowitsis First Nation Chief John Smith; Steven Hofer, President and CEO of Western Forest Products; MLA Michelle Babchuk; K’ómoks First Nation Chief Ken Price, We Wai Kai First Nation Chief Ronnie Chickite, Minister of Forests Bruce Ralston, Premier David Eby, Wei Wai Kum Chief Chris Roberts.
April 5, 2024 ~ CAMPBELL RIVER
Na̲nwak̲olas Council, Western Forest Products sign historic agreement
A community celebration was held in Campbell River on April 5 to mark the beginning of a newly formed forestry partnership between the Tlowitsis, We Wai Kai, Wei Wai Kum and K’ómoks First Nations (all member First Nations of the Nanwakolas Council) and Western. The celebration follows completion of the previously announced agreement for the Nations to acquire a 34% interest from Western in a newly formed Limited Partnership. The partnership has been given the name La-kwa sa muqw Forestry (pronounced la-KWAH-sa-mook), which means ‘the wood of four’ in the Kwak’wala language. The partnership logo, designed by local artist Diego Matilpi, was also unveiled at the event hosted in the Wei Wai Kum First Nation’s Kwanwatsi Big House. READ MORE
Open Letter to British Columbians
October 2021 ~ More than 275 forestry and labour leaders call for a path forward on old growth that supports healthy forests, good jobs and strong communities.
Dear British Columbians,
An important conversation about old growth is happening across BC.
Together, we’ve been listening to what British Columbians have to say – workers, Indigenous partners, community members, families, friends and neighbours.
What we’ve heard is that while old growth may mean different things to different people, British Columbians care about the path forward. People across this province care about the future – about conservation, keeping BC’s forests healthy and helping tackle climate change. They also care about families and communities’ wellbeing.
BC Council of Forest Industries Latest Study
April 7, 2021 — the BC Council of Forest Industries was pleased to release of our new study ‘Contributing to a Better B.C.’ – 2019 Forest Industry Economic Impact Study.
The study confirms that B.C.’s forest industry continues to generate significant economic activity and contributes to a good quality of life for British Columbians in every region of the province.
The study found that in 2019, the provincial forest industry contributed:
- $13 billion to B.C.’s GDP
- 100,000 good jobs for British Columbians
- $8 billion in wages, salaries & benefits
- $4 billion in government revenue to support health, education & more
Importantly, Indigenous communities are vital to B.C.’s forest products industry – as owners, business and stewardship partners and employees.
Over 5,300 Indigenous people are directly employed in the forest sector, more than any other resource sector in B.C. And as a previous supply chain study showed – 120 Indigenous Nations and affiliated organizations were active participants in B.C.’s forest industry in 2019, with close to $250 million flowing to Indigenous communities.
Of interest to you, your colleagues and members, a regional breakdown is provided in the report for the Cariboo, Thompson/Okanagan, Kootenay, Lower Mainland/Southwest, Vancouver Island/Coast, North Coast, Nechako and Northeast Regions.
For More Information
Alexa Young
Vice President, Government and Public Affairs
T: 778.229.6885
E: young@cofi.org