Forests Minister Parmar touts new support grant; wants forestry prioritized in CUSMA renegotiations

“As I provided in my remarks to the Interior Loggers Association convention just a little while ago, it’s also going to be dollars used to create more community based projects to keep machinery going.”

Parmar says the money is part of a broader federal-provincial initiative aimed at helping B.C.’s forestry sector, which has been hit hard in recent years. While the minister is grateful for the assistance of the federal government, he also says more is needed to help workers in B.C.

“Forestry is our auto sector. Forestry is our steel sector. Forestry is our aluminum sector and the federal government needs to treat this sector in the same way it treats those other sectors,” Parmar added.

It is why Parmar wants forestry to be a priority in CUSMA renegotiations between Canada, the United States and Mexico later this year as he notes jobs and livelihoods are still at risk.

“I am optimistic in the conversations I’ve had with the federal government they will be ensuring softwood lumber and forestry is at the same table, being discussed with auto, steel and aluminum,” Parmar said.

“This is not about pitting workers against one another. This is about ensuring our product and our foundational industry in British Columbia is being treated the same as all those other industries.”

Parmar added if the federal government is unable to deliver a softwood lumber deal during CUSMA renegotiations, he hopes they will return to the table and provide more supports to forestry workers in B.C.

“CUSMA renegotiations will only be successful if we can address this long-standing issue around softwood lumber tariffs and duties,” Parmar said. “We know we are going to get new determinations next week but it is hard to say what will come given the uncertainty from this U.S. administration led by Donald Trump.”

“Livelihoods are at risk if we don’t get this right and that’s why I’m continuing to call on the federal government to prioritize forestry.”

by Victor Kaisar

Forests Minister Parmar touts new support grant; wants forestry prioritized in CUSMA renegotiations

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