Overview

• The B.C. government has announced the creation of the Provincial Forest Advisory Council as part of its agreement with the Green Party.
• The council includes representatives from unions, academia, Indigenous stewardship, and former industry leaders but lacks active industry voices, raising criticism from the Council of Forest Industries.
• The council is tasked with delivering evidence-based recommendations to reconcile forest ecosystem health with the long-term viability of the forestry sector.
• Industry leaders warn of mill closures and job losses, questioning the council's broad mandate and absence of direct industry management input.
• Co-chair Garry Merkel emphasizes the importance of a predictable, long-term stewardship framework to navigate ecological, political, and economic pressures.