The BC Council of Forest Industries (COFI) congratulates Premier-designate Lorne Doerkson and the Conservative Party of BC on their election victory. We also thank all candidates who put their names forward for their commitment to public service and the future of our province. “Premier-designate Doerkson has spoken clearly about the importance of forestry communities, getting more wood moving, accelerating permitting and restoring investment,” said Kim Haakstad, President and CEO of COFI. 

“We strongly support this direction and look forward to working with the new government to turn these commitments into action.” B.C. produces world-class forest products, but rising costs are making it increasingly difficult to compete in domestic and global markets. Predictable, economic access to fibre and a competitive operating environment are essential to turning this around. 

The incoming government's commitments to increase the sustainable harvest toward 45 million cubic metres, accelerate permitting and reduce costs are important steps in that direction. With mills closing and thousands of jobs lost across the province, the need for action remains urgent. COFI and its partners have called for a coordinated, Premier-led, whole-of-government response to stabilize the sector and rebuild its competitiveness. With the election behind us, the urgent work to stabilize B.C.'s forest sector must resume. We are ready to work with the incoming government, First Nations and local communities to get started immediately and deliver meaningful progress in the first 90 days. A strong, competitive forest sector is essential to B.C.'s economic future.