The B.C. government has launched a review of BC Timber Sales (BCTS).

The launch of the review recognizes the significant pressure the forest sector is under, from declining allowable annual cuts, difficulty accessing fibre, global economic conditions and heightened environmental and trade-protection efforts, the Ministry of Forests explained.

Building on the ongoing work of BCTS, as well as recent forestry-sector engagement, the review will provide recommendations about how BCTS can:

* create forestry-sector growth, competition and diversification;

* provide predictable and reliable market access to fibre;

* diversify access to fibre for the manufacturing sector, including value-added facilities;

* strengthen partnerships with First Nations and communities;

* provide more jobs for contractors, workers and communities; and

* lead in innovative, sustainable forest management and silviculture practices.

“Forestry in B.C. is in transition, and the people and communities who rely on our forests – who are bearing the brunt of ongoing challenges – want change now,” said Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests. “That’s why I have asked Lennard Joe, George Abbott and Brian Frenkel to look at the opportunities to leverage BCTS to set B.C.’s forest industry up for the next 100 years.”

The review will be led by the Ministry of Forests with support from the newly formed expert task force consisting of Abbott, Joe and Frenkel. It will use the Provincial Forestry Forum, a group that brings together all interests in the forestry sector, including contractors, value-added manufacturers, industry and labour.

Work will begin immediately. Action will be taken within six months of launching the review, the ministry said.

Managing roughly 20% of the province’s public timber supply, BCTS has an integral role in the success and resiliency of British Columbia’s forestry sector. In 2023, BCTS launched the Value-Added Manufacturing Program that ensures small and medium-sized secondary manufacturers have a dedicated fibre supply.

“Our work to get more value out of our forests is a top priority as we grow the B.C. wood-manufacturing sector,” Parmar said. “That’s why we are doubling the amount of BCTS volume that is dedicated to value-added manufacturers, from 10% to 20%. That’s about 1.1 million cubic metres in 2025 alone.”

Lennard Joe, BC First Nations Forestry Council chief executive officer said, “I recognize the importance of participating in the BCTS review as a member of the task force. Throughout this process, the goal of the BC First Nations Forestry Council will be to ensure First Nations have meaningful opportunities to participate and that their voices are heard. It is my hope that the outcome of the review leads to a stable and inclusive BCTS program that supports healthy ecosystems, a strong economy and vibrant communities, while fully respecting First Nations values and rights.”

Former B.C. cabinet minister George Abbott added: “The forests of this province belong to all of us, and British Columbians deserve to have the most effective forest practices possible. Partnering with experts across the sector, we will aim to find new and innovative ways to ensure fibre is getting to the right place for hard-working British Columbians to get the highest value for these resources.”

District of Vanderhoof councillor and former Union of B.C. Municipalities’ president Brian Frenkel said, “I’m looking forward to participating in the minister’s BCTS task force to help make recommendations to adapt the organization to the changing B.C. forest economy. Local governments, First Nations communities, primary and value-added sectors require a reliable source of timber, developed through the BCTS organization.”

Interior Logging Association general manager Todd Chamberlain noted, “This is a positive step forward. The Interior Logging Association board of directors looks forward to actively participating in this review to ensure the government’s revised BCTS program meets the current and future needs of the industry. It is essential for creating opportunities and supporting sustainable practices. We look forward to seeing the results of this review.”

United Steelworkers (USW) Wood Council chair Jeff Bromley added: “The review of BCTS is an important step in the renewal and revitalization of B.C.’s forest industry. BCTS is a key part in setting the market price for timber in B.C., but they could also bridge the gap between log supply, First Nations timber rights and permitting to ensure workers, communities, industry and the Province sees more value from our timber resource. Improving and ensuring BCTS can get the timber out to market will be key.”

“Those of us in the pulp and paper industry are always on the lookout for improvements, so everyone can get the most value from B.C.’s forests,” said Joe Nemeth, general manager, BC Pulp and Paper Coalition. “We need to make sure our industry remains strong going into the future. That’s why we are excited to work with BCTS on innovating the sector, ensuring that the best silviculture and forest management practices are used to strengthen all aspects of forestry in B.C.”

Interior Lumber Manufacturers’ Association president Ted Dergousoff said, “Today’s announcement of the BCTS review, and the commitment to increasing Category 4 volumes, shows the government’s acknowledgment and commitment to support local business throughout the province.

“The results of the review will ensure that a framework exists to provide these local businesses with a solid foundation to allow them to continue to generate high-value products and well-paying local jobs. The Interior Lumber Manufacturers’ Association fully supports the Ministry of Forests in their efforts.”

BC Timber Sales was formed to provide a market-pricing mechanism to respond to the U.S. trade dispute in 2003, and has been successful in its created purpose: providing open market access to timber, creating employment, setting a fair market price for publicly owned timber, and delivering critical volume to small and large processing facilities. BCTS has also been a leader in safety standards and stewardship practices, the Ministry of Forests explained.

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