As we celebrate Canada’s National Forest Week, it’s time to reflect on the sector’s importance to the people of British Columbia.

We all know about or have personally felt the effects of the forestry industry’s downturn over the last few years.

We all know about or have personally felt the effects of the forestry industry’s downturn over the last few years.

Mount Elphinstone, located on the west side of Howe Sound between Gibsons and Sechelt on British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast, is designated as provincial forest. Current land use supports management for a variety of values, including forestry, water, wildlife and recreation.

British Columbia’s forest industry is facing difficult times. In the Interior, the end of the pine beetle cut, lower prices for lumber, and back-to-back catastrophic wildfire seasons have led to a number of sawmill closures. This has created hardship for workers and uncertainty for the communities that depend on forestry for their livelihoods.

Recently, I introduced new legislation that will better protect thousands of people coming to work in B.C. under the federal Temporary Foreign Worker Program.

When people think of B.C.’s economy, mining, forestry, tourism and our booming tech sector are often mentioned.

British Columbia's network of international trade and investment offices, managed by the Ministry of Jobs, Trade and Technology, work to connect B.C. companies to international enterprises, building strong links to the natural resources, skills, products and services that make British Columbia an attractive place to invest and do business.

British Columbia is a strong supporter of rules-based trade and the many benefits that free trade agreements bring for B.C. businesses and all British Columbians.

As Canada’s gateway to the Asia Pacific, British Columbia is a strong supporter of rules-based trade and the many benefits that free trade agreements bring for B.C. businesses and all British Columbians.