Bruce Ralston, Minister of Forests; Brenda Bailey, Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation; and Jagrup Brar, Minister of State for Trade; have issued the following statement:

The Province and four Treaty 8 First Nations – Fort Nelson, Saulteau, Halfway River and Doig River First Nations – have reached consensus on a collaborative approach to land and resource planning, and to advance regional solutions to benefit everyone living in northeastern B.C. and Treaty 8 territory.

Forestry workers and communities throughout the province will benefit from new funding for the Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) to increase fibre supply aimed at keeping people working and local mills running, while also mitigating wildfire risks and reducing climate emissions.  

New regulations on the types of work that are not suitable for young workers take effect on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023.

The public is invited to get involved in the timber supply review for the North Island Timber Supply Area (TSA) by submitting comments before Feb. 20, 2023.

As of Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022, more employees at B.C.’s agencies, boards, commissions, and a number of Crown corporations will be protected by the Public Interest Disclosure Act.

A new approach to provincial forestry agreements will lead to faster action on harvesting areas damaged by wildfire, provide more timber for mills and set up faster reforestation through the leadership of First Nations.

Local governments, First Nations and other organizations looking to strengthen their communities can apply for new funding to build capacity and diversify rural and remote economies in B.C.