The Government of British Columbia is meeting with Catalyst Paper and community stakeholders to come up with strategies to protect the paper industry in light of the U.S. decision to levy high duties against Catalyst Paper’s exports of newsprint, book publishing and printing papers, Premier John Horgan announced today.

In an effort to eradicate a growing population of gypsy moths and minimize the risks they pose to forests, farms, orchards and trees, 94 hectares near Courtenay are planned for an aerial spray beginning in early May until June 30, 2018.

The Province’s Forest Inventory Program will be reviewed to ensure it accurately reflects the changed nature of British Columbia’s forests over the last few years, Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development Minister Doug Donaldson announced today.

Effective immediately, the new allowable annual cut for the Arrowsmith Timber Supply Area (TSA) is 348,000 cubic metres, chief forester Diane Nicholls announced today.

A committee of special advisers is being appointed to review the Labour Relations Code to ensure British Columbia’s unionized workplaces support fair laws for workers and businesses, and are consistent with the labour rights and protections enjoyed by other Canadians.