Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests, has released the following statement in response to Gorman Group’s purchase of Weyerhaeuser’s operations in Princeton:

Members of the newly formed Provincial Forest Advisory Council are tasked with providing recommendations to government on advancing forest stewardship, while supporting communities and workers that rely on forests.

People are asked to use caution over the next several days as a combination of warm, dry conditions and strong winds in much of southern B.C. are adding to elevated wildfire danger.

May is Invasive Species Action Month and 33 organizations throughout B.C. will be able to continue their work fighting invasive plants, due in part to a funding boost from the Province.

Communities and workers throughout British Columbia are benefiting from 64 new Forest Enhancement Society of BC (FESBC) supported projects that reduce wildfire risk, enhance forest health and get more fibre into the hands of mills and energy producers.

The Province is taking action to adapt B.C.’s forests to ensure long-term sustainability and good-paying jobs by enlisting BC Timber Sales (BCTS) to play a larger role in reducing wildfire risk and enhancing forest and community resilience through its operations.

The Province is ramping up wildfire preparedness for 2025 by welcoming back experienced wildland firefighters and training a new wave of recruits, following a record number of applicants.

While on tour in the Okanagan this week listening to people’s priorities and concerns and sharing how the Province is fighting back against U.S. President Donald J. Trump’s economic threats, Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests, gathered with workers and members of the Salmon Arm community to celebrate the official opening of Canoe Forest Products’ new kiln.