Katrine Conroy, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, and Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs, Economic Recovery and Innovation, have issued the following joint statement in response to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s final determination in its second administrative review regarding countervailing and anti-dumping duties applied to Canada’s softwood lumber exports to the United States:

There will be an increased presence of Tahltan guardians and B.C. conservation officers within Tahltan Territory this year, as the Province of British Columbia and the Tahltan Central Government work together toward co-operative wildlife stewardship and continue their shared commitments to further reconciliation.

Drought conditions and aggressive fire behaviour have contributed to this year’s extreme wildfire season.

Concerns about water supply security, drought and water scarcity remain an issue for most of the southern half of British Columbia even as cooler temperatures and rain have arrived.

Access to the Chilko River will be closed to protect the public and wildlife during salmon-spawning season when there is increased grizzly bear activity in the area.