Premier David Eby has released the following statement in response to the U.S. Department of Commerce announcement that it plans to raise softwood duties against Canadian producers to 34.45%:

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.

First Nations Elders, families and seniors will soon have access to 235 new homes, as construction begins on three on-reserve rental housing developments.

Students studying at Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT) Merritt campus will have access to more on-campus housing and child care, with construction to begin soon on a new family housing complex.

Cyclists and walkers will enjoy more multi-use pathways, protected bike lanes, pedestrian bridges, and safety improvements as the Province helps local governments expand their active transportation infrastructure.

Indigenous women with complex mental-health and substance-use challenges in and around Surrey will soon have access to safe, culturally supportive housing and wraparound services to help them with their recovery.