The next phase of the logging contractor sustainability review is underway, as the Province works to improve the competitiveness of British Columbia forest sector contractors and licensees.

George Abbott and his partners in Circle Square Solutions have been selected as the independent facilitator to find solutions that strengthen relationships between logging contractors and licensees and ensure the sustainability and competitiveness of the forest sector.

The review is one of the action items under British Columbia’s forest sector competitiveness agenda and is a key priority for the ministry. Abbott will lead the facilitated process to define issues and recommend potential actions to government to improve the sustainability and competitiveness of B.C. forest sector contractors and licensees.

An economic assessment and review of the contracting sector has been completed that will help develop baseline information and identify economic drivers within the sector. Abbott and Circle Square Solutions will use data collected in the review, and information assessing the key drivers of licensees’ competitiveness, to suggest potential opportunities and structure a focussed consultation process with the contractors and licensees.

Following completion of the consultation process, a report will be provided to the minister. The report will outline recommendations and actions designed to improve the regulatory environment and produce durable outcomes that will improve the sustainability of contractors and the competitiveness of licensees.

Forest sector contractors form an integral part of British Columbia’s forest sector value chain, providing services ranging from logging phases and hauling to road building and maintenance.

Strong Past, Bright Future: A Competitiveness Agenda for British Columbia’s Forest Sector commits to work with the contractor associations and major licensees to ensure both parties’ interests are met.

Learn More:

Strong Past, Bright Future: A Competitiveness Agenda for British Columbia’s Forest Sector, along with the Value Added Sector Action Plan, British Columbia Pulp and Paper Sustainability: Sector Challenges and Future Opportunities, and other supporting documents, can be found at:
www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/forestry/competitive-forest-industry