Forests Minister Ravi Parmar of British Columbia expressed strong dissatisfaction regarding the Canadian federal government’s inconsistent support for the forestry sector compared to other regions like Ontario and Quebec. His comments followed an announcement by federal Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu about a $12 million contribution to a $29 million funding package aimed at keeping a paper mill operating in northern Ontario. While Parmar appreciated the federal assistance for Ontario workers, he emphasized the urgent need for similar support for forestry workers in B.C., stating that “their paycheques matter just as much” as those of workers in Ontario.
Parmar's remarks came during a crucial time for the British Columbia forestry sector, which is facing significant challenges, including tariffs as high as 45%. Alongside Premier David Eby and industry leaders, Parmar has recently urged the federal government to provide immediate assistance to the forestry industry, emphasizing that it is at "the razor’s edge of survival." Eby added that there is “no time to wait,” highlighting the critical state of the industry that relies heavily on both local and federal support for its viability.
The Forests Minister also pointed out the lack of urgency concerning the allocation of previously announced federal funds. Although Ottawa pledged $1.2 billion in August 2025 to bolster the Canadian softwood lumber industry, Parmar criticized the federal government for delaying the distribution of those funds. He noted that “Ottawa is the hold up,” suggesting that the procrastination is hindering local companies that are prepared to take advantage of the available support. The ongoing discussions between Ottawa and provincial governments regarding the distribution of this financial aid have added to the frustration felt by B.C. leaders.
Parmar specifically called for a commitment from the federal government to prioritize the resolution of the softwood lumber trade dispute with the United States. He expressed concerns that the issue of softwood lumber has not been adequately addressed in negotiations with American officials, which could have lasting implications for B.C.'s forestry industry. With a notable absence of dialogue on this critical topic, Parmar urged the federal government to ensure that a long-term softwood lumber agreement is included in discussions with the U.S. administration.
In his comments, Parmar reiterated that he does not wish to create divisions among workers from different provinces. However, he firmly believes that consistent support from Ottawa for the forestry sector in B.C. is not just warranted but necessary, especially given the exceptional circumstances and challenges faced by the industry. His frustrations underscore a wider sentiment among B.C. forestry advocates that the region's economic struggles deserve the same attention and resources that have been allocated to sectors in other provinces.
