Unions representing British Columbia’s forestry workers are calling on municipal leaders to take a more active role in addressing job losses in the province’s struggling forestry sector, as they join the Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM) conference this week in Vancouver.
“Dozens of local governments across the province are experiencing the difficulties of the forestry industry’s contraction,” said Unifor Western Regional Director Gavin McGarrigle, urging municipalities to be part of the solution.
The forestry industry has seen a 45% decline in employment since 2001, leading to nearly 35,000 job losses. In 2023 alone, the sector shed 3,750 positions, adding to the pressure on communities reliant on forestry jobs.
In response, three unions—Unifor, United Steelworkers (USW), and the Public and Private Workers of Canada (PPWC)—have united in a campaign to push for stronger support from all levels of government. The unions co-published a research paper outlining what they describe as policy failures that have exacerbated the challenges facing B.C.’s forestry sector, and proposing comprehensive solutions.
“Earlier this month, Canfor closed two sawmills in Fort St. John and Plateau, citing insufficient sustainable access to fibre,” said Scott Lunny, USW District 3 Director. “This is devastating for communities and families—clearly, something isn’t working.”
Lunny criticized the province’s approach to forestry management, saying that despite repeated warnings and job losses, “there’s no clear direction and mills keep shutting down.” He emphasized that stronger government action is necessary to protect forest-dependent communities and jobs.
B.C.’s forestry sector supports 44,000 direct jobs and an estimated 100,000 more in indirect employment. The unions involved represent more than half of the province’s forestry workers.
Geoff Dawe, National President of PPWC, highlighted the role municipal governments can play in restoring forestry jobs. “Restoring B.C.’s forestry jobs will require the active participation from every level of government,” Dawe said, pointing to the urgent need for coordinated efforts.
The City of Kamloops has submitted a motion (NR94) for debate at the UBCM conference, calling for greater support for the forestry industry.
The unions are pushing for local governments to support similar initiatives to safeguard forestry jobs and stabilize the industry, which remains a key part of the province’s economy.