Labour leaders from three of British Columbia’s largest unions have met with representatives from Iskum Investments to discuss strategies for stabilizing the province’s struggling forestry sector. The discussions focused on creating sustainable jobs and strengthening forestry communities in light of ongoing challenges facing the industry.
The meeting, which brought together officials from Unifor, the United Steelworkers (USW), and the Public and Private Workers of Canada (PPWC), took place after the annual Union of B.C. Municipalities meeting. The goal was to explore deeper collaboration with Iskum Investments, which advocates for more inclusive management of forestry resources, particularly involving First Nations.
“We are all willing to work together to create the pathway for stability that the forest sector needs,” said Emchayilk Robert Dennis Sr., Chair of Iskum. He noted that both labour and First Nations share the objective of creating “secure, stable, well-paying jobs” for communities across the coast.
The forestry industry in British Columbia has been hit hard in recent years, with several mill closures causing widespread job losses. “So many communities are negatively impacted by a struggling forestry sector,” said Scott Lunny, USW District 3 Director. He voiced the union’s support for increased First Nations investment across all phases of the sector, stating that such efforts are critical to keeping economic benefits and jobs within local communities.
Unifor Western Regional Director Gavin McGarrigle echoed this sentiment, highlighting the shared interest between labour and First Nations groups. “Good jobs build strong communities,” McGarrigle said, emphasizing the alignment of values between the groups.
Dennis stressed the importance of a new business model that would allow the forestry industry to benefit all British Columbians. He called for reversing the trend of wealth leaving the province and advocated for a sector that attracts investment while generating positive impacts for future generations.
The unions, which have formed a coalition to push for government action, are focused on addressing policy gaps that they say are responsible for the decline in unionized jobs. PPWC National President Geoff Dawe called for courage in pursuing significant changes in the sector. “There’s too much at stake,” Dawe said. “We need to be courageous in our shared quest for change.”
The discussions represent a growing consensus among labour and First Nations leaders that the forestry industry requires significant restructuring to ensure its long-term viability and to safeguard jobs in British Columbia’s coastal communities.
