Northwest BC’s forestry frustrations are boiling over, as Skeena MLA Claire Rattée criticizes the provincial government for what she calls “chronic delays” in forestry permitting and a lack of meaningful support for local communities.
The pushback comes after BC’s Minister of Forests, Ravi Parmar, issued a public statement praising federal funding for Canada’s forestry sector. Parmar highlighted BC’s position as the second-largest exporter of softwood lumber globally and said the province is committed to protecting forestry jobs and pushing for a long-term trade deal with the United States.
But Rattée says that’s not what people in her riding are experiencing. She says permit applications from First Nations are going unanswered, and communities like Terrace—promised attention and follow-through—have seen little action.
She is urging the province to focus less on public statements and more on solutions, including a biomass tax credit system, a finalized softwood lumber agreement, and a faster, more responsive permitting process.
Rattée says workers and families who rely on the forest sector need real results—not more delays.
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