Expanded BC Timber Sales mandate builds stronger forestry sector
Press Release
Sept. 23, 2025
VICTORIA – The Province is expanding and strengthening the role of BC Timber Sales (BCTS), to ensure B.C.’s forests continue to support good forestry jobs and healthy resilient forests for future generations.
“B.C.’s forestry sector is experiencing significant change – a changing climate, a changing market and changing trade relationships,” said Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests. “In this uncertain time, we’re giving BCTS the tools to meet this critical moment head on. This is about taking action to support a thriving forest economy and deliver on the public interest for workers, towns, families and companies throughout the province.”
The change comes in response to the expert recommendations from the BCTS Task Force review.
“The forest industry and the many communities that depend on it are under great stress today,” said George Abbott, a member of the BCTS task force. “The task force did its best to identify solutions that might strengthen the industry and communities in the longer term, with or without punitive trade actions from the south.”
Previously, the BCTS mandate was focused on auctioning publicly owned timber and setting price benchmarks without considering broader goals around the strength and sustainability of the forestry sector.
The expanded mandate of BCTS is centred around four key cornerstones:
- Build thriving communities, with good jobs for people
- Supporting manufacturing diversity
- Strong partnerships with First Nations and communities
- Resilient forest ecosystems
The expanded mandate ensures BCTS will be able to respond to the specific, unique needs of each community and wood manufacturers, allowing it to better serve forestry operations and local mills who are investing in existing or new local, independent or value-added forestry operations.
Further, the expanded mandate will help increase performance, move more fibre, and better serve the current client base, including the primary sector. BCTS will now be able to make investments that are more strategic, focused on long-term resiliency and prosperity.
The work of the BCTS task force contains recommendations aimed at:
- creating forestry sector growth, competition and diversification;
- providing predictable and reliable market access to fibre;
- diversifying access to fibre for the manufacturing sector, including value-added facilities;
- strengthening partnerships with First Nations and communities;
- providing more jobs for contractors, workers and communities; and,
- leading in innovative, sustainable forest management and silviculture practices.
The Ministry of Forests is taking immediate action to support the expanded mandate of BCTS and implementation of the recommendations from the task force.
Many actions are underway and others will be achieved through a phased approach. Initial implementation actions include:
- auctioning commercial thinning sales that improve forest health by reducing the understory, allowing trees more space to grow and strengthen against fire and pests (on Sept. 17, 2025, BCTS completed its first commercial thinning sale);
- utilizing the expertise in BCTS to manage stewardship projects, wildfire risk reduction, dangerous trees removal, rehabilitation of range land and partial harvest to maintain forest health;
- working toward doubling the dedicated fibre supply for value-added wood manufacturing companies to 20% of BCTS forestry licences;
- making it easier for smaller companies to bid on auctions in groups;
- active long-term forest planning through planting a variety of climate-adapted species and other native tree species;
- continuing to increase the use of prescribed fire in planning for reforestation and wildfire risk reduction;
- continuing to build First Nations partnerships that support obtaining fair-market returns for timber under licences;
- developing methods to market and sell logging residuals, such as branches and tree tops, to support sectors, such as the pulp sector;
- exploring new tools that ensure local logs support local jobs where appropriate to ensure that BCTS is benefiting people and communities; and
- auctioning undeveloped timber sales in select locations, to expedite the salvage of damaged timber.
The expert recommendations were developed by a task force who were assembled for their diverse forestry expertise, consisting of Abbott, former MLA; Brian Frenkel, Vanderhoof city councillor; and Lennard Joe, chief executive officer, First Nations Forestry Council. The task force members met with 50 groups and individuals, held two virtual engagement sessions, and received more than 300 submissions from January to July 2025.
The BCTS Review and mandate-expansion is part of the government’s work to ensure B.C.’s forestry sector is stable, resilient, sustainable for generations to come and better delivers for people, communities, First Nations and companies.
Quick Facts:
- BCTS was first established in 2003 with a mandate to provide price benchmarks for public timber, provide open market access and generate revenue for the Province.
- BCTS auctions 20% of B.C.’s publicly owned timber supply, with a separate dedicated supply of fibre for small- and medium-sized value-added wood manufacturing companies.
- With offices in 33 communities around the province, BCTS employs forestry professionals who have been trained is a variety of specialities, such as forest health, hydrology, wildlife, terrain stability, watershed health, climate adaption, wildfire risk, harvest planning, reforestation, invasive plants and pests, technology integration, collaboration and much more.
Quotes:
Brian Frenkel, member of the BCTS task force and councillor, District of Vanderhoof –
“The BCTS Task Force review underscored the vital need to balance provincial timber objectives with the well-being of local communities and First Nations. Communities are on the front lines of both the benefits and the risks of timber sales, and their voices must remain central to shaping BCTS’s future.”
Lennard Joe, member of the BCTS task force and CEO, First Nations Forestry Council –
“This work was not simply about forestry policy; it was about people, communities, and the forests that sustain us all. The report and recommendations envision a renewed relationship between government, the sector, and First Nations – one that is rooted in collaboration, shared decision-making and long-term stewardship. Together, we can build a sector that is not only economically strong, but also culturally respectful and environmentally responsible.”
Joan Atkinson, mayor, District of Mackenzie –
“I am very encouraged to see the timely release of this report. We all agree changes are needed, and I have full confidence the hard work of the BCTS Task Force will positively impact our forest industry.”
Nick Arkle, CEO, Gorman Brothers –
“The recommendations give us all a lot to work together on. They recognize the importance of getting the balance right between the operational and economic needs for a strong and viable industry and the multiple interests of the owners of the resource. The focus on First Nation and community input will be critical to get the support that is required to be successful.”
Learn More:
To read the task force recommendations, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/download/1FB62C1A17044AFA80C6C0DB4D14FF67
To learn more about BC Timber Sales, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/forestry/bc-timber-sales
A backgrounder follows.
Contact:
Ministry of Forests
Media Relations
Forest.Media@gov.bc.ca
250 380-8491
BACKGROUNDER
What others are saying about BC Timber Sales
Brian Menzies, executive director, Independent Wood Processors Association of BC –
“This review is timely and will help improve access to more wood fibre for value-added wood manufacturers who do not hold tenured forest licenses. Certainty of wood supply is essential for developing a diverse, innovative and value-added wood manufacturing sector, and this review strengthens the role of BCTS in building a more resilient and diversified forest industry.”
Ted Dergousoff, president, Independent Lumber Manufacturers Association –
“The Independent Lumber Manufacturers Association, representing family-owned and independent mills in B.C., was an active participant in the BCTS review and we are pleased to see our submissions reflected in the recommendations. Once enacted, the review will ensure fairer access to timber for value-added manufacturers, providing both fibre security for ongoing operations and the confidence to invest and grow in B.C. We urge government to ensure all minimally tenured and non-tenured companies can fairly access the provincial resource.”
Peter Lister, executive director, Truck Loggers Association (TLA) –
“The TLA welcomes the Ministry of Forests’ completion of the BC Timber Sales review and its resulting recommendations. We are especially encouraged by the focus on improved fibre access and increased harvest volumes. Enhancing efficiency through simplified policies and action-ready sale packages developed in collaboration with licensees, contractors and First Nations is essential. These steps help maximize harvest opportunities, reduce wildfire risk and create economic benefits for workers, communities, First Nations and community forest partners.”
Todd Chamberlain, general manager, Interior Logging Association –
“The Interior Logging Association thanks the BCTS task force and Minister Parmar for their commitment to revitalizing BC Timber Sales. The recommendations mark an important step toward strengthening the forest sector, supporting jobs and improving wildfire resilience. Time is critical, and we’re committed to working with the minister to swiftly implement these changes and restore confidence in the industry.”
Ken Kalesnikoff, president and CEO, Kalesnikoff Mass Timber Inc. –
“It’s good to see Minster Parmar making positive steps with BCTS, showing that this government believes in the forest industry, specifically the specialty values added sector which are mostly minimally tenured or non-tenured companies that rely heavily on BCTS for their fibre supply. Seeing volume being accessed by this sector will show these changes are working as intended, creating certainty and fair access to the people’s resource for those of us focused on value over volume and creating over 15,000 jobs.”
Joe Nemeth, general manager, BC Pulp and Paper Coalition –
“On behalf of the BC Pulp and Paper Coalition, I would like to complement the three leaders of the BCTS Task Force team for their work. I support the direction of this review and the recommendations and believe they will both assist BCTS to be more efficient and effective in achieving its nine million cubic metre annual target goal, even before 2029, and improve how we safeguard and manage our public forest land base.”
Kelly Marciniw, chair, board of directors, BC Wood Specialties Group Association –
“BC Wood Specialities Group’s value-added wood sector members are eagerly anticipating the bold and transformative changes that the BCTS Task Force were instructed to deliver. Our members were highly engaged in their consultation, and we thank them for the diligence ensuring all were heard. We look forward to the prioritized recommendations – including quick-win technical solutions – getting implemented promptly, so our sector can bring more jobs and more revenues back to our province.”
John Alan Jack, chief-councillor, Huu-ay-aht First Nations –
“This comes at a pivotal time for forestry in B.C. Balancing the need for modernized market-based approaches with the need for strategic considerations that go beyond quarterly statements, the points in this review can be the basis for addressing the changing global landscape and historic concerns of Indigenous Peoples. First Nations are increasingly investing in forestry and these recommendations could provide the tools needed to aid in all of us working together in a good way.”
Art Wilson, councillor, We Wai Kai First Nation –
“The BCTS update is a big step forward and I want to see these recommendations put to work. Forestry’s future looks good, and I’ve got respect for Minister Parmar. He listens and he gets things done. He knows how much forestry matters to people and the economy of the north island.”
Surinderpal Rathor, mayor, City of Williams Lake –
“This BCTS update couldn’t come at a better time for Williams Lake. It gives our community, hard hit by wildfires and the mountain pine beetle, a chance to rebuild and look to the future with confidence. Minister of Forests Ravi Parmar has been proactive and stepped up when it mattered most — not just for Williams Lake, but for forestry communities throughout B.C. His vision for BC Timber Sales is one I proudly support.”
Gladys Attrill, mayor, Town of Smithers –
“I welcome the recommendations in the BCTS review. They’re an important step to making sure BCTS keeps its social licence to operate in communities that care deeply about our forests. People expect us to be smart and careful with how we manage this resource, and these changes move us in the right direction. I want to thank Minister Ravi Parmar for taking on this challenge head-on and showing real leadership for the future of our forests.”
Spencer Coyne, mayor, Town of Princeton –
“This updated BCTS is what is needed. Forest management is complicated – from managing for wildfires, true collaboration with First Nations, making sure value-added processors get the logs they need. What is needed now is wholistic approach to forestry. I’m grateful for the leadership of Minister Parmar and his team in the ministry and I’m looking forward to the future of forestry in Princeton.”
Don McCormick, mayor, City of Kimberley –
“This extensive update to modernize BCTS promises to address the annual wildfire risk we live with each year, particularly the risk to our community watersheds. With these proposed changes, Minister Parmar and his staff are creating confidence that together we can make real progress.”
Rob Douglas, mayor, Municipality of North Cowichan –
“Fibre access remains a significant challenge for our local sawmills, pulp mills, and secondary manufacturers in North Cowichan — a situation made worse by changing global demand and rising U.S. softwood lumber duties. We welcome the completion of the Province’s review of BC Timber Sales and are optimistic that the upcoming changes will lead to more reliable timber access, better support for the manufacturing sector and secure jobs for local workers.”
Scott Elliott, councillor, City of Quesnel –
“I want to thank Minister Parmar for his hard work and rapid commitment to envisioning a new direction for BCTS. This is informed by stakeholders throughout B.C. and has recommendations to get us on a better track. When implemented, B.C. forestry will be in a better place thanks to this leadership. I look forward to seeing the recommendations acted upon to benefit industry and communities throughout the province.”
Geoff Dawe, president, Public and Private Workers of Canada –
“We are pleased with the direction announced by the Minister of Forests around the expansion of the BCTS mandate. It is overdue. This is the start toward a longer pathway to sector sustainability, enhancing the pulp sector and enabling additional opportunities with residuals.”
Scott Lunny, District 3 director, United Steelworkers (USW) –
“Forestry workers sustain families and communities across B.C. USW is optimistic that changes at BCTS will translate into better fibre access for mills and value-added operations – resulting in an increase of stable, decent-paying forestry work.”
Gavin McGarrigle, Western regional director, Unifor –
“The timing for this news comes when our forestry sector needs it the most. There is urgency needed to respond to the protectionist approach from the U.S. government, one impacting our softwood lumber industry especially. In this challenging time, the expanded BC Timber Sales vision will support people on front line, in communities throughout the province, supporting local workers in local mills.”
Contact:
Ministry of Forests
Media Relations
Forest.Media@gov.bc.ca
250 380-8491
ILR4
