British Columbia’s forestry leaders are offering a mix of praise and pointed caution following Prime Minister Mark Carney’s announcement of more than $1 billion in federal aid for Canada’s embattled softwood lumber industry. While both government and opposition voices welcomed the support, they emphasized the urgent need for structural fixes — including fiber access and a lasting resolution to the trade dispute with the United States.

Parmar: “Welcome Relief, But We Need Our Fair Share and a Long-Term Deal”

B.C. Forestry Minister Ravi Parmar called the federal funding package “really good news” and a long-overdue show of federal support for a sector that has long felt sidelined in Ottawa.

“We’ve been calling on the federal government for the last number of months to stand strong with British Columbians and forestry workers,” Parmar said, adding that the new measures — including loan guarantees and diversification funding — are “widely needed” in the face of steep U.S. tariffs that may soon top 35%.

Speaking in a wide-ranging interview, Parmar emphasized that B.C., as the world’s second-largest exporter of softwood lumber, must receive a proportional share of the funding to modernize its mills and build new global partnerships.

“This is a big deal for us. Just like the auto sector is foundational for Ontario, forestry is foundational for British Columbia,” he said. Parmar stressed his desire to work with federal Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson to ensure the province receives “its fair share” — particularly of capital investments that can help the sector transition and grow.

Parmar also acknowledged past federal inaction on the file but praised Carney for shifting direction. “Much of that under Prime Minister [Justin] Trudeau’s tenure was not a priority. But I appreciate the Prime Minister showing strong leadership now — not just with supports, but with a focus on securing a long-term softwood lumber deal.”

Still, Parmar recognized the limits of the current strategy. “We’re always going to be trading partners with the U.S.,” he said, “but diversification is essential — and overdue.” He highlighted B.C.’s recent efforts to expand into Asia, including opening a trade office in Vietnam and planning a mission to Japan.

For Parmar, the stakes are personal and local. “I’m talking to people every day who are not sure they’ll have the same level of job security their parents had,” he said. “We’re focused on protecting paycheques and making sure British Columbia continues to provide the world with the best softwood lumber.”

Stamer: “Good First Step — But Fiber Crisis Still Unresolved”

B.C. Conservative forestry critic Ward Stamer, MLA for Kamloops–North Thompson, welcomed the funding announcement as a positive sign of federal commitment but warned that the underlying problems plaguing B.C.’s forestry industry remain unaddressed.

“Absolutely — great news,” said Stamer in an interview with Radio NL. “It shows the federal government understands how important the forest industry is not just to B.C., but to the whole country.”

However, Stamer cautioned that federal money will mean little if the province doesn’t fix the current shortage of available fiber — the raw material needed to keep sawmills running.

“We need certainty of supply for fiber. That’s the number one issue in B.C.,” he said. “It’s causing significant challenges for mills across the province. They don’t have enough wood to keep going.”

Stamer pointed the finger at the NDP provincial government, accusing it of dragging its feet on forest policy reform. He cited the underperformance of BC Timber Sales (BCTS), which has failed to deliver the 20% of annual allowable cut it is mandated to bring to market.

“The premier and forest minister promised 45 million cubic meters of wood. So, first it was the drive to 45, then the path to 45, then maybe we’ll get to 45. But mills need that fiber now to make investment decisions and diversify.”

He also questioned the effectiveness of the Build Canada Homes initiative in addressing the deeper trade issue with the U.S.

“Yes, using more Canadian lumber for Canadian projects is good — but it doesn’t fix the root issue. The heart of this conversation is the long-standing lack of a softwood lumber agreement.”

On the timing of the federal funding, Stamer urged swift implementation, noting that the $700 million in loan guarantees is not direct cash. “It’s not like they’re getting free money. These mills still face high costs and deep uncertainty. If the dollars don’t start flowing fast, it’s not going to help the people who need it most.”

Finally, Stamer reiterated his party’s call for a complete overhaul of the stumpage system and fiber pricing model. “We need a structural reset. The NDP has been reluctant to make those wholesale changes — but until we do, mill closures and layoffs will remain an ongoing risk.”

Common Ground: Industry Needs Urgency — and Unity

Despite partisan differences, both Parmar and Stamer agreed on the core challenges facing the sector: an urgent need for access to affordable fiber, and a sustainable long-term trade relationship with the United States.

While the $1 billion in federal support may ease immediate pain, it won’t by itself guarantee the future of B.C.’s forestry sector. Both leaders underscored that provincial and federal collaboration — and swift follow-through — will be critical in the months ahead.

As Minister Parmar put it: “We are hopeful, but we need action. British Columbia will be a strong partner — but we need to protect forestry families today, while laying the groundwork for a stronger, more resilient industry tomorrow.”