Yesterday, Domtar’s announcement of its Crofton pulp mill was a major and far-reaching loss to its workers, the North Cowichan community, and the broader forest-industry supply chain across the BC Coast. It is especially difficult knowing that this closure was preventable.

Industry, labour and municipal governments have been warning the BC government about the risk of mill closures for many months. The government was given numerous recommendations, solutions, and opportunities that could have helped avoid this outcome, but has largely failed to act with the urgency that was required.

Approximately 350 direct mill jobs have now been lost, but the closure also impacts many local Vancouver Island businesses that have supported the Crofton mill for many years. The TLA’s Vancouver Island members, the independent timber-harvesting and forestry contractors that supply fibre, will be hard hit by the closure and this will create significant financial strain on small business owners, their families and the communities that rely on a healthy forest sector.

This closure underscores the many challenges facing BC’s coastal forest sector: ongoing constraints on access to economically viable fibre, an uncompetitive business cost structure, and regulatory uncertainty. For TLA members, these pressures threaten the stability of their operations and the forestry-dependent communities they support. The TLA remains committed to working with government and industry partners to stabilize the sector, improve fibre access, and ensure contractors, their employees and communities are supported.

The TLA extends its deepest compassion to the mill workers and their families who are facing this uncertain time. ...

This Giving Tuesday, help us keep forestry’s voice strong in BC.

For more than 80 years, the TLA has advocated for independent forestry contractors and worked to share the real story of BC’s forest industry — the people, the challenges, and the essential role contractors play in communities across the province.

Your Giving Tuesday contribution supports our ongoing advocacy and awareness campaigns, and ensure contractors remain heard at every level.

If you value the work we do on behalf of the industry, we invite you to consider donating today. Every contribution makes a difference.

Donate this Giving Tuesday in the link in our bio!

Thank you for supporting BC’s forestry community. ...

Don`t miss out on the 81st Annual TLA Convention + Trade Show!

Secure your spot today!

The power of working together is the key to building a stronger, more sustainable forestry sector. Across BC’s forest industry—from contractors and licensees to government, Indigenous communities, and suppliers—collaboration opens the door to innovation, shared success, and long-term growth. In a time of change and challenges, partnership is more than a strategy; it’s a foundation for progress. By strengthening relationships and aligning our efforts, we move forward with greater unity, purpose, and confidence—shaping a future that reflects the best of what we can achieve together.

Register in the link in our bio! ...

WorkSafeBC is holding a virtual public hearing for proposed amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Regulation. The virtual public hearing will be streamed live on November 25, 2025, in two sessions. The first will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the second from 3 to 5 p.m.

More information here: https://www.worksafebc.com/en/law-policy/public-hearings-consultations/current-public-hearings-and-consultations/november-2025-public-hearing-proposed-changes-ohs-regulation#msdynmkt_trackingcontext=5391bab9-4086-471d-a5d6-0572ff8e0300 ...

DON`T MISS OUT!

Early Bird Registration Ends at Midnight Tonight!

Save $130 on your all inclusive 3-day Convention & Trade Show pass!

Grab your tickets in the link in our bio! ...

The We Wai Kai First Nation, which has five reserve lands covering 685 hectares with a hub in Campbell River, is living proof that amid so much uncertainty about forestry’s future, one of the surest things going is the determination of some of BC’s First Nations to maintain the industry as a sustainable, profitable venture.

In a relatively short space of time, the We Wai Kai and other nations acquired a 34 per cent interest from Western Forest Product’s Mid Island Forest Operation. It also purchased 175,000 cubic metres of forest tenure from Interfor Corp., among many other gains.

But any group’s success is dependent on the dynamism of its leader, and on that score, Ronnie Chickite, currently serving his second, 4-year term as We Wai Kai chief, spearheads a collective determination to make his nation a force for direct involvement in forestry planning and decision-making, as well as management.

Read the full article in the link in our bio ...

Early Bird Registration Ends This Friday! 📅

Save $130 on your All Inclusive 3-day convention & trade show pass!

January 14-16, 2026

This years theme is Fostering Collaboration & Partnerships.

The power of working together is the key to building a stronger, more sustainable forestry sector. Across BC’s forest industry—from contractors and licensees to government, Indigenous communities, and suppliers—collaboration opens the door to innovation, shared success, and long-term growth. In a time of change and challenges, partnership is more than a strategy; it’s a foundation for progress. By strengthening relationships and aligning our efforts, we move forward with greater unity, purpose, and confidence—shaping a future that reflects the best of what we can achieve together.

Register and get your tickets in the link in our bio! ...

Lest We Forget. ...

Early Bird Registration Ends Soon!

Save $130 on your All Inclusive 3-day convention & trade show pass!

January 14-16, 2026

This years theme is Fostering Collaboration & Partnerships.

The power of working together is the key to building a stronger, more sustainable forestry sector. Across BC’s forest industry—from contractors and licensees to government, Indigenous communities, and suppliers—collaboration opens the door to innovation, shared success, and long-term growth. In a time of change and challenges, partnership is more than a strategy; it’s a foundation for progress. By strengthening relationships and aligning our efforts, we move forward with greater unity, purpose, and confidence—shaping a future that reflects the best of what we can achieve together.

Register and get your tickets in the link in our bio! ...

Following the BC Forestry Summit, the TLA was pleased to hear the encouraging remarks from Premier Eby and the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Federal Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities. Their commitment to a coordinated national approach in addressing softwood lumber tariffs is an important step toward ensuring the long-term stability and competitiveness of Canada’s forest sector. As the backbone of most BC communities, the TLA appreciates today’s much needed recognition that forestry remains critical to both BC and Canada’s economies.

The TLA emphasizes the importance of ensuring that a portion of the federal government’s $700 million in funding directly supports forestry’s timber harvesting contractors. By investing in boots-on-the-ground workers, this support can strengthen a sustainable and more certain forest industry.

BC was once the lowest cost lumber producer in North America and is now amongst the highest, making it increasingly difficult to operate in today’s market environment. There is an urgent need to improve certainty by diversifying markets, enhancing access to fibre, and reducing costs to ensure the industry’s long-term viability and global competitiveness. ...

- By Lorne Doerkson Liberal MLA for the Cariboo-Chilcotin.

"For decades forestry has been the backbone of our rural economy. It built schools, kept main streets busy, and put food on thousands of tables. But now forestry communities in every corner of the province are suffering as a result of the government’s decisions. Take for example the government’s own numbers. In reality, the situation is even worse: industry reports show that actual harvesting has dropped far below that mark, leaving mills short of timber, contractors without steady work, and local economies struggling to stay afloat.

What is even more alarming is the fact that the government’s own data show there is ample timber supply to maintain harvest levels around 60 million cubic metres without compromising sustainable green guidelines or regeneration targets. Yet instead of managing to that capacity, the Province has chosen to hold production well below it. When I meet with industry groups like the Truck Loggers Association , the frustration is clear. They’re not asking for special treatment, but rather for a government that listens, understands how things work on the ground, and designs policy accordingly. Workers don’t know if their jobs are safe. Businesses can’t plan for next season. Families can’t count on a stable future.

In practice, it’s not keeping up with either goal. If the Premier and the Minister of Forests truly want to support this industry, they should start by talking directly with the folks who’ve spent their lives harvesting timber. We need fewer studies and more action. We need permits processed faster. We need policies that support responsible harvesting, not endless paperwork. Most of all, we need leadership that recognizes forestry isn’t just an industry, but more importantly, the heartbeat and lifeblood of so many of our communities. It’s time for this government to stop blaming outside forces and start fixing what’s broken right here at home. Because if there’s one thing every worker, family and community associated with forestry understands, it’s this: Washington isn’t the problem. Victoria is. "

Full article in the link in our bio under Forestry News ...

According to a lesson sheet handed to Grade 6 students in Maple Ridge School District No. 42, located in the riding for Education Minister Lisa Beare (Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows), clearcutting harms both the land and animals. “The process of clearcutting often kills animals as well,” the exercise lesson added.

Little response has come from the BC government, except an acknowledgement that the information is wrong and the matter should be referred back to the school district to handle. The school district advises parents to talk to teachers.

“The curriculum should reflect accurate, evidence-based information that aligns with the Forest Act and Forest and Range Practices Act (FRPA), fostering respect for both the environment and the people who manage it,” Watson wrote.

“The FRPA requires forest management plans to address biodiversity, wildlife habitats, and soil conservation. For example, wildlife habitat areas and old-growth management areas are established to protect species like the marbled murrelet, and buffer zones around streams prevent soil erosion into waterways, directly addressing concerns about habitat loss and water quality.”

“The material presents a one-sided and false narrative that misrepresents BC`s world-class sustainable forestry practices, which are certified by third-party organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council and Sustainable Forestry Initiative, covering 46 per cent of BC`s forests,” Watson maintains. “It not only presents a negative image of the resource sector but is disrespectful to the current workforce and Indigenous Nations, many who partner in sustainable forestry operations.”

Ellen Long, director of education and forest literacy at Project Learning Tree (PLT) Canada, an organization that provides both teachers and students with forestry information and lesson plans, understands why Watson is disappointed in the information presented. The SSS exercise is “not a balanced or accurate description of the forest sector in BC, or anywhere in Canada for that matter,” she said.

Read the full article in the link in our bio under Forestry News and the Fall issue of TruckLogger BC Magazine. ...

TLA’s Statement on the Provincial Forest Advisory Council’s Interim Status Report

The TLA commends the Provincial Forest Advisory Council (PFAC) for its ongoing work to develop a long-term vision for BC’s forest sector, and release of its interim status report.

Following the completion of the council’s work on Phase 1, the TLA recognizes the significant effort that has gone into identifying the underlying issues, barriers, and key drivers influencing the performance of BC’s forest sector. Released on October 24, the interim report reflects a broad and inclusive consultation process, which included both formal and informal input from the TLA. The TLA thanks the council and its members for their dedication and commitment to this important process.

The TLA is encouraged that the council’s interim report acknowledges several critical issues that must be addressed if BC is to fully realize the potential of its forest sector, including:

- The lack of access to economic fibre is stifling investment, including the transition to value-added manufacturing.

- Current systems and structures are adding unnecessary costs and processes that are barriers to investment and innovation.

- The lack of cross-ministry coordination and fragmented mandates appear to be preventing action towards a coordinated set of goals.

- A rule-based, top-down-driven approach that can be costly, inefficient, and ineffective in achieving land management objectives.

- The need for better data and forest inventories.

The TLA looks forward to continued collaboration with the council as it advances into the next phase of its work. The TLA remains committed to supporting a policy framework that ensures the long-term competitiveness, sustainability, and social licence of BC’s forest sector.

The TLA believes that with a clear vision and coordinated action, BC’s forest industry can continue to provide sustainable jobs that support communities and contribute to the province’s economic and environmental goals. ...

B.C. is Burning: The Opportunity to Lead in Wildfire Resilience

By Murray Wilson

From the Forest to the Film

After decades as a forester in British Columbia, I thought my work in the bush was done. But when wildfire seasons became a major issue year after year, with the 2023 season alone burning 2.8 million hectares, more than 20 times what was harvested, it became impossible to stay silent.

Since 2017, more than 7.4 million hectares have burned, an area 2.5 times the size of Vancouver Island. These fires are reshaping our landscapes, communities, and future. Much of this destruction is preventable.

That’s why I produced B.C. is Burning, together with associate producers Ryan Tebbutt and Rick Maddison, which is a 45-minute, donation-funded documentary demonstrating that active forest management is our best solution. The message is simple: we can reduce wildfire risk, protect communities, and strengthen our forest sector if we act decisively.

Read the article in the Fall TruckLogger BC Magazine in the link in our bio or under Forestry News ...

Become a TLA Member!

Do you know that a TLA membership gives you access to:

- Specialized Benefits Programs including extended health, dental, life, disability and critical illness insurance plans.
- Exclusive Insurance Program
- Forestry Equipment Hourly Rates
- Affinity programs including fuel, hospitality, work wear, hearing & eyecare and more
- A collective community & networking opportunities
- Member Directory
- Job boards
- Access to the latest forestry news

You can become a member as an Industrial Member which come from all facets of the industry: logging contractors, manufacturers, forest agreement/license holders, brokers and phase contractors are a few examples of what is considered an industrial member.

You can also become a member as an Associate Member. Associate companies are any person, firm or organization who is engaged in work or services allied or associated in any way with the forest industry: equipment companies, insurance brokers, and investment companies are just some examples of our Associate Members.

Learn more here: https://www.tla.ca/membership/

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