British Columbia’s forest sector faces mounting pressures: declining land base, reduced harvest levels, and diminishing returns to both government and the public. This panel brings together key voices — the Deputy Minister of Forests, a leading forest industry CEO, and a respected economist — to explore what it takes to maintain a stable forest economy in today’s climate.

Panelists will examine the economic indicators and drivers behind current forest sector stress; the initiatives and progress by the province on restoring sector health, with a focus on stabilization of the timber harvesting landbase; and important factors to consider and steps the sector can take to stabilize and expand investment levels as well as timber supply.

The session will offer insights tailored to forest professionals across government, First Nations, consulting, and industry. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of the systemic challenges and actionable ideas for strengthening BC’s forest economy.

Learning Outcomes
By the end of this presentation, attendees will have learned the following:

1. The economic indicators and drivers behind current forest sector stress.
2. The initiatives and progress by the province on restoring sector health, with a focus on stabilization of the timber harvesting landbase.
3. 3. Important factors to consider and steps the sector can take to stabilize and expand investment levels as well as timber supply.
4. A clearer understanding of the systemic challenges and actionable ideas for strengthening BC’s forest economy.