Forestry’s contributions to B.C – August 27, 2021

A major contribution to our province

Re: “Move B.C.’s forestry jobs into other sectors,” commentary, Aug. 25.

Comparing B.C. temporarily shedding 400,000 jobs in two months — during a pandemic — with the wholesale permanent end to well-paying forestry and wood manufacturing jobs is apocalyptic fantasy.

To end forestry in B.C. would be to end all homes as we know them. What happens to all those construction and carpentry jobs on top of the forestry and wood manufacturing jobs the writer wants to eliminate?

Concrete and steel don’t store carbon, are less pleasing esthetically, and much less safe in an earthquake zone. Forestry wildfires would be worse without forestry thinning, windfirming and fire hazard abatement by industry.

One cannot ignore the fact that forestry does make a significant contribution to our province and that 50,000 residents and 140 communities are directly forestry dependent — and proud of it.

These workers make it possible for us to celebrate the architectural, spiritual, ancestral and cultural gems of wood end products including totem poles, tall wood buildings, sports arenas, boats, guitars, violins, pianos and cultural masks, along with our humble homes. And in tourism, where is there a hotel, resort, or cabin, that doesn’t include wood as part of the attraction?

The Island’s brand new Malahat Skywalk, is 10 storeys of local Douglas Fir, creating tourism jobs.

The world is a better place with wood and forestry jobs. Our province and communities need and want sustainable wood, along with all its positive economic, environmental, community and esthetic qualities.

Bob Brash, executive director
Truck Loggers Association