Vancouver, B.C. – BC Council of Forest Industries (COFI) President and CEO Susan Yurkovich released the following statement in response to today’s announcement that the BC Government is doubling the rates of resource revenue shared with First Nations:
“COFI and our member companies have long advocated for increased government revenue sharing with First Nations for forestry activities taking place on their traditional territories and today’s announcement is a positive step in that direction. As government-to-government work advances to co-develop a new model, we will be here to support this process.
Indigenous Peoples are at the heart of the discussion on the future of forestry as rights holders, owners, business and stewardship partners and employees. As this fiscal relationship continues to evolve, and as the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act continues to be implemented in B.C., we remain committed to doing our part to support the path towards reconciliation.”
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About the BC Council of Forest Industries
The BC Council of Forest Industries (COFI) represents the majority of lumber, pulp and paper, and manufactured wood producers across the province – an industry that remains a cornerstone of the economy, supporting good jobs and a better quality of life for British Columbians.
COFI advocates for the interests of its members and works with government, First Nations, communities, labour and other partners to promote a healthy, diversified, and sustainable forest industry that benefits people and families across BC. In addition to corporate members, COFI also provides Quality Control services to a broader group of companies.
Guiding us in the work we do each day is our Statement of Sustainability Commitments and Statement on Reconciliation.