VANCOUVER, BC (April 7, 2026): This week, the BC Council of Forest Industries (COFI) will convene its Annual Convention, bringing together more than 600 industry delegates, community and First Nations leaders, and government representatives. The gathering comes at a critical turning point as the sector navigates a perfect storm of mill closures, volatile global markets, and ongoing trade disputes.
To weather the storm, focus must be on the factors within BC’s control. Action on critical policies has been too slow. As mills close and communities face the impact, the COFI Convention serves as a vital platform to align on practical solutions such as improving timber supply, streamlining regulations, and fixing the business environment to improve global competitiveness.
Forestry is a Solution
This year’s convention theme, Forestry is a Solution, mirrors a province-wide initiative highlighting the deep-rooted support British Columbians have for the workers and families that depend on a vibrant forest economy.
“The challenges we face are significant, so the importance of coming together right now cannot be overstated,” said Kim Haakstad, President and CEO, COFI. “The Forestry is a Solution campaign demonstrates that British Columbians understand the sector’s value—not just as an economic driver, but as essential in meeting our housing and climate goals and supporting the high quality of life we enjoy in this province.”
- Take Action: Learn more and voice your support by sending a letter to your MLA at forestryisasolution.com
New Economic Data Confirms Sector Resilience
COFI today released its updated study, Rooted in BC: Economic Impact of Forestry. Led by COFI Chief Economist Dr. Kurt Niquidet and independently validated by BDO Canada LLP, the research underscores that even during periods of contraction, forestry remains an indispensable pillar of the BC economy.
The study confirms that the sector continues to support tens of thousands of high-paying jobs and contributes billions to the provincial GDP, reinforcing that a healthy forest industry is a solution for the fiscal health of British Columbia.
Essential Forest Products for Daily Life
From the low-carbon timber in our housing to the packaging in our pantries and the toilet paper on the roll, forest products are deeply intwined in our daily lives. As industry and government leaders meet this week, the focus is on ensuring BC’s renewable forest products remain at the heart of a sustainable future.
Links
- Convention Agenda
- Forestry is a Solution
- Rooted in BC: Economic Impact of Forestry (Executive Summary)
- Rooted in BC (Technical Report)
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Media contacts:
Travis Joern
Director of Communications & Events, BC Council of Forest Industries (COFI)
778-846-3465
joern@cofi.org
Greg Descantes
604-417-1379
gdescantes@pacegroup.com