Thomson on task force
Jon Manchester - Feb 23, 2017 - Biz Releases

Photo: BC Government Flickr

Kelowna-Mission MLA Steve Thomson, B.C.’s minister of forests, lands and natural resource operations, has been tapped to participate in a federal-provincial task force on softwood lumber.

“Given the importance of forestry to B.C.’s economy and the fact that B.C. accounts for over 50 per cent of Canada’s softwood lumber exports to the U.S., I’m pleased to be able to participate in this task force,” Thomson said of federal Minister of Natural Resources Jim Carr’s announcement.

“I’m committed to working closely with my federal and provincial colleagues to assess our collective readiness to respond to the needs of workers and communities affected by U.S. trade action.”

Thomson said reaching a new softwood lumber trade agreement with the U.S. remains a top priority for the B.C. government.

David Emerson was recently appointed B.C.’s special trade envoy to the United States and will be working closely with the federal government on “ensuring Americans are aware of how B.C. softwood lumber products support the U.S. economy and how unwarranted duties impact their dream of home ownership,” said Thomson.

The B.C. forest industry employs more than 60,000 people in 140 communities across the province.


All Biz Releases Stories