Forestry has long been a cornerstone of British Columbia’s economy, supporting tens of thousands of jobs and rural communities. However, mismanagement, high costs, and a lack of federal support have led to mill closures, job losses, and declining investment. The people of Cowichan-Malahat-Langford deserve a representative who will fight for the industry, yet Alistair MacGregor has been noticeably absent on this critical issue.
Federal Involvement in BC Forestry
Although forestry is primarily a provincial responsibility, the federal government plays a significant role in shaping its future through policies on trade, taxation, environmental regulations, and funding programs.
- Federal policies, such as carbon taxes and stringent environmental regulations, have made it very difficult for BC’s mills and logging operations to stay competitive.
- The Canada-U.S. softwood lumber dispute has cost BC billions in tariffs, it seems Ottawa has done little to secure a fair deal.
- If the NDP-backed Liberal government had spent part of these billions on tree planting it would have helped the environment and ensured a healthy supply for the forest industry's future.
The Role of MP Alistair MacGregor
Alistair MacGregor, our federal NDP MP, has failed to champion forestry despite its importance to our local economy. Instead of working with federal counterparts to secure funding, advocate for trade fairness, or push for policies that support forestry jobs, he has chosen to focus elsewhere.
- His legislative record shows little engagement with forestry issues.
- There are no major funding initiatives he has secured for the industry.
If he had taken meaningful action, we would have heard about it. His failure to lead on forestry is unacceptable.
A Federal Conservative Plan to Support Forestry
A Conservative government would take real steps to strengthen BC’s forestry sector:
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Low-Interest Loans for Secondary Industries– We will help mills and manufacturers expand value-added wood processing, greatly creating many more stable jobs.
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Trade Fairness– We will fight for a better softwood lumber deal and push back against unfair U.S. tariffs.
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Better Use of Taxpayer Dollars– Instead of throwing money at ineffective “green” slush funds, we will invest in industries that actually support our communities and their economies while enhancing the environment.
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Instead of Logs Being Sold out of our country in the round, we will invest in manufacturing our forest products into finished products for the retail markets of the world.
- Prefab Wooden Housing will greatly enhance the supply of affordable homes in large volumes that are quick to build.
BC’s forestry workers don’t need empty rhetoric or welfare—they need action, jobs and living wages. It’s time for a leadership that fights for our jobs and for our economy!