VANCOUVER, B.C. — Public and Private Workers of Canada (PPWC) National President Geoff Dawe attended the Forestry Summit held in Vancouver last week, where discussions focused on the urgent challenges facing Canada’s forest sector. The event brought together key federal and provincial leaders, including Federal Ministers Dominic LeBlanc, Gregory Roberts, Tim Hodgson, and John Zerucelli, along with B.C. Premier David Eby and Forests Minister Ravi Parmar.
The summit provided an important forum for labour, government, and industry to share strategies to stabilize forestry communities and safeguard jobs during this period of deep uncertainty.
“The PPWC was proud to represent forestry workers at this vital summit,” said Geoff Dawe, PPWC National President. “Our members, and the communities they support, are being hit hard by the ongoing U.S. softwood lumber tariffs, which have created a severe economic strain across British Columbia. We urged federal and provincial leaders to provide immediate relief and support for forestry workers and their families. These tariffs are not just a trade issue — they are a people issue, and working Canadians are paying the price.”
The PPWC emphasized that any long-term solution must include worker-focused supports, investment in sustainable forest management, and a fair, stable trade environment with the United States. “We stand ready to work with all levels of government and industry to develop a sustainable path forward,” Dawe added. “Workers cannot be left to bear the brunt of trade disputes. It’s time to prioritize the livelihoods of those who built this industry.”
In addition to addressing the tariff crisis, the PPWC called for stronger protections for workers’ rights, fair collective bargaining, and long-term policies that put people before profits. The union stressed that forestry workers have shown resilience through years of uncertainty, mill closures, and community disruptions — yet they continue to produce world-class, sustainable products that drive Canada’s economy.
“We cannot allow decades of skilled labour and experience to be lost because of unfair trade practices,” said Dawe. “These are good, family-supporting jobs that sustain entire towns across B.C. and beyond. Protecting these jobs means protecting the future of our rural communities.”
Dawe also urged government leaders to recognize the critical role that forestry plays in achieving Canada’s environmental and economic goals. The PPWC continues to advocate for green jobs and sustainable forest management practices that protect ecosystems while ensuring long-term employment for workers.
“If we want a sustainable future, we must ensure that forestry workers are part of the solution,” Dawe noted. “We need federal and provincial programs that invest directly in job training, innovation, and the transition to more sustainable forest practices — not just corporate subsidies that fail to trickle down to the people doing the work.”
The PPWC reaffirmed its commitment to standing up for its members and all Canadian forestry workers. “This is a pivotal moment for the forestry sector,” said Dawe. “We call on Ottawa and Victoria to take bold action that protects workers’ rights, stabilizes the industry, and ensures that no worker or community is left behind.”
Media contact:
Geoff Dawe
President, Public and Private Workers of Canada (PPWC)
nationalpresident@ppwc.ca
ppwc.ca
