The B.C. government has announced the formation of a new softwood lumber advisory council tasked with advancing the provinces interests in the long-standing dispute with the United States.
Yet Ward Stamer, BC Conservative forest critic and Kamloops-North Thompson MLA, took issue with the number of union representatives on the new council.
“There is a bunch of union representatives — I don’t know why they need three or four union representatives on a council such as this,” said Ward Stamer, BC Conservative forest critic and Kamloops-North Thompson MLA. “We have some serious questions and concerns with regards to that. Where is the representation from the legislature? There is nobody from our party. There is nobody from the Green Party. We just have these people who have been thrown together to come up with these ideas. I’m not entirely sure what this is going to accomplish.”
Read Stamer’s statement at CFJC News
PPWC national President Geoff Dawe has written a response below:
“The inclusion of union representatives in the new softwood lumber advisory council is not only justified but necessary to ensure a well-rounded approach to this long-standing trade dispute. The softwood lumber industry is not just about government policy and trade negotiations—it is about the thousands of workers whose livelihoods depend on a fair and sustainable industry.
Unions bring a critical perspective to the table, representing the frontline workers who experience firsthand the impacts of U.S. tariffs, mill closures, and shifts in trade policy. They understand the day-to-day challenges of the industry, from job security to working conditions, and their input is vital in crafting solutions that protect both the workforce and the long-term stability of the sector.
Moreover, successful trade negotiations require a united front, where all stakeholders—government officials, industry leaders, and workers—have a say in shaping the strategy. Excluding labor representation would mean ignoring the people who are directly affected by the policies being debated. A council that includes union voices ensures that any solutions proposed are not just focused on corporate or political interests but also on sustaining jobs, communities, and the broader economy.
While political parties play an important role in legislative oversight, trade negotiations and industry policy are not solely partisan matters. The inclusion of union representatives is a recognition that the strength of the Canadian softwood lumber industry depends on the people who work in it. If the goal is to create a strong and competitive sector, then the voices of those who keep it running every day must be heard.”
