Doerkson backs federal budget, calls for BC to get majority of $6.5 billion in forestry funding
Premier-designate Lorne Doerkson called the federal budget tabled November 5, 2026 an encouraging and ambitious statement about Canada's economy, and said BC should receive most of the $6.5 billion in forestry support over six years.
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Premier-designate Lorne Doerkson called the federal budget tabled on November 5, 2026 an "encouraging and ambitious statement" about Canada's economic future, and said British Columbia should receive the majority of $6.5 billion in new federal support for the forestry sector, CityNews Vancouver reported on November 5.
What the federal budget includes for forestry
The federal budget sets aside $6.5 billion over six years, starting in 2027-28, to support Canada's forest industry as it faces combined US tariffs and duties of about 35 per cent. The funding breaks down as:
- $4 billion for a new forestry sector accelerator to invest in large facilities and convert them to biorefineries, biofuel operations and other projects
- $2 billion to modernize mills and equipment
- $500 million to improve fibre supply through forest management, land stewardship and technology
Doerkson told The Canadian Press, as reported by CityNews Vancouver, that forestry is a "key generator" for the provincial economy and that he hopes the majority of the funding will flow to BC.
Industry response
Kim Haakstad, president and chief executive of the BC Council of Forest Industries, said the $6.5 billion recognizes forestry's importance to Canada's economy "and comes at a critical time for workers, businesses and communities facing a deepening crisis in the sector." She said, however, that funding alone "cannot resolve the strain on our competitiveness."
"We need a clear strategy with concrete actions and timelines to get more wood moving, attract investment, and protect forestry jobs and communities," Haakstad said.
She said timely implementation will be essential because the new money does not start until 2027-28. "Companies need improved conditions to keep operating today so they can invest in the opportunities of tomorrow."
Ravi Parmar, BC's outgoing forests minister, said the funding is a "good start" and that BC needs its fair share given the billions already directed to the auto and steel sectors.
Forestry groups in BC have warned the industry is at a breaking point, with numerous mill closures in recent years.
What was promised
The Conservative Party of BC platform, page 16, promises to set a floor of 45 million cubic metres for the annual timber harvest, compared with the 29 million cubic metres the current provincial budget assumes. Page 17 promises to create a major-project style permitting process for forestry so approvals take months instead of years, to remove permit costs the party calls unnecessary so mills can reopen, and to make sure First Nations benefit fully from any federal funding to support the forestry industry. The status of these promises is tracked at voche.me.
Questions this story answers
What did Lorne Doerkson say about the federal budget on November 5, 2026?
CityNews Vancouver reported on November 5 that premier-designate Lorne Doerkson called the federal budget an 'encouraging and ambitious statement' about Canada's economic future. He said it recognizes BC's 'tremendous opportunity' in transportation and resources. He said he hopes the majority of the forestry funding will flow to BC.
How much is the federal government putting toward forestry in the November 5, 2026 budget?
The federal budget includes $6.5 billion over six years, starting 2027-28, to support Canada's forest industry. This breaks down as $4 billion for a new forestry sector accelerator to invest in large facilities and convert them to biorefineries and biofuel operations, $2 billion to modernize mills and equipment, and $500 million to improve fibre supply through forest management and technology.
What US tariffs is the BC forestry sector facing?
CityNews Vancouver reported that Canada's forestry sector faces combined US tariffs and duties of about 35 per cent. The federal funding is intended to help the sector improve productivity and competitiveness while facing those tariffs.
What did BC Council of Forest Industries say about the federal forestry funding?
Kim Haakstad, president and chief executive of the BC Council of Forest Industries, told The Canadian Press, as reported by CityNews Vancouver on November 5, that the $6.5 billion recognizes forestry's importance to Canada's economy and comes at a critical time. She said funding alone cannot resolve the strain on competitiveness, and that the industry needs a clear strategy with concrete actions and timelines. She said timely implementation is essential because the money does not start until 2027-28.
What did BC's outgoing forests minister say about the federal budget?
Ravi Parmar, BC's outgoing forests minister, told The Canadian Press, as reported by CityNews Vancouver on November 5, that the federal money is a good start. He said BC needs its fair share of funding given the billions that have gone to the auto and steel sectors.
What has the Conservative Party of BC promised on forestry?
The Conservative Party of BC platform, page 16, promises to set a floor of 45 million cubic metres for the annual timber harvest, compared with the 29 million cubic metres the current provincial budget assumes. Page 17 promises to create a major-project style process for forestry permits so approvals take months instead of years, to remove permit costs the party calls unnecessary so mills can reopen, and to ensure First Nations benefit fully from any federal funding to support the forestry industry. These promises are tracked at voche.me.
How long has the BC forestry sector been struggling?
CityNews Vancouver reported on November 5 that forestry groups in BC have warned the industry is at a breaking point, with numerous mill closures in recent years. Kim Haakstad of the BC Council of Forest Industries said the industry's work with both levels of government has focused on stabilizing the sector.
When will the federal forestry funding start flowing?
The federal funding of $6.5 billion begins in 2027-28, according to CityNews Vancouver's November 5 report. Kim Haakstad of the BC Council of Forest Industries said the two-year gap before money arrives makes timely implementation essential, so the sector can keep operating in the meantime.
Sources
The pages this story draws on. Open one to check a claim yourself.
- CityNews Vancouver — Doerkson backs budget, November 5, 2026vancouver.citynews.ca
- CityNews Vancouver — federal budget and BC, November 5, 2026vancouver.citynews.ca
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