BC’s forest sector is at a crossroads — facing serious challenges, yet offering real solutions to some of our province’s most urgent needs: housing, wildfire mitigation, reconciliation, and building a stronger provincial economy. At a time of unprecedented change, partnership and collaboration have never been more important. Under the theme “Forestry is a Solution,” the 2026 COFI Convention will bring together leaders from industry, government, First Nations, and communities across the forest value chain. Together, we’ll explore how forestry can rise to meet this moment — helping build a more resilient future for British Columbia. Join us April 8–10, 2026, at the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver. Register now or learn more about partnership opportunities here: cofi.zohobackstage.ca/COFI20…

🌱 More than 200 million seedlings are planted in B.C. every year. Reforestation is core to sustainable forest management. After harvesting, forest professionals work to renew healthy, diverse forests suited to local conditions. Because responsible forestry is about both what we use today — and what we grow for tomorrow. 🌲 #BCForestry #SustainableForestry #Reforestation #ForestryIsASolution

The best way to learn about forestry jobs? Get into the field! 🌲 Prince George Secondary students joined COFI, @CanforCorp, BC Wildfire Service & John Mainville for a firsthand look at the skills and opportunities in forestry. They learned about measuring trees, putting out wildfires, and Anishinaabe knowledge. #BCForestry #ForestryEducation

Forestry supports workers and communities in every corner of BC: $13 Billion in GDP 85,000 jobs 1 in 4 forestry jobs in Lower Mainland Forestry helped build BC. A strong, competitive forest sector will help build its future. #BCForestry #BCPoli

2026 BC Election: Forestry Platform Comparisons BC’s forest sector supports good jobs, strong communities and one in five manufacturing workers across the province. It provides the renewable materials we need to build homes and everyday products, supports reconciliation and helps reduce wildfire risk. But urgent action is needed to stop the deepening crisis in BC’s forest sector. Since 2022, more than 15,000 forestry jobs have been lost, and over 20 mills have closed or curtailed. As British Columbians prepare to vote, COFI has outlined key policy priorities to restore competitiveness, secure an affordable wood supply and keep people working. We've compared COFI's recommended actions with the forestry commitments put forward by the BC NDP and Conservative Party of BC. Read the full statement and platform comparison: cofi.org/2026-bc-election-fo… #BCForestry #BCPoli

"We've got to find a way to reduce the costs of doing business in British Columbia for forest companies. Asking us to pay for commitments that government has made without us at the table is not a good way to do that." Listen to the full interview with COFI President and CEO Kim Haakstad on @JasJohalBC: open.spotify.com/episode/4Rb… #BCPoli #BCForestry

B.C. needs more than major projects to build a strong economy. Major projects bring investment, infrastructure and jobs. But we also need to strengthen the industries already supporting communities across B.C. Forestry is one of them. With a provincial election underway, B.C.’s forest sector is facing a deepening crisis. Every mill closure puts jobs, manufacturing capacity and expertise at risk — much of which may never return. We can build for the future while protecting the industries that built our province. Read the full op-ed in the Times Colonist: timescolonist.com/opinion/co… #BCForestry #BCPoli

When the mill runs, the community runs. 🌲 Mills are economic anchors. They support local businesses, contractors and suppliers, generate tax revenue, and help sustain jobs and services across BC. They also produce the everyday essentials we depend on — building materials, furniture, toilet paper, packaging, and more. Forestry’s impact reaches far beyond the mill gate. Strong mills. Strong supply chains. Strong communities. A stronger BC. #BCpoli #BCForestry

Forestry helps build the homes BC needs. Wood is a sustainable building material that supports faster construction and stores carbon. Building more with wood means putting BC’s renewable resources to work, reducing emissions, building housing, and supporting communities across the province. #BCForestry #BCPoli #Housing

A strong forest sector helps support the public services British Columbians rely on. Through stumpage, taxes, tenure fees and other revenues, the forest sector in BC generates $3.4 billion annually for federal, provincial and municipal governments—helping fund health care, education, infrastructure and other priorities across the province. When forestry is strong, the benefits reach far beyond the mill. #BCForestry #BCPoli

21% of BC's merchandise exports are forest products. From low-carbon lumber to build homes around the world to the pulp and paper products we use everyday, BC's forest sector delivers what the world wants and needs. #Bcforestry

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an oportunity to listen, learn and reflect on the history and experiences of Indigenous Peoples in Canada, and on the role we can each play in advancing reconciliation. At COFI, we recognize the importance of strong, respectful partnerships with First Nations and remain committed to listening, learning and working together toward a shared future. To find an event near you, go to: canada.ca/en/canadian-herita… #NationalDayForTruthAndReconciliation #NDTR

Last week, COFI attended the 3rd annual Indigenous Forestry Conference in Prince George, hosted by Indigenous Economic Pathways and co-hosted by the Lheidli T'enneh First Nation. From climate-smart forestry and carbon finance to data management within forest tenures, one takeaway was clear: Indigenous leadership and partnerships are helping shape the future of forestry. Thank you to the organizers, speakers, and everyone who shared their knowledge and perspectives. #IFC2026 #BCForestry #BCPoli

COFI is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2026 Forestry Scholarships, recognizing students pursuing careers across BC’s forest sector. “BC’s forest sector is built on the skill, ingenuity and dedication of its people,” said Kim Haakstad. “These students are bringing fresh ideas, perspectives and talent to forestry at an important time for our industry. We’re proud to support the next generation as they build careers that will help shape the future of forestry in BC.” Career opportunities span the full forestry value chain, including forest management, manufacturing, engineering, technology and skilled trades. See the list of 2026 scholarship winners in the the full announcement here: cofi.org/cofi-announces-the-… #NationalForestWeek #BCForestry #Scholarship

Happy #NationalForestWeek! 🌲 Forests are part of Canada’s identity — supporting families, strengthening our economy and creating opportunities from coast to coast. Here in BC, people have built careers, communities, and livelihoods around our forests for generations, caring for them, managing them and turning wood into essential products used every day. This week, we celebrate the people, knowledge and innovation behind one of Canada’s most important renewable resources. #BCForestry #ForestryIsASolution

WTF! Where’s the Fibre? 🌲 BC has the trees and expertise. Forestry businesses need faster permits, lower costs and greater certainty to invest. Great conversations at the ILMA Convention in Osoyoos this week on wood supply, competitiveness and the future of BC forestry. #BCForestry #ForestryisaSolution #bcpoli

Forestry matters to communities across BC, and local government leaders are essential partners in strengthening the sector. COFI had a big presence at #UBCM2026, connecting with mayors, councillors and delegates throughout the week. From the Forestry panel at the Resource Works Get it Done BC event and remarks at the Tuesday Luncheon, to conversations at our trade show booth and a packed COFI reception, forestry was front and centre. A strong forest sector supports jobs, local businesses and services in communities across the province — and can help BC build more homes, reduce wildfire risk and strengthen local economies. Thank you to everyone who connected with us this week to discuss the challenges facing forestry and the actions we can take together to improve competitiveness and strengthen the sector. Resilient forests. Resilient communities. Stronger together. #BCForestry #BCPoli #UBCM2026

“Forestry is BC’s most important industry.” — Minister Adrian Dix, speaking at today’s Resource Works #GetItDoneBC event. We couldn’t agree more. Kim Haakstad @COFI_INFO joined the conversation with Peter Lister @truckloggerBC, and Cam McAlpine about what it will take to strengthen BC’s forest sector and get more wood moving. The impact of the forest sector reaches across BC. It supports workers, suppliers and communities. It produces building materials for homes, essential products we rely on every day, and opportunities for renewable energy through biomass. Forest Service Roads also provide access for tourism, recreation and mineral exploration. BC has the expertise, skilled workforce and infrastructure. Let’s get the wood moving and put those advantages to work. The opportunity is here. The need for action is urgent. Let’s Get It Done for BC forestry. #BCForestry #BCPoli #ForestryIsASolution #GetItDoneBC #UBCM2026 @adriandix