NATIONAL STORIES

Why B.C.’s Forestry Crisis is Prompting an Emergency Meeting with Premier Eby

BC forestry stakeholders demand urgent provincial action on timber permitting and red tape, securing an emergency meeting with Premier David Eby.

Published

4 weeks ago

September 11, 2026

Current Editor

Emergency Talks Scheduled as Industry Shrinks

A broad coalition of British Columbia forestry stakeholders has secured an emergency meeting with the provincial government within a week after delivering an open letter to Premier David Eby. Representing loggers, truckers, First Nations, unions, and specialty groups, the 15 signatories are calling for immediate provincial intervention to stabilize a struggling sector.

The B.C. pulp industry has experienced significant contraction in recent years. “In the last 12 months, we have lost four pulp mills. In the last three years, we have lost seven. There were 17 pulp mills in B.C. three years ago – today there are 10. If we don’t take immediate action, that number will be single digits before this year ends and I believe in five-to-ten years, there will be no industry left,” stated Joe Nemeth from the B.C. Pulp and Paper Coalition.

Local Impacts and Sector Integration

In Kamloops, pulp operations form the core of the local forest sector, where the Kruger mill provides direct and indirect employment for hundreds of residents. Expanding U.S. Section 338 tariffs are anticipated to affect the pulp market, though Nemeth noted that direct trade impacts differ from lumber. “Unlike lumber, the tariffs aren’t as dramatic of a direct hit because we sell about 90 per cent of our pulp offshore, not to the United States,” Nemeth said. “We are not as exposed as lumber, which is about 50 per cent. However, pulp market pricing and pulp market demand is at a seasonal low, and it does that – it cycles up and down.”

Because wood fibre and chips account for 50 to 60 per cent of pulp manufacturing costs, pulp operations and sawmills depend heavily on one another. “If pulp mills are not operating we take six-to-seven sawmills with us for each pulp mill and vice-versa. We are closely integrated,” added Nemeth.

Permitting Delays and Proposed Relief

Industry leaders cite access to timber as their primary challenge, pointing to substantial delays in obtaining provincial approvals. “We need readily, timely access to timber. That is our number one issue. And to give you a real poignant example, if you go one province over to Alberta, it takes weeks to get a cutting permit, whereas in British Columbia, it now takes years of red tape and cost,” said Nemeth.

Kamloops MLA and forestry critic Ward Stamer expressed support for the recommendations submitted by the Council of Forest Industries (COFI), urging swift government intervention. “I support the recommendations submitted by COFI. We need to act quickly and swiftly if we are to save our forest industry. Quicker permitting for wildfire salvage and BCTS sales. Any relief from BC government in fees, fuel, taxes,” said Stamer. Industry representatives suggest that expanding the allowable cut and streamlining permit timelines offer practical avenues for rapid government action.

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NATIONAL STORIES

Search Continues After Ontario-Based Medical Flight Vanishes Near Massachusetts Coast

U.S. Coast Guard crews are searching near Nantucket for a missing Latitude Air Ambulance jet carrying four Canadians and two passengers from Bermuda.

Published

2 days ago

October 5, 2026

Current Editor

Emergency Search Underway Off Nantucket

Air and ground search teams are scanning waters approximately 150 kilometres southeast of Boston after a medical transport aircraft vanished early Saturday morning. Contact with the Gulfstream G100 jet was lost around 1:30 a.m. as it made its approach toward Boston from Bermuda, prompting a response from the U.S. Coast Guard following notification by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Flight Carrying Crew and Patients

The aircraft is operated by Hamilton-based Latitude Air Ambulance. According to Clarence Togeretz, operations manager for the company, six individuals were aboard the flight. The crew consists of two Canadian pilots and two Canadian medical staff members. They were transporting two Bermuda nationals, identified as a patient and a family member.

Response and Ongoing Inquiries

Togeretz confirmed that the company contacted American authorities after the plane failed to land on the tarmac as scheduled. He noted that this marks the first instance where the operator has lost contact with one of its aircraft, adding that the team is holding onto optimism while praying for a safe resolution. Latitude Air Ambulance has reached out to Transport Canada regarding the incident. Meanwhile, provincial air ambulance provider Ornge expressed support via social media, stating it hopes the aircraft and everyone on board are located safely and quickly.

NATIONAL STORIES

Why Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre Questions Mark Carney’s New Pipeline Stance

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre criticizes Mark Carney’s pipeline proposal, calling him an illusion and questioning his shift on oil and gas.

Published

5 days ago

October 2, 2026

Current Editor

Poilievre Dismisses Carney’s Fast-Track Pipeline Proposal

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has expressed strong skepticism regarding Mark Carney, describing him as an “illusion” ahead of an upcoming major announcement. Poilievre questioned Carney’s recent backing of a proposal to fast-track and construct a West Coast pipeline project.

Contrasting Past Record with Recent Statements

Poilievre highlighted Carney’s history over the past decade, pointing out that the former banker worked to defund oil and gas, established an alliance aimed at shutting down the sector, opposed a Pacific pipeline, and advocated for higher carbon taxes.

“I don’t know how you can go in three years from believing oil and gas is going to end the world to believing you support oil and gas,” Poilievre stated. “I guess miracles are possible. He claims to have changed his mind but he hasn’t really changed the results. There’s been a lot of talk.”

Comparisons to Foreign Project Delivery

In assessing the situation, the Conservative leader observed that large-scale infrastructure projects are completed rapidly in nations like Germany and the United States.

NATIONAL STORIES

Michael J. Fox Earns Canada’s Highest Civilian Distinction for Parkinson’s Work

Michael J. Fox was elevated to companion of the Order of Canada alongside 50 other honourees, including UBC engineering professor Yusuf Altintas.

Published

5 days ago

October 2, 2026

Current Editor

National Honours Presented at Rideau Hall

During an investiture ceremony on Friday morning at Rideau Hall, Gov. Gen. Louise Arbour formally elevated celebrated actor and advocate Michael J. Fox to the companion level of the Order of Canada, drawing a standing ovation from attendees. Rideau Hall cited his unflinching honesty and powerful global advocacy concerning Parkinson’s disease for the elevation. Fox, who publicly disclosed his diagnosis in 1998, has helped generate $2.5 billion for research into the progressive nervous system disorder, which causes tremors, slowness, stiffness, memory difficulties, and depression.

Distinguished Inductees Recognized Across Fields

A total of 51 individuals joined or advanced within the Order of Canada during the Friday event. Arbour praised the group in French for directing their skills, influence, and effort toward the public good rather than personal gain alone, noting that Fox serves as a shining example of using courage, imagination, and determination to foster lasting progress.

The newly honoured members and officers include noteworthy figures across various disciplines. University of British Columbia mechanical engineering professor Yusuf Altintas was inducted as an officer alongside McGill University professor Nada Jabado, who was recognized for her contributions to pediatric neuro-oncology. Former Bank of Canada governor Stephen Poloz became an officer for his efforts supporting international trade and economic stability. Sculptor Ruth Elsie Abernethy entered as a member for her worldwide bronze statues exploring heritage, gender, and nation-building, while Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist Susanne Craig was named a member for her impactful reporting across major American and Canadian news outlets.