Published • loading... • Updated
UBCM Endorses Nanaimo Call to Ban Raw Log Exports
The resolution cites 2.8 million to 3.5 million cubic metres of raw logs exported over five years and says local mills need more fibre.
- From September 16-18, the Union of British Columbia Municipalities endorsed Nanaimo's request to ban raw log and lumber exports from British Columbia, a resolution the union will use when advocating for provincial policy changes.
- Inadequate fibre supply has driven permanent closures of British Columbia's sawmills and pulp mills, causing employment and tax losses in resource-dependent communities. Under the B.C. Forest Act's surplus test, closed mills make raw log exports easier rather than domestic processing.
- Log exports valued at around $400 million annually remained stable in 2024 and 2025, with China dominating at $220 million, Japan at $100 million, and the U.S. at $40 million. Between 2.8 to 3.5 million cubic metres of raw logs were exported over the past five years.
- Paul Manly, who championed the motion at Nanaimo council, told the News Bulletin that current practices are insufficient. "If we want to have a forest industry, it has to be more than just cutting down trees and exporting them as raw product," Manly said.
- UBCM membership has consistently endorsed resolutions supporting community forests and value-added manufacturing initiatives. The Association of Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities endorsed the proposal before it reached the union, positioning local processing as central to future forest policy.
Insights by Ground AI
14 Articles
14 Articles
Coverage Details
Total News Sources14
Leaning Left13Leaning Right0Center0Last UpdatedBias Distribution100% Left
Bias Distribution
- 100% of the sources lean Left
100% Left
L 100%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
