A group of elected officials from Vancouver Island is calling on both provincial and federal governments to intervene and address the escalating challenges facing the coastal forestry sector.

A Sector in Decline

Forestry operations along British Columbia’s coast are in steep decline. The industry is grappling with a combination of high production costs, dwindling demand for traditional forest products, inadequate infrastructure (especially in transportation), labour shortages, and complex regulatory hurdles. These pressures are taking a toll on mills, small forestry businesses, and the communities that rely on timber for economic survival.

A major concern is the erosion of competitiveness compared to forestry operations in other regions. Rising transportation expenses, slow permitting processes, and increasingly stringent environmental regulations—without adequate support—are making coastal forestry less sustainable. The consequences have been stark: mill closures, job losses, and shrinking municipal tax bases, which in turn strain local services.

What the Coalition Is Proposing

Island representatives are urging governments to implement a coordinated support plan, which includes:

• Infrastructure investment: Funding for roads, ports, and rail to lower transport costs and improve market access.
• Innovation incentives: Support for value-added wood manufacturing to reduce reliance on raw log exports.
• Regulatory reform: Streamlining approval processes while maintaining environmental protections.
• Labour development: Training and retention programs to address workforce shortages, especially in remote areas.
• Indigenous partnerships: Strengthening collaboration in forest management and economic development, with respect for Indigenous rights and expertise.
• Trade support: Exploring new markets and reducing export barriers for forest products.

Why Urgency Matters

Forestry remains a cornerstone of economic stability for many Island communities, particularly in remote and forest-rich areas. With shifting global demand and intensifying competition, leaders warn that without swift intervention, the region risks long-term economic damage.

They also emphasize that a weakened forestry sector threatens responsible forest stewardship. Financially strained operators may be forced to cut corners or forego sustainable practices—jeopardizing both environmental health and future viability.

A visitor to Sayward found themselves in a tricky situation when their drone became stranded—30 metres high in a tree perched on a cliff near the Sayward wharf. What followed was five hours of determination, inventive thinking, and the remarkable generosity of the Sayward community.

From an electrician who showed up with a bucket truck, to the unforgettable arrival of Adam—a skilled tree faller who rappelled down the cliff with Mission Impossible flair—the people of Sayward came together in the most extraordinary way.

What started as a moment of stress and disappointment transformed into one of relief, deep gratitude, and a renewed belief in the power of kindness and ingenuity. Immense thanks to Adam & Melissa, Megan, Mike, Hans, Frank & Faith, and the wider Sayward community—you reminded us what true neighbourliness looks like.

Video Credit Grey Whale Tales and Trails

Ninety-six executives from Canada’s oil and gas sector have signed an open letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney, urging the federal government to take stronger action to support resource development. The letter, titled “Build Canada Now”, argues that regulatory and fiscal barriers are discouraging investment and preventing the industry from reaching its full potential.

The signatories, which include senior leaders from companies such as Suncor Energy and Enbridge, say that while recent steps like the creation of a Major Projects Office and an Indigenous advisory council are positive, they fall short of what is needed to ensure long-term growth.

Main concerns raised by the industry

• Regulatory hurdles: The letter points to measures such as the Impact Assessment Act, proposed emissions caps, and tanker restrictions as creating uncertainty and delays for major projects.

• Investment climate: Executives argue that Canada lacks clear and competitive policies compared to other jurisdictions, which makes it harder to attract and retain investment.

• Economic opportunity: The industry maintains that oil and natural gas development could create jobs and generate significant economic activity, but only if conditions are improved.

Proposals in the open letter

The group is calling for:

1. Simplified and more predictable project approval processes.
2. Clear timelines for regulatory decisions.
3. Reconsideration of policies that restrict operations, such as unlegislated emissions caps.
4. A more competitive fiscal framework, including changes to how carbon costs are applied to major emitters.
5. Greater roles for provinces and stronger opportunities for Indigenous communities to participate as partners in projects.

Broader implications

The executives warn that without prompt action, Canada could miss what they describe as a “generational opportunity” to strengthen its economy and support global energy needs. They argue that delays and regulatory uncertainty risk driving away investment and reducing Canada’s competitiveness.

The letter concludes by stating that industry leaders are ready to work with the federal government, provinces, and Indigenous communities to build a more reliable framework for resource development.

Ever wonder why your streaming bills keep going up? If your first thought is something along the lines of “greedy corporations”, you may be missing something.

Parliamentary records show that the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has spent more than $15 million so far implementing the federal Online Streaming Act (Bill C-11).

Of that amount, $11.9 million went toward salaries and $3.3 million covered operational costs. Roughly $9 million was spent in the 2024-25 fiscal year alone. Looking ahead, the regulator estimates it will require about $9.7 million annually to sustain the program.

To cover these costs, the CRTC has invoiced streaming services $19.9 million for 2024-25, with collections projected to rise to $22.9 million in 2025-26. The Commission confirmed these revenues will be used to fund the regulatory system itself rather than directly supporting Canadian creators. Currently, 59 full-time employees are assigned to enforcing the law.

How do streaming services cover those additional costs? Have a look at your streaming bills from 2022 and compare it to today!

Bill C-11 expands the CRTC’s authority over online streaming platforms, requiring them to promote Canadian content and comply with new reporting and funding rules. Supporters argue this will ensure Canadian voices remain visible in an increasingly global digital marketplace.

Critics, however, warn the framework gives regulators significant influence over what content viewers see, while imposing compliance costs that could affect platform investment and consumer prices. Some legal experts have questioned whether the law addresses broadcasting challenges effectively, or whether it risks unintended consequences for free expression online.

Starting October 1, winter tires are mandatory on many B.C. highways. Make sure your tires meet the requirements:

M+S (Mud + Snow) or Mountain/Snowflake tires are both acceptable, but they must have at least 3.5 mm of tread depth.

• M+S tires – Suitable for regions with lighter or occasional winter conditions. Extra caution is needed on snowy or icy roads.
• Mountain/Snowflake tires – Recommended if you regularly drive in snow, slush, or ice. These provide the best traction in harsh winter conditions.

Check with your tire retailer to choose the right option for the roads you travel most. The right tires will help keep you safe all winter long.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced plans to scale back federal spending later this year, though he has yet to clarify which programs will be affected or the extent of the reductions.

He made the announcement during a Liberal caucus gathering in Edmonton, framing it as the beginning of a new chapter in fiscal responsibility. While Carney has floated a target of $25 billion in cuts over the next three years, this figure falls short of the more ambitious promises he made during the election campaign, including shrinking the public sector and boosting economic efficiency.

According to projections from the Department of Finance, federal expenditures in 2025 are expected to reach $558.3 billion. Much of that spending is already committed: $85.5 billion for seniors’ benefits, $71.1 billion for government payroll, $54.7 billion for health transfers, $54.2 billion in interest payments, and $29.6 billion for the Canada Child Benefit.

Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre has criticized Carney’s approach, accusing the government of excessive spending and failing to deliver meaningful budget cuts.

Adding to the uncertainty, the government has not yet released a comprehensive budget for 2025. The most recent fiscal update—the Fall Economic Statement from December 16—projects a deficit of $42.2 billion.