Latest news with #ResourceWorks
Toronto Star
28-07-2025
- Business
- Toronto Star
New Report Warns U.S. Tariffs on Lumber Could Trigger Systemic Risks Across B.C.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A new report by policy researcher Jerome Gessaroli for Resource Works explores how a significant downturn in British Columbia's forest sector could set off far-reaching ripple effects across the province's infrastructure, economy, and public safety systems. Titled 'Rising US Tariffs on Forest Products and the Systemic Risks Facing British Columbia,' the report looks at how sharply higher U.S. tariffs could accelerate a structural decline in BC's forest industry and expose hidden vulnerabilities in areas that depend on it, including road access, emergency response, Indigenous economic partnerships, and rural tourism. The report's findings are especially timely in light of the United States' recent decision to place tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber of 20.56%, which will intensify pressures on BC's already strained forest sector.
Hamilton Spectator
28-07-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
New Report Warns U.S. Tariffs on Lumber Could Trigger Systemic Risks Across B.C.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A new report by policy researcher Jerome Gessaroli for Resource Works explores how a significant downturn in British Columbia's forest sector could set off far-reaching ripple effects across the province's infrastructure, economy, and public safety systems. Titled 'Rising US Tariffs on Forest Products and the Systemic Risks Facing British Columbia,' the report looks at how sharply higher U.S. tariffs could accelerate a structural decline in BC's forest industry and expose hidden vulnerabilities in areas that depend on it, including road access, emergency response, Indigenous economic partnerships, and rural tourism. The report's findings are especially timely in light of the United States' recent decision to place tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber of 20.56%, which will intensify pressures on BC's already strained forest sector. 'Forestry in BC has long been more than just timber and mills; it quietly supports infrastructure, rural access, and emergency response in many regions,' said Gessaroli. 'If that foundation erodes, it could trigger disruptions in everything from wildfire suppression to Indigenous economic development. Our aim with this study is to help stakeholders anticipate and plan for those systemic risks.' Among the report's findings: 'The loss of forestry is not just a sectoral problem; it's a systems problem,' said Stewart Muir, CEO of Resource Works. 'Roads, services, and local economies across the province are all linked to this industry. This report shows that if policymakers don't plan ahead, we risk avoidable crises in public safety, infrastructure, and rural resilience.' The report was commissioned by Resource Works to support forward-looking dialogue on economic resilience and infrastructure planning amid trade and climate pressures. The full report is available at: About the Author Jerome Gessaroli is a Senior Fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute and the Montreal Economic Institute. He leads the Sound Economic Policy Project at BCIT and is lead Canadian co-author of Financial Management: Theory and Practice . About Resource Works Resource Works is a British Columbia–based non-profit that advocates for responsible resource development as a foundation for economic prosperity and environmental stewardship. Through research, public education, and community engagement, Resource Works supports balanced solutions that benefit people, the economy, and nature. Media Contact Simon Turner, ph. (672) 833-3775 simon@
Yahoo
28-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New Report Warns U.S. Tariffs on Lumber Could Trigger Systemic Risks Across B.C.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A new report by policy researcher Jerome Gessaroli for Resource Works explores how a significant downturn in British Columbia's forest sector could set off far-reaching ripple effects across the province's infrastructure, economy, and public safety systems. Titled 'Rising US Tariffs on Forest Products and the Systemic Risks Facing British Columbia,' the report looks at how sharply higher U.S. tariffs could accelerate a structural decline in BC's forest industry and expose hidden vulnerabilities in areas that depend on it, including road access, emergency response, Indigenous economic partnerships, and rural tourism. The report's findings are especially timely in light of the United States' recent decision to place tariffs on Canadian softwood lumber of 20.56%, which will intensify pressures on BC's already strained forest sector. 'Forestry in BC has long been more than just timber and mills; it quietly supports infrastructure, rural access, and emergency response in many regions,' said Gessaroli. 'If that foundation erodes, it could trigger disruptions in everything from wildfire suppression to Indigenous economic development. Our aim with this study is to help stakeholders anticipate and plan for those systemic risks.' Among the report's findings: If even 25% of BC's forestry roads go unmaintained due to reduced logging, approximately 125,000 km of backcountry access could be lost through decommissioning or disrepair, affecting remote communities, mining, pipelines, and tourism. Emergency services, including wildfire crews and ambulance access to Indigenous communities, could be impacted. Supply chains for residues used in pulp mills, wood pellets, and agriculture (e.g. livestock bedding) would face severe pressure. Road closures could reduce outdoor recreation and rural tourism, harming small businesses. Indigenous communities face dual challenges: a loss of forestry income and less access to traditional lands and services. 'The loss of forestry is not just a sectoral problem; it's a systems problem,' said Stewart Muir, CEO of Resource Works. 'Roads, services, and local economies across the province are all linked to this industry. This report shows that if policymakers don't plan ahead, we risk avoidable crises in public safety, infrastructure, and rural resilience.' The report was commissioned by Resource Works to support forward-looking dialogue on economic resilience and infrastructure planning amid trade and climate pressures. The full report is available at: About the AuthorJerome Gessaroli is a Senior Fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute and the Montreal Economic Institute. He leads the Sound Economic Policy Project at BCIT and is lead Canadian co-author of Financial Management: Theory and Practice. About Resource WorksResource Works is a British Columbia–based non-profit that advocates for responsible resource development as a foundation for economic prosperity and environmental stewardship. Through research, public education, and community engagement, Resource Works supports balanced solutions that benefit people, the economy, and nature. Media ContactSimon Turner, ph. (672) 833-3775simon@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Hamilton Spectator
16-06-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Resource Works Launches 'Shaping the Peace,' First Report in New Shared Prosperity Series Spotlighting Northeast BC
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Resource Works Society today released Shaping the Peace: Balancing Energy, Environment, and Reconciliation in Northeast BC , the inaugural study in its new Shared Prosperity series profiling key regions that power British Columbia's economy. Drawing on six months of field work, dozens of community interviews, and original data analysis, the report confirms that a region with less than one percent of the province's population supplies virtually all of BC's natural gas, more than thirty percent of its hydroelectricity, and a growing share of its renewable power. The web report and PDF report are available online now. 'BC's economic independence quite literally runs through the northeast,' said Margareta Dovgal, Managing Director of Resource Works and report co-author. 'Ignoring that reality weakens the province, undercuts reconciliation, and leaves climate goals unfunded.' Rawie Elnur, Lead Author and Research Manager, added: 'Spending only a handful of days in Northeast B.C. showed me how quickly assumptions fall away when you listen to people who live and work there. This study captures that perspective and invites readers to do the same.' Stewart Muir, President and CEO of Resource Works, said that 'Without the Peace Region there is no credible path to a low-carbon, high-prosperity future for British Columbia. Producer regions carry the heaviest burdens; they deserve policies that match their contribution.' Chamber of Commerce backs the study 'As someone who lives and works in Northeast BC, I see every day how deeply our communities contribute to this province — through our energy, our agriculture, and our people. Shaping the Peace reflects the lived experiences of our region and offers real, practical solutions. We support its call for policies that respect our realities, invest in our future, and ensure local voices are part of the path forward. This report gives us hope that balance is possible — between growth, environment, and reconciliation,' said Tiffany Hetenyi, Executive Director of the Fort St. John & District Chamber of Commerce. Human stories at the centre Award-winning communicator Julie Rogers, APR gathered frontline perspectives that ground the analysis in lived reality. A veteran of twenty years in municipal communications across the northeast, Rogers translated technical findings into plain-language narratives featured throughout the publication. She profiled local residents Valerie Askoty, Tim and Charlie Hartnell, Moira Green, Edward Stanford, and Amy Fraser. Key recommendations About Resource Works Society Resource Works is an independent, non-partisan not-for-profit that fosters informed dialogue on responsible natural resource development. We convene communities, Indigenous leaders, industry, and decision-makers to advance sustainable prosperity for all British Columbians. Head Office: Suite 400 – 409 Granville St., Vancouver, BC V6C 1T2 Web: | Twitter/X: @Resource_Works Media Contact Margareta Dovgal | info@ | (604) 518-4469
