VOLUME 2, ISSUE 1

THE ILA INSIDER

JANUARY 2021

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM THE INTERIOR LOGGING ASSOCIATION

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

H A P P Y N E W 1 Y E A R F R O M T H E I L A

A MESSAGE TO 2 ILA MEMBERS, F R O M T H E MIN I S T E R O F F O R E S T S , L A N D S A N D N A T U R A L R E- SOURCE

F O R E S T S E C- 3 TOR SAFETY M E A S U R E PLAN The pandemic has changed the way things have been done across the province and across organizations last year. The Interior Logging Association had to cancel our Annual Conference and Trade Show as a result and 2020 IN REAR 4 VIEW MIRROR unfortunately, we were not able see many of you because of that and because of travel restrictions. However, AND HOPING the ILA has still been busy continuing our advocacy efforts for our members and will continue to do so albeit in FOR BETTER I N 2 0 2 1 a different way.

2020 IN REAR 5 We were able to hold our Annual General Meeting in Vernon, using video conferencing technology and social VIEW MIRROR AND HOPING distancing rules and at this time, we are pleased to introduce our new Chairperson. Ron Volansky of R&A Log- FOR BETTER IN 2021 CON- ging Ltd. in Nakusp and our new First Vice-chair, Tim Menning of Hytest Timber Ltd. in Williams Lake. I would TINUED... also like to thank Randy Spence for his dedication to the role for the past four years, Randy will now assume the role of past Chairman. I would also like to thank Len Gudeit for his years of service to the ILA through his C O M M U N I T Y 6 FUTURES IS tenure on the Board of Directors. Len has stepped down to allow Erin Fitchett of A.F. Timber Co. Ltd. of Nelson “TAKING CARE to join our Board. Our new Chairman, Executive and Board of Directors is looking forward to working with Min- OF BUSINESS” WITH A NEW ister Conroy and her staff to tackle the many issues that affect our industry. PROGRAM

I hope that you enjoy this issue of the ILA Insider and join with us in welcoming Minister Conroy into her new C O M M U N I T Y 7 FUTURES IS role as Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development. In this issue you will “TAKING CARE have the opportunity to find out a little more about her and her mandate. Also, you will find some information OF BUSINESS” CONTINUED. .. about COVID19 relief funding and other opportunities with Community Futures.

On behalf of our Executive, Board of Directors, Nancy Hesketh, and myself, we look forward to continuing to serve our membership and be the “Voice of the Independent Contractor”. QUESTIONS? Sincerely, CLICK HERE TO CONTACT US TODAY Todd Chamberlain, RFT

General Manager, Interior Logging Association

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A MESSAGE TO ILA MEM BERS, FROM THE MINISTER OF FORESTS, LANDS AND NATURAL RESOURCE BY , M INISTER OF FORESTS, LANDS, NATURAL RESOU RCE OPERATIONS AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT

one strategy that will help us with the federal government to develop competitive, sustainable bring an end to unfair U.S. du- futures for forest companies, ties on softwood lumber ex- workers and the communities ports. And we’ll focus on mass that depend on these industries. timber and creating opportuni- Last summer, the Government ties to transition the forest sec- released the public “What We tor to high-value over high- Heard Report” for the Interior volume production. Forest Sector Renewal. My new mandate includes continuing this The future of forestry is bright in as we experience our second work to ensure a competitive . It is more I’d like to thank Todd Chamber- wave and beyond. lain, general manager of the forest sector that works for every- important than ever that people one. have stable, good-paying jobs Interior Logging Association (ILA) Among my mandate responsi- and its approximately 400 mem- they can rely on. bilities are to ensure we have a We’ve also identified a common bers for the invitation to intro- sustainable future for forest duce myself and highlight my ground for productive conversa- Continuing to work with First communities, while advancing tions between contractors and Nations, labour and industry is priorities as B.C.’s Minister of recommendations of the old Forests, Lands, Natural Re- licensees through the Logging crucial to ensure we get the growth panel and our CleanBC Contractor Sustainability Review most value out of every log, source Operations and Rural commitments. Development. so that all sides can reach fair grow our manufacturing sector, agreements. Policy and regula- promote innovative products in British Columbia’s wood fuels I was honored to be elected for a tion work undertaken by George global markets, and create good our economy. It sustains forest- Abbott and Dan Miller is now jobs in local communities. fifth time by the people of Koote- ry workers, families and com- nay West, and to be entrusted by moving forward and will help munities. And it keeps our prov- make sure that contractors and I am looking forward to working Premier Horgan with this critical ince moving forward. Over the portfolio. I am proud of the work businesses have stable incomes. with you to move the industry last 18 months the forestry forward. our government was able to industry has seen challenging accomplish for British Columbia In the fall, we announced a new, times, from the effects of cli- holistic approach to protecting Thank you. families while I was Minister of mate change, to trade disputes, Children and Family Develop- old growth forests. This approach to the COVID-19 pandemic. will allow us to break from the ment for the last three and a half In recent months we’ve seen years. I am eager to take on my divisive practices of the past and some positive signs, including bring together Indigenous people, new role, tackling the challenges increased demand for lumber that face our province’s forest labour, industry and environmen- and higher prices. Our govern- tal groups to implement the rec- sector, as well as maintaining ment will keep working with my role as minister responsible ommendations of the Old Growth partners to strengthen and Strategic Review. We will work for the Columbia River Treaty. diversify the sector, so it can together to protect further old continue to sustain us for gen- growth stands – in addition to the One of my first jobs was in the erations to come. forest sector, at the Celgar pulp 353,000 hectares we protected in September – and support the mill in Castlegar. While I have We’ll also continue to support held a variety of roles since then, thousands of forestry workers workers and communities im- that rely on good jobs in their I have remained rooted in Interi- pacted by mill closures. In or and rural B.C., raising my four communities. 2019 government responded children – I now have nine quickly with new programs that grandchildren – with my late All of this will be done in the con- provide direct support to forest- text of our government’s ongoing Honorable Katrine Conroy husband Ed Conroy on the ranch ry workers and their families. commitment to reconciliation we have lived on for 42 years. My Ministry’s contributions with First Nations. Indigenous Minister of Forests, Lands, include the Forest Employment Nations are increasingly active in Natural Resource Operations Forestry is a cornerstone of the Program (FEP), which was in- forestry – partnering with indus- and Rural Development provincial economy and I have creased and expanded to the try or on their own – and our been tasked with focusing on coast in 2020 to support forest- the sector and rural communi- government is eager to encour- ry workers and contractors age this type of diversification. ties as B.C. advances our COVID- during the pandemic. 19 response and builds a strong These are just some of the com- economic recovery. We need to Our regionally-driven renewal of keep everyone safe and secure mitments that we’ll continue to the interior forest industry is advance. We’ll continue to work

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FOREST SECTOR SAFETY MEASURES FUND BY DIANE NICHOLLS

The provinces have been work- Approved applicants will receive ing with the federal government funding by March 31, 2021. on COVID-19 support which re- sulted in a $30M commitment With vaccines being distributed, I for the forest sector across Can- hope COVID-19 will be behind us ada. B.C. has been allotted by this time next year. We still $9.3M of that $30M. have a way to go though and now is time to recommit to doing Applications for the Forestry everything we can to continue to Sector Safety Measures Fund enforce the safety protocols that program open January 5th and have worked so well to keep close at 4 PM February 1st, workers and communities safe. Early in the pandemic, forestry was able to plant over 300 mil- 2021. Small and medium-sized Regards, and forestry related activities lion trees this year – a record for forest sector enterprises can were deemed an essential ser- the province – during the pan- apply for reimbursement of in- vice. Not only did the sector demic without a single case of cremental expenses directly provide jobs that helped stabi- COVID-19 in approximately 5,000 related to the implementation of lize the economy during the tree planters demonstrates how COVID-19 health and safety initial province-wide shutdown, it well the Provincial Health Orders measures incurred between became evident that goods such work to curb the spread of the April 1st and December 31st, as lumber and paper products virus. More importantly, it shows 2020. how seriously all individuals ac- would become coveted materi- To be eligible for the program, cepted the safety measures and als by consumers. As a sector, companies must have an aver- incorporated them into their day- everyone stepped up and provid- age of fewer than 500 employ- to-day work. ed continuity and stability for ees across all offices in Canada the people of British Columbia; From myself and on behalf of the with primary business activities the innovation and forward Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natu- in forestry and logging, support Diane Nicholls thinking required to continue all ral Resource Operations and activities for forestry, wood prod- Chief Forester, Assistant Deputy levels of production during the Rural Development, we want to uct manufacturing, or pulp and Minister pandemic is commendable. thank everyone in the forest sec- paper manufacturing. tor for their collective effort that Safety of both workers and our For more information, visit: helped make some positive news communities over the last year https://bit.ly/ stories in a year where good is the underlying thread across forestsectorsafetymeasuresfund the forestry sector. That B.C. news was sometimes difficult to find.

www.jbenefits.com | 3095 Woodbine Drive, North , BC V7R 2S3 | Phone 604-980-6227 |Toll Free 1-800-432-9707 | Fax 604-983-2935

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2020INSIDE STORY IN HEADLIN REARE VIEW MI RROR AND HOPING FOR BETTER IN 2021 SUBMITTED BY: WORKSA FEBC

all along to address all the address in their operations other safety risks at their in the New Year. workplaces. Information on updating COVID-19 safety Altogether, in 2020 plans can be found on the WorkSafeBC conducted WorkSafeBC website, along 1,794 forestry inspections with materials related to at 1,125 separate loca- mental health, and numer- tions. A total of 834 com- ous other resources that will pliance orders were is- help industry navigate its sued; 122 of those were in way through the pandemic. relation to occurrences that had potential for high But as the forest industry workers conducting risk assess- risk violations under the As the year 2020 has come to a grappled with COVID-19 re- ments, developing safety plans, Occupational Health & close, it gives us an opportunity to lated challenges, all the reg- and implementing protocols to Safety Regulation (OHSR). look back and reflect on what’s ular workplace risks and ensure that employees, their Further, 17 of the orders been one of the most unusual and hazards continued to exist families, and communities re- were to stop use equip- challenging periods in our recent and were now compounded main safe. It’s important to ment or stop work. There history – for our entire province – by the stresses introduced remind ourselves that the safe- were also 13 citation warn- and for the forest industry, which by the pandemic. While ty plans that were developed ing issued, 20 warning had already been impacted by WorkSafeBC prevention offic- weeks or months ago need to letters sent, and nine pen- volatile market conditions, years ers focused much of their be reviewed on a regular basis, alties imposed on employ- of beetle infestations, and devas- attention on the effective- or when conditions change, to ers. tating wildfire seasons. While diffi- ness of COVID-19 safety ensure that they continue to be cult times are not yet over, we’re plans and protocols, they So that’s the overall pic- effective and functioning all hoping that 2021 will bring also continued to inspect ture, but in terms of specif- properly. This concept of contin- more stability. with an eye for all the other ics, we continue to see ually conducting risk assess- potential gaps in workplace certain deficiencies repeat- In terms of confronting COVID-19, ments and updating safety safety measures. Having a ed from year to year and it is fair to conclude that the forest plans is nothing new – while it glimpse at the 2020 inspec- some of it may be the low industry, like many others, has certainly applies to COVID-19 tional activity gives us an hanging fruit that firms stepped up to the challenge, with protocols, forestry employers indication as to what employ- may want to look for in individual employers and their have been required to do this ers may want to review and their operations.

Truck Logger BC is published quarterly by the Truck Loggers Association in partnership with the Interior Logging Association and North West Loggers Association. This magazine is distributed to over 10,000 readers who rely on the forest industry across British Columbia for their livelihoods. It is the pre-eminent source for timber harvesting and forestry perspectives, infor- mation and updates. Get Truck Logger BC Magazine delivered to your door for FREE! Click on the link to be re-directed and sign up!

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2020 IN REAR VIEW MI RROR AND HOPING FOR BETTER IN 2021 CONTI NUED... SUBMITTED BY: WORKSA FEBC

A number of these issues have relation to mobile equipment, cencees, contractors, employ- ments, WorkSafeBC inspections, to do with mobile equipment. a number of instances were ers, workers, and their supervi- and safety resources, please For example, we continue to observed where the operators sors. Above all, it must be visit : see machines with a single cab did not maintain the cab, floor based on thorough and well www.worksafebc.com. entrance door, which do not or deck free of tools or other informed risk assessments, have an escape hatch that objects that could create trip- robust risk mitigation controls, Or click on the logo below. could be opened in an emer- ping hazards or strike the oc- sound policies, training, and gency from both the inside and cupant in the event of an acci- ongoing effective communica- outside without the use of dent. This may be easy to over- tions. tools. More than thirty orders look, but again, serious inju- Some of the other notable prob- were issued last year in relation ries have occurred involving lem areas, as reflected in most to such deficiencies and it was unsecured equipment. frequently issued orders, in- the single most commonly ref- Now, this next item is more clude failure to conduct hearing erenced item of non- multifaceted, but as we’ve also tests at least once every 12 compliance. Unfortunately, over seen in previous years, failure months, not assessing or miti- the years deaths have resulted to properly plan and conduct a gating risks posed by danger YES! The ILA offers when a viable functioning alter- forestry operation is a compli- trees, and for log truck drivers, nate means of escape was not scholarships! ance deficiency observed with not inspecting the cab guard available following a rollover or This includes a $2,000 relative frequency, and in fact, before the start of each shift other upset conditions. this regulation was the second and not documenting the re- Forestry Scholarship and sults of these inspections. A similar number of orders was most commonly referenced in $1,000 Member, also issued in relation to lack of orders last year. Safety plan- Of course the above is just a proper guarding of mobile ning and responding to chang- Member Trades and short compilation of concerns equipment and where the exist- ing conditions at a complex that forestry employers may Associates Scholarships! ing guarding did not meet the forestry operation can be chal- pay particular attention to, giv- required standards and the lenging and it must involve Click HERE to find out en the orders issued in 2021. operator was not adequately constant vigilance and more! protected against falling, flying For more comprehensive infor- commitment from all work- or intruding objects. And also in mation on regulatory require- place parties, including li-

Not an Interior Logging Association Member yet? Membership has Its benefits!

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COMMUNITY FUTURES IS “TAKING CARE OF BUS INESS” WITH A NEW PROGRAM SUBMITTED BY DEB ARN OTT, GENERAL MANAGER , COMMUNITY FUTURES SUN COUNTRY

If your business falls in to the eligible It should be noted if you are an eligible funding area, your business or not-for- business/non-profit and you have profit will have unlimited access to: completed training since April 1, 2020 you may also be eligible to receive a • Free online workshops and webinars reimbursement for your costs. • Professional business support Taking Care of Business Program is • Training dollars up to $7,500 for cus- also in need of peer mentors. We are In the last few years, the Interior Re- tomized business training. currently seeking business owners gion of BC has been hit with numerous Sign up now by clicking HERE or copy and who possess some of the following crisis by way of fires, floods, a down- paste the link below in your browser: attributes: turn in the forestry sector, mill clo- https://www.takingcareofbusiness.biz/ · keen interest and passion for their sures, and more recently the COVID- application.php business growth 19 pandemic. Community Futures Sun Country, in partnership with other Once you have signed up, you can submit · desire to continue learning. Community Futures offices, have advo- the Eligible Organization Application to · a commitment of time and energy to cated for support to businesses during apply to access up to $7,500 for Custom- their business these unprecedented times. ized Training. · courage to share their struggles in a Community Futures has administered The Customized Training Application will safe environment. the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund require the details of the type of training, · willingness to support other business (RRRF) and more recently the Taking name of the instructor, who will be taking owners in their growth. Care of Business program. the training, the start and completion dates, estimated costs, and other perti- The goal of this part of the program is Community Futures has secured fund- nent information. Fast and easy process. for business owners to meet with simi- ing to provide qualifying businesses lar size business leaders to share suc- and not-for-profits with professional All approved training must be completed cesses and challenges, and is de- business support services, and up to by March 31st, 2021, so it is imperative signed to support the needs of the $7,500 in eligible training, for you and that you apply as soon as possible for us business owner. It gives them the op- your staff, to help diversify and in- to process your application, and have portunity to learn and share with other crease business. To find out if your training approved and completed prior to business leaders who are NOT their business is in one of the eligible ser- the deadline. competitors. vice areas, please click HERE.

 Board of Directors for the BC Forest Safety Council The Interior Logging Association is hard at work for you in (BCFSC) these groups and committees:  Northern Road Health Coalition  Timber Sales Advisory Committee (TSAC)  Contractor Sustainability Working Group  Trucking and Harvesting Advisory Group (TAG) BCFSC  Forestry Service Providers Compensation Fund  The Log Trucking Technical Advisory Committee  Program Committee for the BC Forest Safety Council (LTTAC) BCFSC  Industry Training Authority (ITA) Forest Sector Advisory  Falling Technical Advisory Committee (FTAC) BCFS Group

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COMMUNITY FUTURES IS “TAKING CARE OF BUS INESS” WITH A NEW PROGRAM SUBMITTED BY DEB ARN OTT, GENERAL MANAGER , COMMUNITY FUTURES SUN COUNTRY

The peer mentor program has been and training opportunities become adjusted to minimize travel so eve- available. ryone can participate from their Wishing everyone a prosperous and home or office – whichever is more successful 2021! convenient – via Zoom so you will require internet connectivity. Men- Stay safe. tors and business owners would be Regards, meeting monthly to the end of Have something to contrib- March 31st, 2021.

If you would like to participate, ute to the ILA Insider? We’d please email or call Bill Quinn – love to hear from you! [email protected] or phone at 250- 981-3739. For further assistance, please con- tact the local Community Futures Contact Todd Chamberlain, office in your area listed on the web- RFT, ILA General Manager site.

As we continue to advocate for the businesses in our region, we are hopeful that additional funding ave- Call 250-308-8100 or email nues will continue to become availa- [email protected] ble. By connecting with your local Debra Arnott, General Manager Have some- office, you can ensure that you will Community Futures Sun Country remain informed as future funding

CONTACT US Forestry is British Columbia’s founding industry and logging is its life- blood. The Interior Logging Association knows the importance of timber 3204 39th Avenue harvesting to BC’s economy and has been a strong and unifying voice Vernon, B.C. V1T 3C8 for its members since 1958. Phone: 250-503-2199 Fax: 250-503-2250 The strength of the Interior Logging Association lies in the commitment Nancy Hesketh, Office Administrator of our members to work together to secure a thriving industry that sup- E-mail: [email protected] Todd Chamberlain, RFT, General Manager ports our local communities and economy—one that embraces a sus- E-mail: [email protected] tainable brand new day for timber harvesting.

CHECK OUT OUR WEBSIT E! WWW.INTERIORLOGGING.ORG

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