BC government is moving to help the provincial forest industry survive the COVID-19 pandemic

The BC government is moving to help the provincial forest industry survive the COVID-19 pandemic by delaying harvesting fees for three months.

Forest Minister Doug Donaldson says deferring the stumpage fees will leave eligible companies with about 80 million dollars to pay workers, contractors and other bills, helping them stay afloat.

The industry had been struggling before the pandemic with low timber prices and high operating costs, forcing layoffs and mill closures.

The government also says major industries like pulp and paper mills and mines will have the opportunity to defer 50 per cent of their B-C Hydro bill payments for three months.