Minister to promote B.C.’s mass timber industry in the U.S.

VICTORIA — There’s no better place to invest in mass timber than British Columbia.

At least that’s the message B.C.’s minister of state for trade will be taking to the United States of America this week in an effort to promote investment in the industry.

Jagrup Bar will be in the U.S. starting on Monday to attend the seventh-annual International Mass Timber Conference, the biggest gathering of mass-timber experts in the world, according to a news release.

There are more than 22 companies in B.C. that provide mass timber services with more than 700 jobs. Approximately 320 mass-timber structures have been built in B.C. and 50 more are under construction and no large diameter trees are needed for manufacturing.

“Mass timber construction plays an important role in advancing CleanBC climate goals by providing a smaller carbon footprint that lasts throughout the life of the building, compared to using concrete,” reads the release.

Brar will be supporting the province’s CleanBC to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, boost value-added forest economy and create a more inclusive and resilient workforce.