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Rural communities across the Pacific Northwest are facing increasing economic uncertainty as mill closures, trade disputes and restrictive forest management policies threaten family-wage jobs, a news release from state Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Chehalis, stated.
To address these shared challenges and strengthen cross-border collaboration, Abbarno met with his counterpart from the British Columbia Legislative Assembly, Official Opposition Caucus Chair Jody Toor, at the state Capitol in Olympia.
Toor met with Abbarno to discuss the relationship between Washington state and British Columbia, particularly the challenges facing the timber industry.
With both regions facing fiber shortages, a severe shortage of raw logs and wood chips needed to operate mills, and fluctuating market conditions, the two legislative leaders agreed that open communication is essential to navigating the issues affecting the regional economy, according to the release.
“It was an honor introducing MLA Jody Toor to our caucus members. Our region is bound together not just by geography, but by an integrated economy that relies on the responsible management of our natural resources,” Abbarno said. “Our conversations about trade, natural resources, and economic development evidenced just how connected Washington is with British Columbia.”
The meeting took place as the British Columbia Legislative Assembly prepares to resume legislative business this week following the opening of its session.
“By working directly with our neighbors to the north, we can better advocate for policies that keep our communities thriving,” Abbarno said.
Toor serves as a key leader in the B.C. Conservative Caucus. Her visit to Olympia marks a continued effort to build strong working relationships with regional partners to solve common problems, according to the release.
