Media Release: PEA announces another Victoria picket line targeting the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship 

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September 24, 2025 (Victoria) – Agrologists, foresters, and geoscientists working at the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship office at 2975 Jutland Road in Victoria are now on strike. This marks the fourth week of escalating job action by Government Licensed Professionals, represented by the Professional Employees Association (PEA). 

These professionals carry out critical but often overlooked work that British Columbians depend on. In the Forest Tenures Branch, foresters determine who can harvest timber, under what conditions, and ensure BC’s forests are used responsibly and sustainably. In the Watershed Stewardship and Security Branch, agrologists and geoscientists safeguard the health of BC’s rivers, lakes, and watersheds. Their expertise ensures water quality and supply are protected for communities, ecosystems, and future generations. 

“BC’s forests, waters, and lands are the foundation of our communities and economy,” said Melissa Moroz, PEA Executive Director and lead negotiator. “These professionals are the experts who safeguard these resources, and the government must keep them in the public service to ensure BC’s future is protected. That can only be achieved through a fair deal.” 

The following picket lines remain for PEA members at: 

  • Fort St. John: 10003 110th Ave  
  • Burnaby: 4940 Canada Way 
  • Coquitlam: 1500 Woolridge Street 
  • Cranbrook: 205 Industrial Road G 
  • Kamloops: 1801 Princeton-Kamloops Highway and 441 and 447 Columbia Street 
  • Nanaimo: 2080 and 2100 Labieux Road 
  • Nelson: 566 Stanley/333 Victoria  
  • Penticton: 102 Industrial Place 
  • Prince George: 1011 4th Ave 
  • Smithers: 3726 Alfred Ave 
  • Surrey: 10470 152nd Street 
  • Vancouver: 900 Howe Street and 605 Robson Street 
  • Victoria: 3400 Davidson Street and 940, 1515 and 1810 Blanshard Street 
  • Williams Lake: 640 Borland Street

The PEA entered bargaining with the Public Service Agency on May 27, 2025, but talks broke down after the government failed to address the union’s key issues, including wages, reimbursement of required licensing fees, and a commitment to reducing reliance on external contractors. On August 29, members voted in favour of a strike, issued 72-hour notice and began picketing alongside the BCGEU on September 2, 2025. 

About the PEA  

Established in 1974 to represent Government Licensed Professionals in the BC Public Service, the Professional Employees Association (PEA) is a labour union in British Columbia representing professionals across the public service, education, legal, union, and health care sectors. For more information on Government Licensed Professionals: pea.org/bcexperts/

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