The B.C. government wants input in shaping an Interior forest sector that will innovate, create new jobs and support communities.
Forests Minister Doug Donaldson says the previous government failed to help the forest sector when it had the chance, eroding the public’s trust in forestry operations
Donaldson says his government is making different choices by asking for local insight into how to shape a prosperous, competitive and culturally sensitive future forest sector.
Shrinking timber supply, lower prices, the end of the mountain pine beetle salvage , and pressure from foreign trade action have resulted in several recent mill closures and curtailments.
Forest ministry staff will begin holding localized engagement sessions this week until October 11.
BC Liberal Forestry Critic and MLA for Nechako-Lakes John Rustad calls the process unacceptable and insulting, and accuses the NDP government of “totally ignoring” the Interior forest sector.
