With the forestry downturn continuing, the B.C. NDP are turning to the public for feedback.
"The previous government failed to help the forest sector when it had a chance, eroding the public's trust in B.C.'s forest sector operations and diminishing its competitive advantage," Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development says in a release. "We are taking action and making different choices by asking for local input and insight into how we want to shape a prosperous, competitive and culturally sensitive Interior future forest sector."
The government says the causes for the forestry downturn and mill closures, plus curtailments, are being caused by lower prices for lumber, pressure from foreign trade action, a shrinking timber supply from back-to-back wildfire seasons, as well as the pine beetle salvage harvest.
They also say they are supporting the impacted communities and workers with community transition and response teams that work with the federal government, local governments, industry, labour, employment support programs as well as post-secondary education.
A discussion paper was developed in which the government is looking for dialogue.
It's one of the two complementary parallel streams within the Interior Forest Sector Renewal process.
(via Hanna Petersen)If you wish to take the public survey or provide a written statement, the government is looking for feedback on specific areas between July 18 and Oct. 11, 2019.
- Forest tenure and fibre supply
- Climate change and forest carbon
- Manufacturing capacity and fibre use
- Wood products innovation
- Reconciliation with Indigenous communities
- Fibre and sustainability of timber and non-timber forest values
Another step the province says its taking is holding engagement sessions in numerous cities throughout the interior for representatives of communities and organizations that have been hit hard by the downtown such as local and provincial elected officials and representatives, First Nations, and key forest sector stakeholders, industry, contractors, professionals, and labour representatives.
The public is asked to provide feedback on the discussion paper through the engagement website.
"In the other Interior Forest Sector Renewal stream, the Province has invited coalitions in each timber supply area, comprised of industry, labour, First Nations and leaders in forest-dependent communities, to work together to develop a new vision for the Interior forest industry at the regional level," the release adds. "The coalitions have been challenged to recommend the complex, sustainable solutions needed in their regions to renew the Interior forest sector so that it remains competitive, supports local communities, and provides well-paying jobs."
There is currently no date for the Prince George session.
