“Bright future” for forestry says Minister: National Forest Week
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VERNON–In light of National Forest Week (Sept.22-28, 2019) the Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resources and Rural Development has released a statement.
In his statement, Doug Donaldson mentions how it is important to reflect on the importance of Canada’s forests here in BC, ” our forests have always been vital to our way of life, providing economic, environmental, recreational and cultural values to our communities,” he said.
“Currently, our forest industry is going through a very challenging transition. The combined effects of mountain pine-beetle epidemics, wildfires and external market forces have resulted in mill closures and job losses for many B.C. forest workers. This government is committed to helping impacted workers, their families and communities weather these ongoing changes. We recently announced $69 million to support workers affected by mill closures in the Interior forest sector. We are taking action to ensure support systems are in place, and we are going to do everything we can to make sure our forest industry stays competitive as we transition to a new vision for forestry in B.C.”
Donaldson also mentions that there is a “bright future” ahead for forestry in BC, “we are working with licensees, First Nations, labour and communities to rebuild and re-invigorate the forest sector, and to develop solutions that maintain good jobs and get more value from B.C.’s forests. Although the future forest industry will look markedly different from what we see today, it will remain a significant part of B.C.’s economic base and the backbone of many rural communities.”
