Forestry Minister approves tenure “swap”

Oct 28, 2019 | 3:52 PM

FORT ST. JAMES – The head of the Steelworkers Union, Local 2017, is pleased with the news from the Forests Ministry about the Conifex sawmill in Fort St. James.

In June, Conifex announced the sale of that sawmill to Hampton Industries for $39 million. But closing of that sale required approval from the Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations, and Rural Development. Specifically, under Bill 22, the Minister can block the process of “swapping tenures.”

Today, that exchange was approved. Hampton has committed to re-building within three years.

Brian O’Rourke, says the irony is not lost on him that BC companies are pulling up stakes and heading south, while Hampton is building here.

“First time I can recall, probably, in the mid-nineties when there was a mill built here in British Columbia. Here we have a company from the U.S. willing to come in. The agreement has gone through, the government has given approval under Bill 2 for the transfer of tenure and their goal is to build a brand new facility in Fort St. James.

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However, he says there are still lots of questions around the re-build.

by Cheryl Jahn

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Forestry Minister approves tenure “swap”

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