A five point forestry plan unveiled this afternoon by NDP leader Carole James at a speech to the Western Silviculture Contractors’ Association offers hope for coastal communities, says North Coast MLA, Gary Coons.
“The communities in this region thrive when forestry thrives, and struggle when forestry struggles,” said Coons. “While economic diversification is important, we can’t neglect this important, renewable, long-term industry.”
Unlike many other forms of resource development, which like private power generation, either have few direct economic benefits to communities, or like mines, limited life spans, forestry offers communities a high level of employment and long term potential.
“Trees grow back. Once a mine or an oil and gas project is finished, communities are, again, left without jobs, without that economic stimulus,” said the New Democrat MLA. “I am excited about our plan to revitalize this industry because forestry is a key to the long term success of this region.”
The NDP plan calls for:
- a green plan for re-investing in B.C.’s forest land base;
- the development of an innovative 21st century forest products industry;
- a community and worker stability program;
- a permanent commission on forestry; and,
- careful review and reform of the tenure system.
“There is lots of untapped potential in our forests,” Coons notes. “I am committed to working with communities, First Nations, businesses, and forest health experts to forge a twenty-first century forestry industry, one that sees all the possibilities while using our trees, whether they are logged, planted, or left standing.”