WHEREAS logs exported from British Columbia create forest jobs in other countries at the expense of Canadian jobs; AND WHEREAS raw log exports increased by 1,000 from 1996 to 2005: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that: 1 A moratorium be placed on the closure of any mills in British Columbia until a full and comprehensive plan for a revitalized manufacturing sector is created; 2 Cabinet cease to issue any permits for log exports and place a moratorium on exports from all Crown lands; 3 The government reverse its earlier decision to allow Weyerhauser to remove its private lands from Tree Farm Licence TFL; 4 The government ensure full public consultation on any future proposal to remove land from any TFL; 5 The government increase the export tax on raw logs from private lands to ensure there is no economic incentive to export, rather than process locally; 6 The provincial government re-introduce measures that will once again make clear the connection between companies logging British Columbia trees and their commitment to manufacturing capacity in the province; 7 The federal government retain legislation restricting raw log exports and align federal and provincial forest policies; and 8 The federal and provincial governments vigorously oppose the legal challenge to federal legislation restricting raw log exports, which would further erode rights to protect Canadian jobs.
MINISTRY OF FORESTS RANGE 1. Manufacturing Strategy Government does not control markets or the companies that operate within them. It would be impossible to place a moratorium on mill closures. Propping up uneconomic facilities is unsustainable and will reduce the competitiveness of other facilities. The coast is rebounding from a loss of its markets and faces high costs and significant competition. No one said a turn-around for the coastal forest sector would be easy, or that it would happen overnight. Strides are being made. Coastal forest companies are investing in the sector. In 2006, they spent more than 64 million in capital investments to upgrade their mills. In 2007, it is estimated they will invest more than 199 million. Our Coast Action Plan will build on governments earlier efforts and is expected to encourage more investment. We completed a Port Alberni Forest Sector Review that gives a frank assessment of the citys current economic situation and makes some strong recommendations on how it can shape its future. 2 5 - Log Exports Government is considering changes to its policies on log exports from Crown land, including raising the fee in lieu of manufacturing. Log export is important to the economies of areas such as the North Coast and is usually only done after the logs are proven surplus to domestic needs. 3 4 - TFL 44 Consultation Approval to return private land in TFL 44 to private management was granted in July 2004. This government respects the rights of private property owners and will not be revisiting its decision. The Crown has a legal obligation to consult with First Nations on proposed decisions that may infringe on potential aboriginal rights andor title that exist within asserted traditional territory. 6 - Appurtenancy Government has no intention of reintroducing appurtenancy requirements. This requirement was never used by previous governments because it imposed unsustainable costs. 7 8 - Federal Export Controls Federal export controls are the jurisdiction of the federal government. It is our understanding they are opposing the legal challenge to their export regime.