WHEREAS BC local wood manufacturers have been hurt by the softwood lumber dispute and there is a strong concern with the survival of our local forest industry; AND WHEREAS it is critical that the provincial government consider pro-active ways to help the industry, and especially local manufacturers to survive, for the sake of local economy, which in turn is the sake of the whole province: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the provincial government work with local governments to develop proactive measures to assist the forest industry, including local manufacturers, to enhance local economic development opportunities for the benefit of communities and the province as a whole.
Ministry of Forests and Range and Minister Responsible for Housing Value-addedFibre Supply The value-added sector is an important component of the Province of British Columbias Province forest industry, and the Ministry of Forests and Range Ministry and Minister Responsible for Housing is continuing to work on a value-added strategy that will help make operators more competitive. Small operators and independent mills continue to have access to public timber through BC Timber Sales BCTS. Independent mills registered under Category 2 of BCTS can bid on a protected pool of timber. They also have the option of bidding on general BCTS licenses that are available to all interested enterprises. By creating BCTS, more wood is available to more people on the open market. The Ministry of Forests and Range Ministry is exploring new types of tenure that will help create more opportunities for small companies and bridge the gap between small scale salvage and BCTS. This includes piloting intermediate salvage licenses in five forest districts that have been hit hard by the mountain pine beetle infestation. Fifty to sixty intermediate timber sale licenses will be offered through BC Timber Sales to help create more opportunities for smaller operators. First Nations Since 2002, the Province has signed forestry agreements with 116 First Nations, providing access to 20.8 million cubic metres of timber and 152.2 million in shared revenue. This includes recently signed forestry agreements with the Canoe Creek and Canim Lake Indian Bands. Together they will receive 2.9 million and access 315,000 cubic metres of timber. The overarching goal of these agreements is to make First Nations full participants in the Provinces forest sector. First Nations are important partners in addressing the mountain pine beetle infestation, particularly in helping recover economic value from attacked trees. Stumpage Revenue The Province uses stumpage revenue to provide vital public services, such as health care and education and is spending millions of dollars on supporting communities on interface fire issues. The Province is negotiating Forest and Range Opportunities Agreements and issuing community forest agreements expressly to support communities.