VICTORIA, B.C. – In response to the announcement of policy reforms in the forestry sector today the B.C. Green caucus issued the following statement:
“Our forestry sector, along with the forests themselves, have become very unhealthy and vulnerable over the past several decades,” said Sonia Furstenau, MLA for Cowichan Valley. “Widespread mill closures, large-scale exports of raw logs, growing amounts of useable waste fiber left at cut locations, intensifying wildfire seasons, pest outbreaks, and watershed impacts are all challenges we must take seriously.
“This reform should have started a decade ago, and must start with the recognition that a healthy industry is contingent on a healthy forest ecosystem. Likewise, protecting old growth trees is a core priority for our caucus. We aim to develop a sustainable, second-growth sector in B.C. - one that is resilient to climate change and forest fires and can provide meaningful, rewarding employment to the local community - as a means to stop the logging of old growth trees,” added MLA Furstenau.
“Forestry is a priority file for our office. Working with stakeholders and First Nations to ensure we advance this file with local and traditional knowledge at the forefront in creation of a diversified forestry sector that can support stable local jobs and domestic value-added products, is something my colleagues and I are deeply committed to,” said MLA Olsen.
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