Quesnel City Council is sending a letter to the Premier on the deepening crisis in B.C.’s forest sector.
It follows a letter from a group of organizations representing workers, manufactures, contractors, communities and businesses across the province that urged the government to immediately establish a Forestry Crisis Action Group.
Erin Robinson, the Forestry Initiatives Manager at the City, read out the recommendation at Tuesday (Sept 22) night’s Council meeting.
“That City Council sent a letter to the Premier requesting Quesnel participate as an active partner in the proposed Forest Crisis Action Group and be recognized as a provincial hub for forestry innovation and investment through the Make More in B.C. initiative.”
The motion was later amended, at Councillor Martin Runge’s request, to just say a letter to the Premier given that an election has been called.
Mayor Ron Paull had a request for an amendment.
“I think there should be a specific mention in the letter about the land base because our land base is our most important and valuable forestry resource, and when you got out there you see so much of the land base sitting there idle and I think we could become a forestry silviculture and planting hub right here in Quesnel so if we could add that please.”
Councillor Mitch Vik supported the letter and also noted that this wasn’t the first time that they have sent a letter to the province on the forest industry.
“I think this letter is very succinct and it brings another level of importance to the issue and reminder to the province that we can be a valuable partner, and we cannot be ignored. So this perpetuates that and if we have to send a third letter or a fourth letter or a 12th letter then so be it.”
A group of organizations representing workers, manufactures, contractors, communities and businesses across the province sent a letter earlier this month urging the government to immediately establish a Forestry Crisis Action Group.
It urged the province to take coordinated action to keep viable wood moving, reduce costs and regulatory barriers, increase the harvest and protect businesses and jobs.
