Minister Rich Coleman’s Message for National Forest Week 2007
Sept. 23 to Sept. 29 is National Forest Week, and this year’s theme of
tradition and transition is resonant, especially here in British Columbia.
British Columbia’s economy was built on forestry, and while over the last
150 years the province’s economy has become more diversified, forestry
remains a key economic driver. Forestry is responsible for 15 per cent of
the province’s economic activity and directly employs about 80,000 British
Columbians. Outside the Lower Mainland, forestry remains the largest or
second-largest source of income for 77 per cent of B.C. communities.
At around $14 billion per year, forestry accounts for about 40 per cent
of the province’s exports. British Columbia remains one of the world’s
leading exporters of forest products, including pulp and paper.
In 2003, we introduced the Forestry Revitalization Act – the most
significant update to forest policy in over 50 years. The changes were aimed
at revitalizing the industry by allowing businesses to operate more
competitively, and by opening up the door for greater diversification by new
entrants and First Nations. Now, 49 communities have new or expanded
community forest opportunities.
Forestry is not without its challenges, which currently include a strong
Canadian dollar, increased competition from low-cost jurisdictions and a
slumping U.S. housing market. But, history has shown B.C.’s forestry’s
industry is resilient and can overcome the cyclical nature of the business.
Through our comprehensive Mountain Pine Beetle Action Plan, the province
is working with forestry-dependent communities to help them diversify their
local economies. And by directing harvesting activities into the most
heavily beetle-infested stands first, we’re working to recover as much
economic value from the wood in the short-term and also speeding
regeneration to help ensure there is a mid-term timber supply.
The mountain pine beetle is also providing an opportunity to more fully
explore bioenergy possibilities. Our forest sector is definitely changing
and will continue to change, and government will continue to ensure that our
policies remain conducive to investment.
The one thing that will not change is our commitment to ensure that
B.C.’s continues to be a world leader in sustainable forest management to
ensure we have forests for future generations. During National Forest Week
take the time to enjoy a walk in your local forest, and enjoy the world
class beauty our province has to offer. |
