FORESTRY ROUNDTABLE FOCUSES ON FUTURE

VICTORIA – The membership and terms of reference for the Working Roundtable on Forestry were released today by Forests and Range Minister Rich Coleman.

“We’ve asked the Working Roundtable to develop recommendations and ideas that government, the forestry industry and others can act on to strengthen British Columbia’s forest sector over the next five to 10 years,” said Coleman. “Their ideas will put government in a position to adopt practical solutions that will lead to a stronger, more vibrant and sustainable forest industry in British Columbia for the future.”

The Working Roundtable was announced by Premier Gordon Campbell in January at the Truck Loggers Association (TLA) Convention. The roundtable’s primary focus will be on identifying conditions for the long-term success of British Columbia’s forest sector within the global marketplace.

Key considerations will include:

· climate change and the challenges and opportunities it presents for B.C. forests;

· remaining competitive in evolving world economies;

· the impact of innovation and technology on forestry;

· changing demographics within an aging workforce;

· issues affecting B.C.’s forests, such as the mountain pine beetle;

· changing social expectations of forests and the forest industry;

· upholding First Nations’ rights; and

· sustaining B.C.’s world-renowned environmental standards.

The Roundtable will also hold meetings in communities around the province and provide Roundtable members with an opportunity to hear from local experts and community leaders, and to visit local mills and woodlands.

“We need to build the forestry sector for the next generation,” said Coleman. “Through the Working Roundtable, I am optimistic we can bring forward innovative ideas that will help our forestry sector remain viable in the long term.”

The Roundtable will be chaired by Coleman. Dana Hayden, a deputy minister in government and former interim BC Lotteries president and CEO, was recently appointed vice-chair. Roundtable members were chosen for their ability to receive, consider and provide new perspectives and ideas.

The Minister of Forests and Range will report to Cabinet quarterly on the progress of the Working Roundtable. For more information about the Working Roundtable on Forestry and a copy of the terms of reference, please visit www.for.gov.bc.ca/mof/Forestry_Roundtable.

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1 backgrounder(s) attached.
Media contact:	Sophia Proctor Public Affairs Officer Ministry of Forests and Range 250 387-4592

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