NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release 2009FOR0063-000624 April 2, 2009	Ministry of Forests and Range District of Mackenzie
MINISTER REVIEWS POLICIES TO SUPPORT MACKENZIE FORESTRY

MACKENZIE – The Ministry of Forests and Range agrees with recommendations from the District of Mackenzie aimed at encouraging local processing and investments in small forest-dependent communities, Forests and Range Minister Pat Bell and District of Mackenzie Mayor Stephanie Killam announced today. 

 

“Mackenzie is heavily dependent on forestry – no community has been hit as hard as we have by the downturn,” said Killam. “While the Province has been instrumental in providing additional supports for displaced workers and resources for us to maintain local services, we also need to plan ahead so that Mackenzie bounces back when markets improve.”

The District of Mackenzie put forward two proposals to encourage local forest products manufacturing:

1. The least cost point of appraisal be maintained as the closest forest processing plant, regardless of operational status, to encourage investments in local manufacturing facilities and ensure the security and long-term existence of small forest-dependent communities.
2. Review the timber pricing system to identify possible improvements and efficiency gains in delivering wood to Mackenzie.

 

“Mayor Killam and the District of Mackenzie have put forward some great ideas that I agree with,” said Bell. “Mackenzie mills will remain the least cost point of appraisal, and we’ll review the timber pricing system.  By working together, we will get through this downturn and build a strong future for the residents of Mackenzie.” 

 

Ministry of Forests and Range staff will explore solutions to address the issues raised by the District of Mackenzie in advance of an update to the Interior Market-based Pricing System, scheduled for summer 2009. It is expected this work will also identify opportunities to improve timber pricing across the Interior.  

 

“I’m pleased Minister Bell will address these issues so that when markets recover, the benefits don’t bypass Mackenzie,” said Killam. “We want to do everything we can to make sure our mills are among the first to re-start and continue to provide benefits for our community over the long term.” 

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Media contact:	Jennifer McLarty Public Affairs Officer Ministry of Forests and Range 250 387-4592	Stephanie Killam Mayor District of Mackenzie 250 997-3221
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