NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release 2010FOR0111-000874 July 26, 2010

Ministry of Forests and Range

 

NEW WOOD NETWORK LINKS BUYERS, SELLERS AND INVESTORS

 

VICTORIA – Fibre Connections BC, a new government service, will directly link fibre suppliers, manufacturers and investors to streamline the flow of B.C. wood to its highest value use, Forests and Range Minister Pat Bell announced today.

 

“We have staff in all areas of the province with detailed knowledge about the land base, fibre supply, existing manufacturers and potential product opportunities. Fibre Connections BC will make it possible to share that information in a direct and co-ordinated way,” said Bell. “Now you can call any forest district, government agency or Front Counter BC office and be referred to people with the expertise you need.”

 

Under the new network, fibre inquiries or proposals received anywhere by government will be directed to one of 72 fibre officers based in communities across the province. The officers will triage the requests, provide information and bring together buyers, sellers and investors where applicable. Requests that cannot be immediately filled will be logged and tracked to ensure they are matched with future opportunities.

 

Fibre Connections BC will also work closely with the Ministry of Community and Rural Development and provincial resource ministries to ensure information is co-ordinated across government and captures all new investment opportunities.

 

“Whether you’re a wood pellet producer looking for chips, or a First Nation, municipal government or community forest licence-holder looking for customers, Fibre Connections BC can help get you in touch with the people you need,” said Bell. “Getting the right fibre to the right process will maximize the utilization of our timber resource and encourage more jobs and investment in British Columbia.”

 

A public website will be launched this fall to support the network. Fibre Connections BC delivers on key recommendations from the Working Roundtable on Forestry and the 2009 report, Generating More Value from Our Forests.

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Media Contact:

Cheekwan Ho Public Affairs Officer Ministry of Forests and Range 250 387-8482

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