PROVINCE PLANS $50-MILLION INCREASE TO FOREST TRUST

VANCOUVER – The Province intends to introduce legislation in February that will increase the Forestry Revitalization Trust Fund by $50 million to help workers and contractors pursue new opportunities and participate in building a more competitive B.C. forest industry, Premier Gordon Campbell announced today at the annual convention of the Truck Loggers Association.

“Over the last three years we have seen workers and investment returning to B.C.’s forest sector as we’ve worked with communities and the industry to implement the Forestry Revitalization Plan,” Campbell said. “There is still work to do, and we continue working with the industry to ensure forest workers and contractors can make the most of the opportunities available as we build a stronger, more sustainable and more competitive forest sector.

“The $75-million Forestry Revitalization Trust Fund we established in 2003 is a critical component of our revitalization plan. The advisors to the trust – including contractors, labour and industry – have told us an additional investment is needed to assist workers and contractors through this transition. Today, we’re responding to their concerns. Together we have opened the door to a bright future for B.C.’s number 1 industry – and this investment will help ensure that door stays open.”

The Forestry Revitalization Trust Fund was established in March 2003 to provide assistance to workers and contractors affected by the 20 per cent timber reallocation laid out in the Province’s Forestry Revitalization Plan. Those eligible to receive assistance include:

Contractors who lose replaceable contracts or choose to retire equipment they used for building forest roads and cutting and hauling logs.
Older workers who need assistance to bridge their pensions to retire early.
Younger workers who need more training to fill vacancies left by retirees.

The additional $50 million in funding will be added as part of supplementary estimates, if approved, when the legislature is recalled in February.

On Wednesday, the Truck Loggers Association also announced its intention to introduce a program called Provider Pals into B.C. schools to help educate students about the importance of the province’s resource industries and strengthen ties between rural and urban communities. Premier Campbell invited the association to work with the Ministry of Education to discuss how the Province can assist in bringing Provider Pals to B.C. students.

“It’s important that children – and their parents – understand the role our resource industries play in our lives no matter where you live in B.C.,” Campbell said. “I applaud the TLA for taking the initiative to introduce children to B.C.’s forest industry and to encourage young British Columbians to consider careers in forestry.”

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Media contact:	Mike Morton Press Secretary Office of the Premier 250 213-8218

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