For immediate release
Local MLA Jennifer Rice hosts Forestry Spokespeople on Haida Gwaii
July 31, 2015 – Queen Charlotte — Local North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice recently hosted NDP MLA Forest Spokespeople, Harry Bains, Bill Routley and Doug Routley on Haida Gwaii. They met with forest industry stakeholders, including worker representatives, logging managers, logging contractors, and municipal officials.
The MLAs over-all take away is that there is much opportunity to more fully develop the Community Forest that was offered to Haida Gwaii Communities.
“Clearly there is an opportunity to add more value by resolving roadblocks to logging the full AAC [annual allowable cut], and finding more ways to add jobs and value by supplying more wood to local mills and manufacturers,” said Bill Routley, Opposition Spokesperson for Coastal Forests.
The visiting MLAs were extremely impressed with the remarkable value-added examples on island with world-renowned carvers and carvings, unique building construction and wood art throughout the communities.
Currently there are a number of legal and political hurdles which if resolved could bring more jobs and stability to the region.
“We very much appreciated the input from locals, the Chief of Old Masset, the Mayors of Queen Charlotte and Masset, the Regional District chair and the MIEDS Economic Development officer who were able to share valuable local ideas and to discuss community opportunities. We were all very impressed by the community spirit and logging skills displayed at the Sandspit logger sports day,” said local North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice
—–30—–
Contact:
Alexie Stephens
250-624-7734