Sustainable Resource Development

Minister at AFPA

Sustainable Resource Development Minister David Coutts addressed current and future forest industry challenges at the Alberta Forest Products Association annual convention held September 27-29, 2006 at Jasper, Alberta.

"This is a pivotal moment for Alberta's forest industry," Minister Coutts said. "Government and companies must work together to build the forests and forest industry that we will be proud to pass on to the next generation.

Speaking to the convention's closing luncheon, Minister Coutts promised actions to help restore the forest industry's competitive position and battle beetle infestations threatening Alberta 's pine forests.

The Minister also provided updates on measures underway to develop a comprehensive land-use framework to guide decision-making in Alberta and offered comments on the recently concluded Softwood Lumber Agreement between Canada and the U.S.

"In meeting the immediate challenges of today - forest industry competitiveness, softwood lumber trade, the mountain pine beetle and land-use planning - we are determined that our actions serve the long-term interests of the resource and industry, while respecting public values."

Steps to be taken to help improve industry's competitiveness position are the result of a review undertaken by Sustainable Resource Development and the Alberta Forest Products Association. The review, which aims to develop a new long-term vision for Alberta 's forest industry and a new forest business model to achieve that vision, is still underway. In the interim, Minister Coutts announced immediate steps to help reduce industry costs.

Those steps include:

• review of timber dues paid by industry
• a one-year moratorium on changes to log scaling practices
• a new fire control agreement between SRD and the AFPA
• attention to trucking and transportation issues
• establishing a transition committee to guide implementation of future competitiveness actions
• a commitment to consult with industry before introducing any new cost charges

As well, Minister Coutts announced establishment of a record centre to help industry manage lumber exports to the United States under the terms of the new Softwood Lumber Agreement. The centre will provide up-to-date export information for shippers and advise when exports approach levels that would result in additional charges.

The Minister also pledged $50,000 to the Off Shore Market Program, which works to develop alternative lumber markets for Alberta timber products.

Addressing mountain pine beetle infestations, Minister Coutts committed to swift action to approve updated harvesting plans by forest companies whose timber stands have been attacked by beetles. He also announced a telephone hot-line number - 310-BUGS - for Albertans to call to report suspected infestations.

"This government is absolutely committed to protecting our forests and protecting our forest communities" from beetle infestations, Minister Coutts continued. In attacking the beetle, he said, "we will do what is right, and we will also do what is socially responsible . we will do what we need to do, smartly, in appropriate steps."

The Minister invited industry to actively participate in efforts underway to develop a land-use framework for Alberta, including taking part in focus consultations over the fall and winter of 2006-07. The framework is intended to provide context and guidance for land-use planning and decision-making.

"With your help," Minister Coutts said, "we can develop effective, appropriate actions that will ensure our land continues to support our tremendous way of life in Alberta ."

Public consultations on the land use framework will take place in spring, 2007.