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COFI responds to BC government’s announcement on caribou plan

B.C. Council of Forest Industries (COFI) President and CEO Susan Yurkovich issued a statement today in response to the provincial government’s announcement of an interim moratorium to protect caribou and the release of Blair Lekstrom’s report, “The Path Forward to Recover the Caribou Plan in Northern British Columbia.”

“We would like to thank Blair Lekstrom for his thoughtful report and the Premier for taking the time to extend the consultation and permit communities, industry and stakeholders to be engaged and provide their input.

“We remain fully committed to working with government, First Nations, and community leaders in advancing caribou recovery and protecting forest industry jobs. Importantly, we support Blair Lekstrom’s recommendation that a comprehensive socio-economic analysis with impacted areas of the Partnership Agreement be completed prior to the agreement being finalized.

“Finally, we are encouraged that Blair Lekstrom will continue to act as a liaison between government, communities and industry, and by the Premier’s comments that a process will be put in place immediately to reach a more balanced agreement.”

The B.C. Council of Forest Industries (COFI) is the voice of the B.C. forest industry, which continues to be one of the most significant economic drivers in the province and the largest producer of softwood lumber in Canada. COFI members produce lumber, pulp and paper, panels and engineered wood products at facilities across the province. All share a commitment to a future based on sustainable forestry and manufacturing practices, innovative product development and employee safety.