I am writing to correct misinformation printed in your paper on July 17, 2013.
Contrary to the assertions of the opposition, the Fibreco wood chip export permit was reviewed by both a buyers’ and a consumers’ advisory committee. Concerns expressed by the latter were duly considered as part of my ministry’s standard review process. The Order in Council that approves this permit, like all such orders, is publicly available.
This export permit does not kill jobs, it protects them. It allows for Fibreco – a company that employs over one hundred people in B.C.’s green forestry sector – to secure funds to upgrade their facilities. Fribreco has had an export permit for chips since 1978, averaging 300,000 bone-dry units per year. That’s the same amount permitted annually over the next 10 years. Should a short-term supply shortage ever arise, the permit has a clause to cancel export.
Steve Thomson
Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations