[LabComm] James proposes Pine Beetle Community Investment Fund for Northern BC

[BC NDP NEWSWIRE]

James proposes Pine Beetle Community Investment Fund for Northern BC

NDP plan would see communities take control of revenue from harvesting operations

PRINCE GEORGE - BC New Democrat Leader Carole James today proposed a Pine Beetle Community Investment Fund for communities in Northern British Columbia.   Modeled on the Columbia Basin Trust and the Nechako-Kitimat Development Fund, the new fund would be established with revenue generated from harvesting operations to control the spread of the pine beetle infestation.

"The pine beetle threatens the future of Northern communities," said James.  "My plan would help secure that future by keeping revenue generated from increased harvesting operations in the North, where it belongs, rather than in Victoria."

As a result of the increase to the Annual Allowable Cut established to control the spread of the pine beetle infestation in the Quesnel, Prince George and Lakes timber supply areas, the government can expect to collect revenue on an additional 5 million cubic metres this year alone.

James said the added revenue should be used to help communities plan for the future.  She said the new trust would see representatives from business, labour, First Nations, and municipal and regional governments working together to prioritize and invest the revenue to the benefit of their communities.

According to BC's Chief Forester, over the next 10-15 years there will be a long-term decrease of between 20 to 40 percent in the amount of timber that can be harvested each year in the pine beetle affected areas.

"Northern British Columbians generate a tremendous amount of wealth for all of BC," said Quesnel Mayor, Nate Bello.  "This initiative recognizes the need to invest in the economic future of those communities directly impacted by the pine beetle infestation, including forestry and pine beetle recovery, transportation, tourism, energy, small business and sustainable economic development."

Prince George City Councillor, Murry Krause echoed Bello's comments saying that empowering local communities to take control of their destiny by stopping the outflow of wealth from the North is a key part of any long-term economic plan for the region.

"Northern communities have suffered as a result of the Campbell government's policies," said Cariboo-North NDP Candidate Bob Simpson.  "Northern British Columbians have a right to take control of their future with wealth created in their communities.  That's what this plan is all about."

James said that that BC Liberals should take action on this issue before the election is called.

"I'm challenging Gordon Campbell to adopt this initiative, and to use the final sitting of his government in February to enact it.  He will have the full support of all three NDP MLAs to pass the needed legislation speedily."

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