My AccountMayor attended Council of Forest Industries on April 12, 13 & 14 2023. The Minister of Forests Bruce Ralston was in attendance.
I/ Mayor Courtoreille had an opportunity to speak with him, I made it clear to the Minister how devastating the closure of any Sawmill is in our community and the effects of such a closure on economy and the mental toll on the community. I talked with the Minister about our existing West Fraser mill and the possible fibre shortage occurring at this site. Minister Ralston is now looking into the shortage and his first thought was that the Canfor closure would help the West Fraser Sawmill to survive in Chetwynd. I asked him if the shortage was because of Permitting and one of the Assistance Deputies Ministers said they are getting close to some type of agreement. I don`t know with who as he did not elaborate.
Also had a chance to speak with the CEO of West Fraser Timber Ray Ferris. Ray had concerns about the future of fibre in the Chetwynd area and other areas in BC.
I also met with Stephen Mackie, Canfor Executive Vice President of North America Operations. I conveyed my concern that Canfor Operation was not doing enough to help in securing fibre for our existing West Fraser Sawmill and he reassured me that Canfor and West Fraser were talking, and that Canfor was in a position to help. Without participating in these conferences, we do not get to have an audience with high profile Executives and with the appropriate Ministers i.e. Minister of Forests.
As for the conference it was very informative, and every session had components of Land use and Entitlement with our First Nations; from CN to all resource sectors like Mining, Oil & Gas, Forestry, Farming, Shipping Terminals, and Tourism, as all are being asked to collaborate and consult with First Nations. The time is here, and we must all look forward to the opportunity this brings to communities like ours. We are in a suitable location on a major Highway (97) and this brings opportunities that may arise from being on a major corridor. We should be preparing for the next level of opportunities.
