A former Shuswap MLA will try and address some of the challenges within the logging sector.
George Abbott and his partners at Circle Square Solutions have been selected by the provincial government as the independent facilitator to find solutions that strengthen relationships between logging contractors and licensees.
“Abbott will lead the facilitated process to define issues and recommend potential actions to government to improve the sustainability and competitiveness of B.C. forest sector contractors and licensees,” states a Ministry of Forests release.
“An economic assessment and review of the contracting sector has been completed that will help develop baseline information and identify economic drivers within the sector. Abbott and Circle Square Solutions will use data collected in the review, and information assessing the key drivers of licensees’ competitiveness, to suggest potential opportunities and structure a focused consultation process with the contractors and licensees.”
The Truck Loggers Association welcomes the appointment of Abbott, a former minister of sustainable resource management.
“George Abbott’s experience working with the forest industry through developing the Great Bear Rainforest agreement means he has the on-the-ground experience needed to facilitate the contractor sustainability review,” said Jacqui Beban, TLA president.