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Loggers look to the future

B.C.’s logging associations are meeting in Vernon to discuss contractor sustainability
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Logging contractor associations are meeting in Vernon to discuss common issues. (TLA photo)

B.C.’s logging associations are meeting in Vernon to discuss contractor sustainability.

The meeting Thursday will occur in advance of the Interior Logging Association’s 59th annual conference and trade show.

“Timber harvesting contractors across this province are unable to be sustainable and that puts the entire forest industry at risk. They are the first link in the supply chain—without them the rest of the industry grinds to a halt,” said David Elstone, Truck Loggers Association executive director.

“This situation becomes even more serious within the context of the recently announced countervailing duties on Canadian softwood lumber exported to the U.S. The pressure on our industry to remain viable will increase.”

The Vernon-based ILA will also be part of the discussions.

“Many of my members are not seeing a return on their investment,” said Wayne Lintott, ILA general manager.

“Timber harvesting requires high capital investment and my members take on a lot of risk. We need to level the playing field between licensees and contractors.”

The government announced a contractor sustainability review in January and the work is now underway with George Abbott, a former Shuswap MLA, serving as the independent facilitator.

“We all hope this review will lead to real change so that everyone who works in the forest can share in the prosperity,” said Elstone.