Special Committee on Timber Supply

Engagement Summary

The outbreak of mountain pine beetle in British Columbia has affected an estimated 18.1 million hectares of forest throughout the province. The effects of the infestation continue to present major challenges to the forest industry and communities in B.C.’s central interior.
 
In light of these challenges, the Special Committee on Timber Supply was appointed by the Legislative Assembly on May 16, 2012 to examine and make recommendations to address the loss of mid-term timber supply in the central interior.
 
British Columbians had the opportunity to contribute to the discussion on mid-term timber supply by submitting a written or video submission.  The submissions were then used to help the Committee develop its recommendations to government.

Timeframe:

June 18 to July 20, 2012

Input Received:  

In the space of 6 weeks, the Special Committee on Timber Supply visited 15 communities in the central interior and held three days of hearings in Vancouver. Over 650 submissions were received from First Nations, local governments, industry stakeholders and the public.

Input leads to action:

On October 9, 2012, the Province announced the Mid-Term Timber Supply Action Plan which consisted of 9 sustained and 11 new actions. To facilitate implementation of the action plan, the Province committed to introducing supporting legislation at the earliest opportunity.
 
Amendments to the Forest Act were introduced on February 20, 2013. The legislation and action plan addresses the recommendations made by the Special Committee on Timber Supply in their August 2012 report which was based on public hearings and written submissions from First Nations, local communities, industry stakeholders and the public.