Vaughn Palmer

The co-chair of the provincial forestry advisory council… Garry Merkel presided over the release of what he characterized as “another freakin’ review” of BC forest policy. …The council report cast doubt on two other mainstays of NDP forest policy. It suggests “many” of the 54 recommendations in the recent review of BC Timber Sales should be paused or ceased altogether. Merkel also disparaged the forest landscape plans.  …His co-chair, Shannon Janzen, former vice-president of Western Forest Products… and their half dozen colleagues believe they’ve produced a set of recommendations — 10 in all — to get everyone paddling together and in the same direction. The changes would be sweeping and fundamental. …A report that offers “no comfort” for today’s crisis in the industry, but suggests waiting five years and maybe things will be better? I doubt the New Democrats will put it at the top of the cabinet agenda for action this day.