David Haley

Dear Premier Eby, this follows-up on the September 9 release of the letter stating that the forest industry is at a breaking point. This asks that you instruct BC Hydro to reach an Energy Purchase Agreement for the Howe Sound Pulp and Paper mill. While there are multiple obstacles to this proposal, establishing this as a pilot project would provide hope for the local forest industry on both sides of Howe Sound (and beyond), provide an outlet for the disposal of hog fuel from Dry Land Sorts and an outlet for other local material, thus avoiding landfill costs. It would support commercial thinning and fuel management in this area (BC Timber Sales, Woodlots BC and BC Community Forest Agreements) and support the general concept of natural asset management (Gibson local government). It would provide a quick source of energy, increasing the security and sovereignty of BC energy.  It would also contribute to the doubling of electricity production as proposed by Prime Minister Carney. [END]