In the aftermath of Canfor closing its Vavenby sawmill questions are swirling about what role new provincial legislation will play in the proposed sale of timber tenure to Interfor.
Forests Minister Doug Donaldson says the legislation is supposed to inject accountability into the sale of forest land.
“What happens is if one major licensee wants to buy tenure from another licensee that is a public asset and we want to know about public considerations. Have they consulted with the communities about their plans? and what local communities think. Have they talked to local First Nations about their plans? And what do they think? Have they talked to unions and labour? And what do they think? That has to be part of the package they bring to me for approval.”
The legislation also gives the minister the power to veto the sale, prompting the question whether or not Donaldson will, or will not, use that power.
“I haven’t seen any proposal on my desk yet regarding the proposed purchase by Interfor of Canfor’s tenure. So I cannot comment on that specific situation but the more robust package they bring to me considering the public interest the better chance they will have of getting approved.”
Nearby Clearwater has expressed concerns about the proposed tenure sale and Simpcw First Nation is opposing it altogether.
