The BC Conservatives have revealed their plan to get the province's forestry industry back on track following years of "hostility" from the BC NDP.Under the leadership of forestry industry veteran John Rustad, the party vowed to, "restore jobs and competitiveness while enhancing biodiversity, living-up to our duty as good stewards, and clearly defining conservation-primary areas," all in an attempt to safeguard a "sustainable future" not just for the forests, but the humans and other animals that rely on them to survive.In a press release, the Conservatives explained exactly how they planned on achieving that goal, beginning with defining the land area that will be prioritized for forestry and meeting biodiversity goals, ensuring around two thirds of the province's forests remain untouched by industrial-scale operations.Also top of mind for the party was modernizing the stumpage system, the fees that businesses or individuals pay when they harvest forest products from Crown land, by replacing them with a "value-added end product tax."They argued this would be, "instantaneously responsive to current market conditions, and it will encourage industry to get more value and jobs out of each log."The Conservatives also promised to implement a "One Project, One Permit" process to reduce costs for all parties involved, and undertake a full review of the factors contributing to BC's "uncompetitive cost structure."In an effort to better manage the forests, the party explained it would reintroduce the ability to use controlled burns, maximize the use of "wetter species" in ecosystems historically hit by wildfires, and focus harvests on damaged areas.The Conservatives also set forth their intention to undertake a complete review of wildfire management, as well as work with the private sector to beef up responses, and ensure locals have the training and equipment they need to pitch in.On the issue of workers, the party said it would invest in programs to connect people with positions, and support them through any transitional periods."BC's forest sector has been gutted by the NDP government," the Conservatives lamented. "NDP policies have destroyed about two-thirds of our once-great forest industry ... In this province, it’s impossible to be pro-worker while being anti-forestry. The NDP has failed this basic test, and has demonstrated particular contempt for rural British Columbians who are disproportionately harmed by deindustrialization of the sector."
