THE FACTS ON RAW LOGS
- Raw log exports amount to less than 1.5 % of total Annual Allowable Cut. Raw log exports have not exceeded 2 % of AAC since 1989.
- Exports of raw logs are in decline. The volume of exports was lower in 2004 than they were in 2001.
- Most raw log exports are made from federally-regulated land. In 2004, there were twice as many raw log exports from federally-regulated land as from provincial Crown lands.
- We prefer timber harvested in BC be sold here. But allowing some log exports creates employment in parts of the province that are struggling. In the Northwest, about 2,000 forest workers are currently working who would otherwise be unemployed.
- The overall policy has not changed from what it was when we took office.
- We have increased the amount of timber available competitively through the BC Timber Sales Program.
- We do not allow immediate export of wood; there is a process in place that must be followed by putting up the wood for sale in BC first. If there is no bidder/buyer, then a request may be made to export the wood.
NDP RECORD OF BROKEN PROMISES ON RAW LOGS
- The 1991 NDP election platform included a promise to ban raw log exports. They broke their promise. Raw log exports continued every year under the NDP.
