VICTORIA - New Democrat Bob Simpson, Opposition Critic for Forests and Range, is tired of waiting for Forestry Minister Rich Coleman to make good on promises that he will soon release both the Bioenergy and Coast Revitalization Strategies.

"He's been promising the Bioenergy Strategy since last fall and the Coast Revitalization Strategy since February. We need these strategies released immediately. Forest-dependent workers, First Nations and local government want to know how the Campbell government plans to restructure their industry and they have the right to be part of a process that will ensure everyone gets to provide input," said Simpson, MLA for Cariboo North.

"Forest industry CEOs and organizations are still awaiting the release of the Bioenergy Strategy. They want the Forest Minister to clearly state how the government will deal with the massive amounts of Mountain Pine Beetle wood waste being left behind in the bush and provide direction as to how these impacted forests will be best utilized. The entire forest sector, particularly the Pulp and Paper sector, are very concerned that the B.C. Liberals don't get into bioenergy in a way that undermines the viability of the existing forest industry."

"Coastal communities awaiting the Revitalization Strategy want to know how the current problems in the coastal forest industry will affect the long-term viability of Vancouver Island communities. Minister Coleman leaked information to the media several weeks ago that the Strategy would focus on a major transition to second-growth timber," said Simpson.

A report released by the International Wood Markets Group states that the coastal forest industry is one of the highest-cost lumber producing regions in the world and that without significant investments in research the variability in wood quality would make harvesting hemlock-balsam forests something of a gamble for the forest industry.

"Making the most of a second growth market will require extensive product research and new means of capital investment if it stands any chance of succeeding. We are in dire need of a new business model that will adapt to shifts in global markets while addressing environmental and economic sustainability," said Simpson.

"Coleman's lack of urgency on these matters and constant stalling on promised reports is basically saying to forest-dependent communities that they are not a priority," he added.