The membership and terms of reference for the Working Roundtable on Forestry were released today by Forests and Range Minister Rich Coleman.

"We've asked the Working Roundtable to develop recommendations and ideas that government, the forestry industry and others can act on to strengthen British Columbia's forest sector over the next five to 10 years," said Coleman. "Their ideas will put government in a position to adopt practical solutions that will lead to a stronger, more vibrant and sustainable forest industry in British Columbia for the future."

The Working Roundtable was announced by Premier Gordon Campbell in January at the Truck Loggers Association (TLA) Convention. The roundtable's primary focus will be on identifying conditions for the long-term success of British Columbia's forest sector within the global marketplace.

Key considerations will include:
* climate change and the challenges and opportunities it presents for B.C. forests;
* remaining competitive in evolving world economies;
* the impact of innovation and technology on forestry;
* changing demographics within an aging workforce;
* issues affecting B.C.'s forests, such as the mountain pine beetle;
* changing social expectations of forests and the forest industry;
* upholding First Nations' rights; and
* sustaining B.C.'s world-renowned environmental standards.

The Roundtable will also hold meetings in communities around the province and provide Roundtable members with an opportunity to hear from local experts and community leaders, and to visit local mills and woodlands.

"We need to build the forestry sector for the next generation," said Coleman. "Through the Working Roundtable, I am optimistic we can bring forward innovative ideas that will help our forestry sector remain viable in the long term."

The Roundtable will be chaired by Coleman. Dana Hayden, a deputy minister in government and former interim BC Lotteries president and CEO, was recently appointed vice-chair. Roundtable members were chosen for their ability to receive, consider and provide new perspectives and ideas.

The Minister of Forests and Range will report to Cabinet quarterly on the progress of the Working Roundtable. For more information about the Working Roundtable on Forestry and a copy of the terms of reference, please visit this site.

BACKGROUNDER
Ministry of Forests and Range

WORKING ROUNDTABLE ON FORESTRY MEMBERSHIP

Members of the Working Roundtable on Forestry have been chosen because of their ability to receive, consider and provide new perspectives and ideas. Working Roundtable members are not intended to represent forest sector interest groups because it would be impossible to have a Working Roundtable of a reasonable size and at the same time represent all forest sector interests.

Members are composed of a broad cross section of individuals with expertise and interest in areas such as business operations, investment, marketing, technology, and the environment.

The members are:
* Rich Coleman, Minister of Forests and Range, Chair
* Dana Hayden, Vice-Chair
* John Cowan, Principal, Osborne Group
* Frank Everitt, President, United Steel Workers Local 1-424
* Mike Frazier, Mayor, Village of McBride
* Mike Harkies, Vice-president and General Manager, Solid Wood and Kraft Papers, Tolko Industries Ltd.
* Jack Heavenor, Managing Partner, Downie Timber Ltd.
* David Gandossi, Executive Vice-president, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary, Mercer International (pulp and paper)
* Donald Hayes, President, Hayes Logging Services Limited
* Jake Kerr, Managing Partner, Lignum Forest Products and Chairman, Lignum Investments Ltd.
* Bill Kordyban Sr., President, Carrier Lumber Ltd.
* Thomas Olsen, President, Triumph Timber
* Beverlee Park, Executive Vice-president and Chief Financial Officer, TimberWest
* Conrad Pinette, Director, TimberWest
* Dave Porter, First Nations Summit - Kaska Nation
* Chief Lynda Price, Ulkatcho First Nation
* Jonathan Rhone, President and CEO, Nexterra Energy Corp.
* Daryl Swetlishoff, Forest Investment Advisor, Raymond James Ltd.
* Derek Thompson, Associate Professor, Royal Roads University
* Pat Bell, Minister of Agriculture and Lands
* Ron Cantelon, MLA, Nanaimo-Parksville
* Blair Lekstrom, MLA, Peace River South

SOURCE:
Ministry of Forests and Range
FORESTRY ROUNDTABLE FOCUSES ON FUTURE