CANFOR STEPS UP PAGE A3
BOMBER COMMAND VET PAGE A14
SEA LIONS RAMP UP TRAINING PAGE A18
OBSERVER QUESNEL - CARIBOO
SINCE 1908
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
VOL. 98 NO. 89
www.quesnelobserver.com
$ 34
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Talking timber supply in Quesnel AUTUMN MacDONALD Observer Reporter Gold Pan residents ensured their voices were heard. Friday, a number of community members, along with industry and the city took the opportunity to share their concerns, suggestions and desires to the Special Committee on Timber Supply. MLA Bob Simpson submitted a written submission. “The City of Quesnel is dependent on the forest industry for employment and tax base,” Mayor Mary Sjostrom told the panel. “Currently 62 per cent of municipal taxation ($8.1 million) comes from the major forest industry. “The forestry industry is the backbone of the city’s economy through direct employment, suppliers and associated spinoff employment. Our most recent figures show that approximately 1,900 people are directly employed by the major industrial operators within city limits, with an annual payroll of $125 million.” Sjostrom pointed out the figures do not include logging firms, trucking companies, contractors and the many and varied spinoff jobs that are a “direct result of being home to North America’s largest concentration of wood manufacturing facilities.” Sjostrom highlighted the importance of transition assistance and diversification. “Some of the forecast job losses may be mitigated through a number of fashions,” she said. “Retraining the workforce for employment in new, innovative and emerging industries may be one option. Another worth considering is a system of pension bridging to allow those close to retirement to consider it, opening positions for those who still have many years of service to provide.” The Special Committee on Timber Supply was struck after the mountain pine beetle outbreak affected an estimated 18.1 million hectares of forest throughout B.C. The committee is tasked with meeting with communities affected by the beetle and making recommendations to address the loss of mid-term timber supply. Residents can still contribute to the discussion by submitting a written or video submission by July 20, www.leg.bc.ca/timbercommittee. Following public consultations the committee is issuing a report to the Legislative Assembly recommending ways in which the mid-term timber supply in the central interior can be increased.
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uesnel to Q Mark it on yourr ca calendar! alen nda ar!
Art in the market A wide variety of artists set up at the market to display and demonstrate their work, including Vi Martens who created Ukrainian decorated eggs before a fascinated audience. For more photos See PAGE A13. Annie Gallant photo
Good day, Quesnel. Thanks for reading — and that includes loyal subscriber J. Ferrara! To join the Observer family, please call 250-992-2121 and ask for circulation.
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