Support Working Forests on Vancouver Island and in British Columbia

Whereas a ban of Old Growth logging would result in job losses and impact the broader business community; And whereas a sustainably managed, working forest is critical for assisting carbon sequestering, managing climate change, supporting continued indigenous reconciliation, providing a vibrant economy for forest-based communities, and employing the hard-working men and women of the forest industry in British Columbia where millions of dollars are invested in the North Island, directly supporting forest-based communities and the overall Provincial economy; British Columbia is recognized as having stringent legislation and enforcement related to elements of sustainable forest management, including requirements for wildlife habitat, water quality, and public and First Nations involvement: Therefore be it resolved that policy on the management of forests in British Columbia should continue to be managed through a rigorous, science-based approach; And be it further resolved that UBCM calls on the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development to continue to support working forests on Vancouver Island and in British Columbia; And be it further resolved that Council calls on all forest-based communities to develop similar motions to further support working forests in British Columbia; And be it further resolved that the above motion be distributed to the Council of Forest Industries.