January 19, 2017, Vancouver – Premier Clark announced her government’s contractor sustainability review for BC’s timber harvesting contractors at the Truck Logger Association’s 74th Annual Convention and Trade Show, “In It For the Long Run,” in Vancouver today.

“This is the most significant announcement to affect timber harvesting contractors across the province in almost 20 years,” said David Elstone, TLA Executive Director. “BC’s $13 billion forest products industry relies on timber harvesting contractors making this not just an important announcement for contractors but for the industry as a whole.”

“Contractors are the economic backbone of BC’s rural communities,” said Elstone. “Right now both communities and contractors are suffering. Contractor sustainability will mean allowing independent timber harvesting contractors to earn a fair rate of return so they can continue to create steady, wellpaying jobs in BC’s rural communities and be in it for the long run.”

“I’m particularly excited about Premier Clark’s commitment to appoint an independent facilitator and have him or her conduct individual interviews with TLA members so government can really understand the situation,” said Elstone. “We have a lot to get done to meet Premier Clark’s March 31 deadline and I know the TLA and its members are ready to do whatever it takes to get there.”

The TLA (Truck Loggers Association) represents 470 independent forest contractors and their suppliers operating on the coast of British Columbia. Our membership supports thousands of workers and, along with other independent contractors, accounts for close to 90% of the trees harvested on the coast. The TLA promotes a thriving, sustainable coastal forest industry in BC.

For more information: Brenda Martin, Director of Communications, The Truck Loggers Association

Phone: 604.684.4291

Cell: 604.339.7554

Fax: 604.684.7134

Email: brenda@tla.ca

Twitter: @truckloggerBC

Website: www.tla.ca

 

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