Lheidli, Simpcw Chiefs says forestry cutting permits approvals need to be accelerated

The Chiefs of the Lheidli T’enneh and Simpcw First Nations (near Barriere) today (Friday) called on the BC Government to approve cutting permits to help the beleaguered forest industry.

According to both First Nations, the industry continues to struggle from a reduced timber supply and higher costs associated with harvesting, hauling and
lumber production.

‘We are urging the BC Government to empower staff to approve cutting permits faster. Unnecessary delays are adding costs at a time when the industry is facing enough uncertainty and challenges. Our own logging company LTN Contracting is affected by delays in getting cutting permits as are our members who work in the forest industry. Lheidli has always been a Forestry First Nation. We work very closely with both licensees and government staff to ensure the forests in our unceded territory are managed sustainably for the benefit of everyone. Unnecessary delays in getting cutting permits approved are not helping an industry that already faces major challenges,” said Dolleen Logan, Lheidli T’enneh Chief.

Both Chiefs state the BC Government has made substantial progress in recent years working with provincial First Nations on a host of challenges and opportunities in their territories.

Lampeau and Logan remain hopeful the government will support their call to issue cutting permits that have been submitted,
reviewed and are ready for approval.

“The health of the forests and the forest industry is paramount to our nation moving forward. We need both. The industry in our territory needs
timber to survive. Our staff team works closely with licensees and government staff to identify appropriate areas for logging, volumes and harvesting methods. Government can be assured that
cutting permit applications are not submitted unless we approve them. The same goes for Lheidli. We are asking government today to speed up their approval process and get cutting permits
issued so we can get our members and others back to work this summer.”

Lampeau and Logan were part of a closed door meeting yesterday (Thursday) in PG with government and industry representatives to discuss the permitting issue as well as other pressing matters impacting the sector.