Teal Jones statement – BC Government deferral announcement

Teal Jones is issuing this statement in response to today’s announcement by the BC Government of the potential deferral of logging activities in 2.6 million hectares of old growth in British Columbia:

We have just received the BC Government’s process for deferrals and are still reviewing it in detail to determine the impact on our operations.

We are concerned this significant change is being made with little or no consultation with the industry, First Nations, unions, and forestry communities. Process changes of this magnitude have the potential to disrupt the lives of thousands of British Columbians, and should be made with all the facts, science, and perspectives on the table.

The BC Council of Forest Industries has predicated the decision could cost 18,000 jobs and result in the closure of 14 – 20 sawmills, two pulp mills, and an undetermined number value-added manufacturing facilities.

Teal Jones is committed to engaging with local First Nations in whose territories we operate.