Situation Critical: Alberta Forest Industry

One item on last night's Council agenda was a brochure entitled Situation Critical: Alberta's Forest Industry Crisis. The lead line indicates that "The future of Alberta’s $11 billion forest products industry is in jeopardy - putting thousands of Albertans in peril of losing their livelihood and dozens of communities in danger of seeing their local economies crumble." It outlines the catalysts that have led to the crisis and provides ideas for finding solutions.

I grew up as the daughter, grand-daughter, and great-grand-daughter of people involved in the forest industry--my great-grandfather was an owner of the Grande Prairie Lumber Mill and before it was taken over by Canfor in the late 1950s, my grandfather and father each managed the mill.

This situation also has the potential to negatively impact many of the communities around Peace River as well as the Town itself. We all need to educate ourselves about the forest industry in Alberta and throughout Canada and do what we can to support it during this period of crisis. Council made a motion last night to write a letter of support to the province after the election is over and new Ministers are appointed.

For more information on the crisis and to view an informative video about the industry, check out this website:
http://albertaforestproducts.ca/about/SituationCritical.aspx