Liberal leadership candidate Kevin Falcon was in Cranbrook last week expressing his support for B.C.’s forestry industry.
Should he become B.C.’s next premier, Falcon said he has a number of strategies to support one of the province’s most historic industries.
He wants to increase the use of B.C. trees, plant more trees, increase the amount of wood that’s used in non-residential buildings and help the industry expand its footprint in Asian markets.
“The world is turning its mind to new energy products from pellets to synthetic gas to cellulosic ethanol, and B.C. has developed a hub of companies capable of building this business,” Falcon said. “As premier, I will encourage even more bio-energy research and development, working with forest companies to create energy out of the low value parts of trees.”
Fellow leadership contenders Mike de Jong, Moira Stilwell, Christy Clark and George Abbott have also laid out plans to boost B.C.’s resource industries.
Earlier this month, Mike de Jong successfully lifted a trade barrier with India for B.C. lumber exports.
Stilwell has proposed a $10 million investment in Prince George's College of New Caledonia.
The money would fund new civil engineering and bioenergy programs to support resource industries.
Meanwhile, Clark has unveiled a plan to renew the northern and rural economy and has said she would be an “enthusiastic salesperson” of B.C.’s resources.
Abbott has also unveiled a list of actions he plans to undertake should he become premier. That list more funding for Forestry Innovation Investment, the Crown corporation mandated to promote B.C. wood products abroad.