Canadian Council of Forest Ministers (CCFM)

NEWS RELEASE – CANADIAN FOREST MINISTERS FOCUS ON FOREST SUSTAINABILITY

YELLOWKNIFE- October 13, 2006 - At the annual meeting of the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers (CCFM) in Yellowknife on October 13, forest ministers from across Canada focused their efforts on supporting the sustainability of Canada's forest sector. The CCFM was in Yellowknife as part of a series of meetings bringing together ministers responsible for natural resources and the environment.

The ministers discussed a number of issues pertaining to the forest industry. Discussions focused on ways to help sustain long-term jobs, renewable products, healthy communities and a clean and ecologically diverse environment.

The CCFM highlighted the need for a more coordinated effort to address challenges facing the forest industry in Canada today. Ministers also discussed the need to move forward on a National Forest Pest Strategy and a Canadian Wildland Fire Stategy.

"The scope of the ministers' work reflects their commitment to a competitive and diverse forest community," said the Honourable J. Michael Miltenberger, Northwest Territories Minister of Environment and Natural Resources and outgoing Chair of the CCFM.

"We had a wide-ranging discussion on what governments can do to help communities and companies focus their efforts on innovation, value-added products, rather than just commodities," added Mr. Miltenberger. "We recognize this will be best achieved by bridging across sectors, including wildlife, environment, fisheries and parks." I am encouraged by our discussion of the joint meeting that this is achievable.

"Canada’s New Government is committed to a stable and healthy forest industry," said the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources. "I will continue to work with my provincial and territorial colleagues to expand opportunities, build a stronger, more competitive forest sector, and help communities and workers across Canada."

The ministers discussed issues related to the effects of industry restructuring on communities, wood allocation, government programs and promotion. They also directed their officials to develop initiatives to address areas of common concern, particularly innovation, research and development, and market intelligence.

Ministers discussed the Canadian Wildland Fire Strategy. They agreed that this issue is one of the top priorities for ministers and directed that actions be undertaken to implement the strategy.

The ministers approved a plan for the development of the next forest strategy that will replace the current National Forest Strategy, which ends in May 2008. The new strategy will build on existing initiatives, socioeconomic changes and impacts on forest communities, as well as demonstrate ongoing leadership by CCFM and meet Canada's international responsibilities.

The CCFM also released a report on sustainable forest management. The report, Criteria and Indicators of Sustainable Forest Management in Canada: National Status 2005, shows areas in which Canada is making progress and others in which improvement is needed. For example, although we are continuing to manage our forests to provide economic and social benefits, we must do better at protecting them from pollution and exotic invasive species.

"With the active participation of those interested in the future of Canada's forests, the CCFM can address the challenges we are facing," said the Honourable Stan Struthers, Manitoba Minister of Conservation and incoming Chair of the CCFM. "Ultimately, our collective efforts will result in significant benefits for Canadians, while contributing to the overall natural resources landscape. I see positive outcomes."

The CCFM intends to address several aspects critical to the forest industry including its competitiveness. The CCFM plans to report to the Council of the Federation consisting of Canadian premiers on this and other forest issues.

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For more information, media may contact

Judy McLinton, Manager
Public Affairs and Communications
Environment and Natural Resources
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: (867) 873-7379
Judy_Mclinton@gov.nt.ca

Claude Léger, Senior Advisor
CCFM Secretariat
Natural Resources Canada
Government of Canada
Tel: (613) 947-9099
cleger@nrcan.gc.ca

Ghyslain Charron
Media Relations
Natural Resources Canada
Government of Canada
Tel: (613) 992-4447
ghcharro@nrcan.gc.ca