Province Announced Significant Updates to Five-Decade-Old Forestry Act

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The provincial government of Alberta announced updates to the outdated five-decades-old Forests Act. The change comes at a time when the demand for wood products is on the rise in North America. The move is expected to bolster the province’s competitive forest sector. It must be noted that The Forest Act was last updated in 1971.

Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry noted that forestry plays a critical role in economic recovery of the province, it being the third largest resource sector in entire Alberta. The mills in the region are seen passing through a lot of uncertainties. The updates at this juncture will boost the sector’s competitiveness and lay foundation for future growth, he added.

The updates propose setting up of timber dues in a more timely fashion. It aims to give companies greater flexibility in deciding when to harvest the trees to which they are given access. Furthermore, it suggests eliminating unnecessary red tape for forest tenure holders and encouraging innovations and advanced technologies.

Jason Krips, president and CEO, Alberta Forest Products Association noted that the updates are aimed at supporting a vibrant forest industry and healthy forests that benefit Albertans.

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