Friday 31 October 2008

Boooh! Quebec's Forest Industry Presents Brief on the Forest's Future

It was the day before Halloween but it seems that representatives of the forest industry in Quebec did a little trick or treating on Thursday at the parliamentary commission studying the health and future of the province’s forests. As usual, Louis-Gilles Francoeur of Le Devoir had the story first, reporting yesterday that what forest companies want is to cut trees and do little else—not replant the forest, or maintain roads or fight fires or any of the things they’ve been supposed to do in return for the right to exploit Quebec’s enormous forests. The implicit threat—or trick—is the end of the industry as we know it.

Now, it’s quite possible things can be reorganized to function more efficiently, and it’s equally true that economic hard times are usually particularly tough on pulp, paper and milled lumber companies. But giving carte blanche to the industry is not the way to do it. Several other interests—including conservation groups—will also present their points of view before the commission.

A subject to be followed closely.

2 comments:

Martin Langeland said...

How short sighted of them!

Else while:
We wish you and Lee a Cheerfully frightening Samhain. Take a tot of malt -- as a sacrament of the day! -- and stay near the fire. Here's a ghoulish tale to bring a smile While you toast.
--ml
How Ghostly! the word verification is "endoom". And may none of us be.

Mary Soderstrom said...

Thanks for the story, Martin. Quite appropriate.

Had about 30-40 little kids come by last night before I shut things down at 8 p.m. There were years past when we got more than 100: the families on the street are mostlyl grandparently age now. Time for the neighborhood to rejuvenate!

Cheers

Mary