MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY - Following a recent delegation appearance by Alberta Forest Products Association (AFPA) and other forestry officials, Mountain View County approved sending a letter of support for the industry to Alberta's premier.
Brock Mulligan, senior vice-president of AFPA appeared as a delegation earlier this spring at county council meeting. Jason Foote, general manager of Sundre Forest Products, was also part of the delegation.
“We know there’s some mitigating measures that can be taken, both by the provincial and federal government (in support of the industry),” Milligan said. “We are asking for letters of support from municipalities to push those mitigative measures.”
Those mitigating measures could include promoting the use of Alberta wood in construction, promoting market diversification and infrastructure investment, and implement a forestry manufacturing tax credit, he said.
During the April 9 council meeting, council considered a draft letter of support.
“Forestry plays an essential role in the environmental, social, and economic well-being of our county,” the letter reads. “Sundre Forest Products (West Fraser) is an economic driver, providing stable, well-paying jobs and supporting businesses and families throughout the county and beyond. The forestry sector is a vital part of our community’s identity and future.
“Based on industry discussions, we strongly advocate for the following key priorities to ensure the sustainability of forestry in Alberta and the continued success of operations like Sundre Forest Products.”
In all, the county’s letter outlined six priorities: Continued advocacy with U.S. partners; financial support of duty deposits; promoting Alberta wood use in construction; enhancing industry competitiveness; market diversification; and implementation of a forestry manufacturing tax credit.
For example, the promoting the use of Alberta wood in construction priority reads: “We support efforts to encourage building with Alberta wood, reinforcing the importance of our forestry sector. Enhancing opportunities to build with Alberta wood could stimulate demand locally sourced materials in public and private construction projects, directly benefiting our region.”
The letter concludes with the comment: “County council supports these measures and looks forward to continued collaboration with the province to implement them.
“We are committed to ensuring that our forestry industry remains competitive and that the families and businesses who rely on it continue to succeed.”
County council carried a motion approving the letter of support.
