Ministry changes destroy forest research
By Anthony Britneff, Times ColonistNovember 24, 2010
Re: "Ministry shake-up called into question," Nov. 18.
Ex-minister Bill Bennett revealed the lack of cabinet participation, thought and process behind Premier Gordon Campbell's unilateral order-in-council effectively nullifying the Ministry of Forests and Range Act and eviscerating the B.C. Forest Service after 98 years of service to British Columbians as their forest agent.
One of the many casualties of this act of madness is the disbandment of the forest research branch. Since 1927, research by forest service scientists has built an international reputation for B.C. forestry while providing the evolving science for sustainable management of our publicly owned forests.
The goodwill derived from world-class renown cannot be bought. It is an asset of considerable worth that has been built up steadily over 83 years. Indirectly, it supports the marketing of sustainably produced lumber to many export markets. To chuck it away is a reckless act of public vandalism.
For the same reasons the government rescinded Campbell's tax break, it must reverse this ill-considered reorganization of resource ministries before the situation becomes irretrievable and too much damage is done to the environment and to an intimidated group of public servants ruled by the tyranny of a compromised premier.
By Anthony Britneff, Times ColonistNovember 24, 2010
Re: "Ministry shake-up called into question," Nov. 18.
Ex-minister Bill Bennett revealed the lack of cabinet participation, thought and process behind Premier Gordon Campbell's unilateral order-in-council effectively nullifying the Ministry of Forests and Range Act and eviscerating the B.C. Forest Service after 98 years of service to British Columbians as their forest agent.
One of the many casualties of this act of madness is the disbandment of the forest research branch. Since 1927, research by forest service scientists has built an international reputation for B.C. forestry while providing the evolving science for sustainable management of our publicly owned forests.
The goodwill derived from world-class renown cannot be bought. It is an asset of considerable worth that has been built up steadily over 83 years. Indirectly, it supports the marketing of sustainably produced lumber to many export markets. To chuck it away is a reckless act of public vandalism.
For the same reasons the government rescinded Campbell's tax break, it must reverse this ill-considered reorganization of resource ministries before the situation becomes irretrievable and too much damage is done to the environment and to an intimidated group of public servants ruled by the tyranny of a compromised premier.
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It is with great trepidation I heard the sad news. As the research scientist who fought long and hard for the establishment of the Kalamalka Forestry Centre I have great concern for its future. We had many world class scientists visiting the Centre, a great deal of world class research was generated here and a lame-duck Premiere is willing to throw all that away. There should be an outcry and our MLA should be the first to question the decision. I urge all local politician to express their outrage.
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