OTTAWA — Canada’s forest products industry is booming but faces a long-term threat from climate change, according to a new federal report tabled in the House of Commons.

The industry, while enjoying thriving and growing markets in Asia and a rebound in U.S. housing construction, could see its long-term supplies jeopardized, according to 2013 edition of Natural Resources Canada’s annual report, The State of Canada’s Forests.

“Canada’s forests are undergoing significant changes as a result of a changing climate, including more frequent fire, drought, and disease and insect attacks,” the report states.

“This increase in disturbances … could impact Canada’s supply of quality fibre in the long run, posing some risks to both industry transformation and sector competitiveness. Innovative, science-based policy solutions, mitigation strategies and forest management approaches will therefore be needed to help decision-makers at every level navigate the way forward.”

Natural Resources Minister Joe Oliver, in a statement, focused on the more immediate-term strength of the forestry sector.

“This year’s report confirms that Canada’s forest sector is emerging from the economic downturn more diversified and energized than ever before. Canada’s forest sector is providing exciting new products for the domestic and international markets, providing jobs for 234,000 Canadian workers and contributing $19 billion to our nation’s economy,” he said.

Canada now has a 45-per-cent share of China’s softwood lumber imports, with imports rising almost 1,000 per cent since 2007, according to the report.

Wood product exporters could find new buyers if the Canada-European Union trade deal proceeds, Oliver added.

Prominent B.C. environmentalist Tzeporah Berman said Oliver’s political actions are at odds with the message from his department.

“It’s ironic that Minister Joe Oliver’s department would be warning of the risks of climate change while the minister himself is travelling the world promoting rapid pipeline and oilsands expansion, which is the single biggest contributor to climate pollution in Canada.”
 

Source:Vancouver Sun

Posted and edited by Hanbao News Department

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