Member’s Statement – Forestry Bill 2nd Reading, June 3, 2015
Mr. Speaker, today is an historic day for the province of New Brunswick. Last year, the previous government signed a contract with three private companies. This deal pledged softwood harvest increases of 20%. This number was deemed unsustainable by the Minister’s staff, endangering wildlife populations. Today this government has the opportunity to reverse the mistakes of its predecessors. I hope, Mr. Speaker, that it chooses to do so. For the sake of private woodlot owners and small scale lumber yards. For the sake of our wildlife. And for the sake of this government’s own responsibilities to First Nations. I hope this government will choose to stand up to corporate interests when they conflict with the interests of New Brunswickers.