West Fraser and Raw Log Exports. West Fraser Timber will be allowed to export about one-third of its northwestern B.C. harvest overseas as raw logs in 1999, (approximately 200,000 cu.m. of trees) which is four times the amount shipped in 1998. The logs are destined for Japan, where they will provide employment in sawmills there. The International Woodworkers of America (IWA) union local originally opposed the export, but after some cajoling by the IWA leadership in Vancouver, they agreed to the deal, despite a previous vote by members to ban raw log exports. The deal is now in effect and will allow West Fraser to export raw logs in batches of 15,000 cubic metres at a time. West Fraser claim this is the only way to keep approximately 380 people at work at a time when the world demand for lumber is down. Yet demand for lumber is actually increasing, with prices for lumber rising by 30% in the last 3 months alone. And West Fraser just posted profits of $51.2 million for the first half of 1999. Meanwhile communizing in northern B.C. could well benefit from remanufacturing logs into quality end products, meaning that West Fraser could cut a lot less trees while providing jobs. At present, West Fraser is logging in the North Coast Timber Supply Area at 99% ABOVE the official sustainable amount according to BC government figures (which in themselves are grossly overestimated). If the amount of logging is not reduced soon in the area, there will be little left for future generations to enjoy. A local resident sums it all up by saying "the community has a right to expect more than this, exporting logs is exporting jobs."
© 1999 Forest Action Network. All rights reserved.