Media Release | Mar. 10, 2004

Slocan Supports Establishment of B.C. Forum on Forest Economics and Policy at UBC

The UBC Faculty of Forestry with the support of Slocan Forest Products Ltd. today announced the establishment of the new B.C. Forum on Forest Economics and Policy. Slocan will contribute $500,000 over three years to the Forum to stimulate research and dialogue on the vital economic and policy issues confronting the forest sector in British Columbia. It will also provide student scholarships to encourage the best and brightest students -- leaders of tomorrow's forest industry -- to further their studies in this area.

The growth and prosperity of British Columbia is highly dependent on a strong and competitive forest industry. With the involvement of UBC faculty members, visiting scholars, students, industry and government representatives, the Forum will examine the effect issues such as the mountain pine beetle infestation, and increasing global competition from new and emerging lumber producers, such as Russia, on the forest sector and on B.C.'s forest communities.

The Forum will help government and industry understand the world at large so we can better manage our forests to remain competitive. By increasing understanding of both the short- and long-term impact of domestic and international economic and policy changes on industry and on the community, the Forum hopes to identify new opportunities for partnership and growth.

Slocan President & CEO, Jim Shepherd said, "Our industry is in a period of unprecedented change and we'll need innovative solutions to help manage this change. Our companies, employees and communities all depend on the industry remaining competitive. In past years, when the industry faced critical challenges, it turned to institutions like UBC to help find solutions. We're confident based on an excellent record of success that UBC and the BC Forum on Forest Economics and Policy will meet today’s challenges and leave a legacy of knowledge and ideas to help manage the challenges of tomorrow."

UBC President Martha Piper said the university looks forward to being able to assist forest communities throughout British Columbia. "The Faculty of Forestry has an exceptional history in forestry research and education. The BC Forum on Forest Economics and Policy will provide the opportunity for the Faculty, in collaboration with researchers throughout the province and abroad, to assist industry, government and the community in building a successful and sustainable forest sector for British Columbia."

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Contact

Michelle Cook
UBC Public Affairs
Tel: 604.822.2048
E-mail: michelle.cook@ubc.ca

Roger Ennis
Manager, Communications
Slocan
Tel: 604.278.7937