'Consumers demand that timber should be sourced from sustainable forests' To what extent are the actions of the Canadian forestry companies and regulators sufficient to meet these consumer expectations?

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‘Consumers demand that timber should be sourced from sustainable forests’

To what extent are the actions of the Canadian forestry companies and regulators sufficient to meet these consumer expectations?

Forests are an integral part of Canada and the Canadian way of life. Forests cover half of Canada’s landmass, around 417million hectares (Natural Resources Canada, 1997, pg 4), and are fundamental to Canadian culture, history and not least the economy. In 2001 the forest industry was estimated to be worth $44.1 billion in trade surplus and employed 353,000 nationally, while acting as a backdrop for the tourist industry (Canadian Forest Service, 2002). It is little wonder then that the issue of forest sustainability is taken very seriously. Forest sustainability has become increasing important on a world scale as the profile of the planets environmental problems has risen over the past decade. Canadian forestry companies and regulators have responded by leading the way in sustainable forest management and can boast some of the worlds most well balanced and natural forests. However like most countries Canada has somewhat of a chequered history with regards exploiting its natural resources. This image needs to be improved if Canada is to keep its consumers happy.

The sustainable forest industry is a balancing act between the forests many uses. Canada is unique in that 94% of its forest land is publicly owned. Which means the responsibility for the balance lies is mainly that of the governments. According to The State of Canada’s Forests 2001 today’s governments ‘are ensuring that Canada meets its sustainable forestry commitments at local, national and international levels’ (2001). On a national level the government sets up the framework within which the 10 provinceable government s can manoeuvre. One powers that these governments have, is to determine the provinces annual allowable cut rate (AAC). This establishes the volume of timber allowed to be harvested over the year over a period of time. The whole of this figure is rarely harvested, for example Manitoba in 1997 was allowed to harvest 9million cubic metres of softwood. Te actual figure harvested was a little over two million (Compendium of Canadian Forestry Statistics, 1997.)  This is not uncommon. On top of this Canada has more than 140 federal and hundreds of provincial laws and regulations protecting its air, water, fish, wildlife and their habitat. The many agencies such as The Canadian Forest Service also play invaluable roles in the scientific background for sustainability. The forest industries are also playing increasing important roles in sustainability, not only are prices remaining competitive and supply is meeting demand, on top of this the industries are becoming environmentally ware and man run their own ecosystem management initiatives and public participation is increasing.  

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Another way in which Canadian forests organisations have strived for sustainability is through their multi-benefits plan. Sustainability in Canada is no longer simply about the balance between the economy and environment. It now reaches further than just harvesting and replanting. Although the well used definition of sustainable forest development still holds true, ‘managing for the needs of today without interfering with our future generations needs’, sustainability in Canada now includes wider implications. This theory was concreted in New Brunswick in December 1999, when the multiple benefits plan was printed as part of the Crown forest management scheme for the area. ...

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