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 Domestically, the Coast Forest Products Association interacts with all levels of government – local, provincial and federal – influencing forest policy as it is developed and implemented. By negotiating change on behalf of its member companies, Coast Forest ensures that optimum conditions are created for forestry and paper operations within the forest policy framework, resulting in continued profitability for member companies. With Coast Forest providing leadership in this direction we are able to create a competitive forest and paper industry and develop new market opportunities for B.C. forest products, as well as grow our current markets. The key is to increase market share which leads to a further increase in competitiveness and profitability and, in turn, reinvestment in the forest and paper industry. This economic revitalization translates into additional high paying, sustainable jobs and healthy, robust communities throughout coastal B.C. Coast Forest is committed to working with governments, First Nations and other forestry stakeholders to create a healthy, thriving and sustainable forest industry on the coast. With the combined activities of domestic and international relations Coast Forest promotes the coastal forest industry’s excellence which, in turn, builds public and consumer confidence and an increased understanding of B.C.’s number one industry. |
 Coast Forest is committed to ensuring that there is balance in the Market-based Pricing System (MPS) formula for stumpage so industry can earn a ROI or ROCE that supports investment and business growth in addition to supporting government. An effective MPS formula is essential; first, to ensure market driven harvest levels and second, to ensure that coastal products are competitive in our global markets.  Coast Forest will continue to ensure that this new market structure functions effectively to guarantee that it is market responsive. To achieve this goal it is critical that the new players in the industry, created through this new structure, are operational and fully participating in the market. B.C. Timber Sales is key to the success of MPS and must provide its full volume to the log market, as well as the allotted volume to First Nations and Community Forest licences. Coast Forest’s participation in the Timber Sales Advisory Committee enables the Association to actively monitor B.C. Timber Sales’ auctions to ensure both sales and practices are balanced with those of the licensees.  Notwithstanding today’s headlines about record profits in the industry, there is still a long way to go in achieving competitiveness on the coast by driving costs out of the system. The regulatory framework is instrumental in contributing to favourable economic conditions required to achieve lower costs. Coast Forest is committed to continuing to work with government and other stakeholders to ensure that cost-effective policies are in place. This is a critical factor necessary for the coastal forest industry to continue to deliver as world leaders in forest management and stewardship.  The resolution of the softwood lumber dispute must ensure fair and equitable access for coastal products in the U.S. market. Coast Forest will continue to play a key role in coordinating the coastal forest industry’s input into any negotiated solution proposed by Canada or B.C. to ensure the interests of its members are effectively represented and protected. |
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