Candidates debate

Each of the candidates running in the Juan de Fuca riding were asked these questions relevant to Sooke and area. (This section has been segmented from a longer article).

What do you think should be done about the former Western Forest Products TFL lands? Should they remain undeveloped? Should they be allowed to be sold for tourism development? Who has the right to say what should be done with these private lands?

JOHN HORGAN: For the past two years, the Campbell government has acted as if their decision to release lands from the Tree Farm Licence west of Sooke has had no impact on the economic and environmental future of our area. Nothing could be further from the truth. Instead of a broad consultation with local residents, local government, First Nations and other interests, the BC Liberals allowed the land to be removed without compensation to the Crown. The result has been downzoning bylaws, lawsuits, appeals and land use chaos.

Protecting the public interest should be the priority of government. An NDP government will immediately sit down with Western Forest Products and negtotiate a solution that works for the whole community.

I advocate buying back the land and using it to stimulate community development such as; establishing community forest jobs for our rural economy, concluding just treaty settlements with local First Nations, protecting our wild west coast for public access and tourism opportunities.

By supporting multiple use of these lands in the public interest, we can work together to maximize the benefit of these lands for the broader community. Increased financial resources to assist with public consultation and land use planning at the regional level will begin to repair the damage to the integrity of the regional growth strategy for the south Island and the planning processes in the electoral area.

JAMES POWELL: The Western Forest Products lands should remain largely undeveloped. The Auditor General found the sale of these lands “was approved without sufficient regard for the public interest.” The public deserves to be consulted and their will considered before actions of this scale are undertaken.

I would seek to return them to public ownership and limit future development. Tourism development will likely cost more in infrastructure upgrades than it creates in tax revenue and represents unsustainable development.  These lands offer opportunities to provide local jobs and rejuvenate the faltering coastal forest industry. Though some may find it surprising, Greens understand the importance of the forestry sector to the B.C. economy.

We would encourage use of these lands for sustainable, second-growth, value-added forest products and support companies that want Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) eco-certification for their wood products. Remaining tracts of old growth forests should be set aside as parkland. Other parts should be used as part of on-going First Nations land claims negotiations.

This is important land, and its future should be carefully considered.

JODY TWA: I would certainly support a community led process that would involve working with Western Forest Products to develop a plan that considers all views, including local First Nations.

At the same time, we should recognize that these are private lands. I’m aware that exploratory talks are taking place between government and stakeholders. This is a very positive development and like everyone else, I hope to see a positive resolution to this issue.