March 29, 2017, Vancouver – Following through on Premier Christy Clark’s commitment at the TLA’s 74th Annual Convention & Trade Show, the provincial government announced today that George Abbott, along with his partners at Circle Square Solutions, will be the independent facilitator overseeing the Contractor Sustainability Review.

“We’re pleased to have an independent facilitator with so much experience working with industry and communities,” said David Elstone, TLA Executive Director. “The Contractor Sustainability Review is the most significant piece of work to affect timber harvesting contractors in almost 20 years and George Abbott is the kind of experienced person we need take on this challenge.”

Abbott has had a long and distinguished career in politics and public service, serving in many ministerial positions. During his term in the Ministry of Sustainable Resource Management, Abbott worked with industry, environmental, and First Nations groups to complete the Great Bear Rainforest agreement.

“George Abbott’s experience working with the forest industry through developing the Great Bear Rainforest agreement means he has the on-the-ground experience needed to facilitate the Contractor Sustainability Review,” said Jacqui Beban, TLA President.

Timber harvesting contractors are the economic backbone of BC’s rural communities. Working to achieve contractor sustainability will allow independent timber contractors to earn a fair rate of return so they can continue to provide steady, well-paying jobs in BC’s rural communities.

The TLA (Truck Loggers Association) represents 480 independent forest contractors and their suppliers operating on the coast of British Columbia. Our membership supports thousands of workers and, along with other independent contractors, accounts for close to 90% of the trees harvested on the coast. The TLA promotes a thriving, sustainable coastal forest industry in BC.

For more information: Brenda Martin, Director of Communications, The Truck Loggers Association

Phone: 604.684.4291

Cell: 604.339.7554

Fax: 604.684.7134

Email: brenda@tla.ca

Twitter: @truckloggerBC

Website: www.tla.ca

 

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