Logging in the Castle Special Management Area (November 22)
Mr. Chase: This year is the United Nations International Year of Forests. This should be a joyful occasion to celebrate our natural heritage and biodiversity.
Unfortunately, Alberta reality isn’t so. This government has sold out against citizens’ will an ecologically significant forest treasure with the upcoming logging in the Castle area.
To the Minister of SRD: given that the vast majority of Albertans are opposed to the devastating effects of clear-cutting, will the minister commit to banning this unsustainable practice from our province?
Mr. Oberle: Mr. Speaker, the hon. member is probably not aware or, I would say, definitely not aware that there has in fact been logging in this region for over a hundred years. I think the evidence speaks for itself. It’s done in a responsible and sustainable manner.
Mr. Chase: To the Minister of Tourism, Parks and Recreation: given that clear-cutting will have a negative impact on local business and provincial tourism, how can the minister justify going against his own mandate, which is to promote Alberta as a tourism destination?
The Speaker: The hon. minister.
Mr. Hayden: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. That’s exactly what we do, promote Alberta as a tourist destination, one of the very finest in the world. So that the hon. member understands, it’s against the law in Alberta to take timber in a park.
Mr. Chase: And that’s my next question. Thank you very much. Given that the vast majority of residents in southwest Alberta want reinforced special places protection for the Castle area, will the minister defend our natural heritage and proclaim the Andy Russell I’tai Sah Kòp wildland park?
The Speaker: The hon. minister.
Mr. Hayden: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Of course, we will treat this advice that we’re getting from Albertans as we always treat advice from Albertans. If it’s what, in fact, they want, it’s what I’m expecting they will get. We want to protect as much of Alberta’s eastern slopes as we possibly can because it’s such a treasure not just to Albertans but to the rest of the world.
Alberta Hansard, November 22, 2011