Canada’s New Government Completes Mountain Pine Beetle Advisory Board Membership

Ottawa – The Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources, has named an additional five prominent British Columbians to the Canada–B.C. Mountain Pine Beetle Advisory Board, which will advise both governments on a broad number of mountain pine beetle issues.

“This Advisory Board has broad representation from all areas of the province affected by the mountain pine beetle infestation. I am pleased that it is now complete, and I appreciate the commitment of those who have agreed to sit as members,” said Minister Lunn. “I also want to particularly express my appreciation of the great work done by MP Dick Harris (Cariboo–Prince George) and MP Jay Hill (Prince George – Peace River) who have been on the leading edge of this pine beetle issue for so many years and ensured that it became a top priority for Canada’s New Government.”

The Mountain Pine Beetle Advisory Board is another step in assisting the governments of Canada and British Columbia in delivering the most effective approach to combat the beetle infestation and its impacts on communities.

In addition to reviewing and advising on the overall direction and priorities for the joint Canada – B.C. response, the Advisory Board will review proposals and work plans, including measures aimed at controlling the spread of the beetle; recovering economic value from beetle-killed trees; and protecting communities and forest resources against increased risks of wildfire.

The five new members appointed to the Advisory Board today are:

Mr. Jon Wolbers
Chairman of the Cariboo Regional District and Williams Lake Regional Councillor
Mr. Jim Savage
Economic Development Chairman, City of Quesnel
Mayor Mike Caisley
Mayor of Tumbler Ridge
Mr. Brian Pearson
Retired Professional Forester, Prince George
Ms. Christine O’Gryzlo
Mining Industry Training Specialist and Communications Expert
These members are in addition to the previously announced panel which includes; Mr. John Allan, President and C.E.O., Council of Forest Industries; Ms. Donna Barnett, Mayor, District of 100 Mile House; Dr. Allan Carroll, Research Scientist – Insect Ecology, Natural Resources Canada; Dr. Thomas Hutton, Professor, Centre for Human Settlements, University of British Columbia; and Chief David Walkem, Cook’s Ferry Indian Band, President, British Columbia First Nations Forestry Council.

The Government of Canada announced the federal Mountain Pine Beetle Program in January 2007, pledging $200 million for 2006 – 2008 to support a comprehensive response to the infestation and its consequences. The province has committed more than $500 million in strategic investments that back the British Columbia Mountain Pine Beetle Action Plan.