The move to a market-based stumpage system in coastal British Columbia is being credited with boosting activity in the logging industry.
The region is reportedly suffering a shortage of skilled loggers, compared to last year when about half of the members of the Industrial, Wood and Allied Workers of Canada were not working.
International Forest Products Ltd says it is operating at capacity, while a year ago logging operations were running at just 60%.
The reform of the stumpage system has allowed companies to adjust their harvesting in line with market movement. In addition, the change has apparantly made it easier to account for the region’s mix of tree species and timber grades.
Strong lumber prices and a weakening in the Canadian dollar have also contributed to the surge in activity.
