Comments are being accepted until May 3, 2015, on a new discussion paper released today as part of a comprehensive timber supply review for the Fraser Timber Supply Area.

Environment Minister Mary Polak introduced legislation that, if passed, will add more than 1,500 hectares to B.C.'s protected areas system, one of the largest in North America.

The new allowable annual cut for the Williams Lake Timber Supply Area has been reduced from 5.77 million cubic metres to three million cubic metres.

The North Fraser region will be bursting with job opportunities over the next decade, according to a Labour Market Partnership study commissioned by Invest North Fraser.

The B.C. government is continuing to protect old-growth forests and enhance biodiversity by establishing 79 old growth management areas under the Oil and Gas Activities Act.

The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development, together with the Honourable Chris Alexander, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, met with the Honourable Shirley Bond, British Columbia Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour, to discuss continued joint efforts to ensure British Columbia and Canada have the skilled and productive workforce needed in the natural resource sector.