Prince George, B.C.- The Council of Forest Industries will welcome about 500 delegates today to its first full convention since the U.S. housing market crash in 2008.

 

This is the first full convention in Prince George since 2007 and will include an announcement this morning from Federal Minister of Natural Resources Joe Oliver. According to a release from his Ministry, Oliver will  “make announcements in support of the transformation of Canada’s forest industry.”

 

Oliver is slated to address the delegates this morning around 9:30.

 

Also on the agenda for today, Provincial Minister of Forests Steve Thomson will address the delegates. There will be panel session on the so called “super cycle” for lumber production as well as one on maximizing the timber supply.

 

NDP leader Adrian Dix is the keynote speaker at lunch. The afternoon sessions  will focus on recruitment and retention of workers, and strengthening the culture of safety.

 

Tomorrow, the new opportunities for forestry are examined as a panel will discuss the bio-economy, then examine wood products as key components in building systems.

 

Premier Christy Clark will deliver the luncheon address on Friday.