February 6, 2002

The following is from a leaked Ministry of Forestry document. It is the government songsheet for explaining its gutting of the Ministry of Forests.

Range Section

Key Messages:

Questions and Answers:

1. Have all the specific details on impacts to the range program be finalized so there is a roll out plan for the next three years for affected staff?
No, the work is ongoing and ranges from completion schedules for policy work through to specific reductions in the business areas, which comprise the range function in the ministry. There will be some reductions in fiscal year 02/03 which will likely affect some staff, but it is primarily a transition year where we will take the time to work through this carefully and get it as right as possible.

2. How will this affect the Range program?
Range will continue to meet its legislated requirements and will also continue to be an international leader in bio-control of noxious plants. As well, the results-based Forest Practices Code will help Range to meet many program objectives.

However, it is also clear that the status quo just isn't an option. Range will simply be unable to continue with some of the services it has traditionally provided. This is part of a fundamental shift in the ministry's approach to resource management, a shift that involves moving to a model of advanced stewardship.

It means that not only the government has a responsibility to meet the public interest, but the beef cattle industry and the resource sector as a whole have a higher level of responsibility as well.