I will say at the onset that it really is a tragedy, considering the pine beetle infestation was discovered in the early nineties in the Tweedsmuir Park area of British Columbia. Throughout the nineties, the previous government failed to recognize the clear and present danger and the imminent devastation that we're now facing in our forests in British Columbia.
Well, it's actually happened. Your assessment of the damage, Minister, is very correct. It has devastated the forests in British Columbia and the lodgepole pine.
There was some earlier talk about research. Notwithstanding all the research that has been done on this little critter, it still remains that the only way to stop it is to either freeze it or burn it. There've been a lot of scientific studies with pheromones to try to upset the natural progression of the life cycle, but it hasn't worked.
That being said, the pine beetle has pretty much had its way with the forests of British Columbia and, of course, has now moved into northern Alberta through the Whitecourt area.
What we are faced with now, Minister, is the term “mitigation”. How do we offset the widespread damage the pine beetle has done, particularly in British Columbia, throughout Cariboo in central B.C., the southern part of the Rockies, the Kootenays, and the Kamloops area? The word “mitigation” has to be the main focus.
I want to be sure, Minister, that you and your department understand the latitude that is required when addressing the term “mitigate" for the pine beetle damage. These forest-dependent communities are going to need help in so many different ways, particularly to address the economic diversification but also to assist them. The rapid decline of the forest industry in a few short years is going to cause a huge reduction in the ability to maintain their communities and some of the basic needs of their communities.
Minister, I know the government has committed a great deal of money. Could you give us an update on the progress? Where are we now and where are we heading?