VICTORIA – In the wake of a devastating report from the Auditor General into the Campbell government’s decision to release land from Tree Farm Licenses on southern Vancouver Island, the New Democrats are renewing their call for an investigation into the release of lands from TFL 44 near Port Alberni.

Scott FraserA report released last week by the Auditor General found that the CampbellJordan River was made without adequate consultation or proper regard for the public interest. government’s decision to release large tracts of land from TFLs near

Alberni-Qualicum MLA Scott Fraser and New Democrat forestry critic Bob Simpson have written to Auditor General John Doyle, asking him to investigate the release of lands from TFL 44 in 2004.

“The Auditor General’s report into the Jordan River lands giveaway makes it clear that the Campbell government is more concerned with the interests of its big donors than standing up for the public interest. It’s time that we had a similar independent report into the release of the lands from TFL 44,” said Fraser.

“At the very least, the people of Port Alberni and the Hupacasath and Tsesaht First Nations deserve the chance to get the truth about what happened when the Campbell government released the lands from TFL 44. We already know that that the Campbell government dishonoured the Crown when it released those lands, but we’re still waiting for a complete public accounting of what when on.”

In January, NDP Leader Carole James released a five-point plan to renew and modernize the forest industry. The plan is available at www.ourforests.ca

Scott Fraser

Alberni-Pacific Rim

Scott Fraser was elected as the MLA for Alberni-Pacific Rim on May 12, 2009.