Opposition Leader Yvonne Jones wants to know why a forest products company from Harbour Grace was given access to wood in District 5 in central Newfoundland, when local companies in the area have been shut out.
Jones has written Natural Resources Minister Kathy Dunderdale on the issue.
According to a news release, earlier this fall, Paul Garland Forest Products of Harbour Grace was awarded a wood allocation and operating permit in District 5 (Glovertown, Gambo, Eastport).
Jones says that meanwhile, there are at least five companies operating in the local area who have been requesting a wood allocation and operating permit, but have not been given access.
“Local wood companies in central Newfoundland are very disappointed that government has granted access to wood supplies to companies from other areas of the province,” Jones said. “I challenge the minister to come clean and justify why this company was given priority over local interests in central Newfoundland who are looking to have access to these wood supplies for their survival.
“Many of the local operators have been told that there is a wood shortage in the area, but if this is the case, why is a company from Harbour Grace being allowed to cut wood when local operators cannot receive the necessary permits?”