Mr. Speaker, this is a return to Written Question 25-12(3) asked by Mr. Lewis to the
Minister of Justice, concerning firewood offered for sale by the south Mackenzie correctional centre.
Prior to December 11, 1992, wood was sold according to a scale of quality. The best dry wood was sold for $90 per cord. A second quality mixed green wood was sold at $75 per cord. Seniors could buy wood at $55 per cord. On December 11, 1992, the price of a cord of wood was set at $95 per cord for all wood after the receipt of a complaint of unfair competition. Senior citizens can still purchase wood at $55 per cord.
The South Mackenzie Correctional Centre has been cutting and hauling wood from the Birch Creek site this winter. Cut wood is stockpiled in the woodyard. Sales have been slow this winter due to mild conditions and the high price of $95 per cord.
Approximately, 1,600 cords have been cut this fiscal year. The total number of cords sold is 1,350 cords, with another 50 cords donated to various service groups, the Hay River Reserve and parks. Ten retail clients in Yellowknife bought 500 cords. Another 900 cords were sold in the Hay River area. Approximately 200 cords are presently stockpiled.
There was no deviation from the pricing policy for any reason. All sales after December 11, 1992, were made at $95 per cord.