Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a return to an oral question asked by Brian Lewis with regard to the reason for an increase in stumpage fees.
Under the Forest Management Act and regulations, there are two charges for timber harvesting: reforestation charges and timber cutting charges. Changes were made to these charges as part of the 1995-96 operational planning process. These changes affect spruce and pine saw logs, but not fuel wood. The reforestation charges have increased. Despite the increase, this fee is still substantially lower than other jurisdictions. Under legislation, the money collected for reforestation must be put back into reforestation activities.
A new schedule for the timber cutting charges is being developed. This new schedule will tie the timber charges to the price of lumber. With the present lumber prices, most operators will pay less under this new schedule than they did last year. This new schedule will be in place for the next harvest season. I am providing a letter with additional information to the honourable Member. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
---Applause