Jane Groenewegen on Written Question 7-13(7): Timber Stand Inventories

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my written question is for the Minister responsible for Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development. Mr. Speaker, apparently new policy has come into effect in the past three years whereby forestry personnel has the authority to make copies of records to see who timber is being sold to by private companies. Reporting volumes is one thing, but demanding to know specifics of a market is another. I would like to know when that policy came into effect? There has been much debate of methods of inventory in timber stands. This seems to be an ongoing process. Is it possible to determine inventory by historic data, recent years' cuts and, also, how much does the department spend on this inventorying process? I notice there are contracts out right now and I would like to know what is being spent on it? Thank you.