B.C. Official Releases 'Scathing' Report Criticizing Land Use Decisions

"In his report, Mr. Doyle reviewed a decision made in January, 2007, by then forest minister Rich Coleman to remove 28,000 hectares of private lands from three coastal tree farm licences. The lands belong to Western Forest Products, which has since provisionally sold 2,500 hectares on southwestern Vancouver Island to a private developer.

The decision has drawn the ire of First Nations, environmental groups and local land owners."

"Though the report contains no recommendations for specific improvement, it raises broad concerns about the leadership style of Premier Gordon Campbell's Liberal government, and about its willingness to consult the public on major decisions."