Teal Jones Statement – British Columbia Court of Appeal Injunction Decision

Teal Jones is issuing the following statement regarding today’s decision by the British Columbia Court of Appeal to extend the injunction against interference with the company’s forestry activities in Tree Farm License 46 on southern Vancouver Island.

Today’s decision (found here) affirms the rule of law, confirming that the dangerously illegal actions by blockaders in Tree Farm License 46 not only harm Teal Jones but are also a threat to our democracy and rule of law. While protest and debate are cornerstones of Canadian civil society, the blockaders have crossed the line. They have defied the repeated requests of local First Nations to leave. They have threatened tree spiking and scattered nails across roads. They have destroyed helicopter landing pads to put the lives of pilots and workers at risk. They have jumped out of the bush to startle fallers actively working chainsaws, putting their lives at risk. They have made numerous false claims about old growth protection and harvesting in the area.

Such radical and dangerous conduct harms us all. Teal Jones is pleased that the Court of Appeal affirmed the rule of law, and firmly rejected the arguments of the respondents.

The blockaders have waged a sophisticated misinformation campaign alongside their physical violence. Their arguments against Teal Cedar’s old growth logging operations in TFL 46 are built on a foundation of mistruths.

The fact is more than half of the old growth forest in TFL46 is protected, including the Fairy Creek watershed. Huge swaths of TFL 46 have been removed over the past 30 years and set aside as parks and other protected areas, including what became the 16,500-hectare Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park. We all agree B.C.’s old growth forests need to be protected for numerous values, and vast amounts are. We also believe that forestry can harvest responsible amounts of both old and second growth forest, based on science and engagement with local First Nations. We can, and do, pursue a balanced approach that supports jobs and provides the wood products we all rely on every day while also protecting the environment.

About Teal Jones

Teal Jones is BC’s largest privately-owned coastal forestry company. A family-owned value-added manufacturer, the company employs more than 1,000 people directly in woods and sawmill operations across B.C., plus numerous contractors and service providers – many in remote communities where few other employment options exist. The company’s Surrey mill site and headquarters supports more than 500 jobs across eight specialized milling operations, giving the company the flexibility to ensure every log arriving at the site is directed to its highest-value potential. Teal Jones has invested and committed to investing $60-million in its primary Surrey site since 2019 to strengthen its value-added manufacturing in British Columbia. The company ensures 100 per cent of every log it mills is used, with sawdust and chips directed to partners in pulp, paper, and biofuel production.

Contact:

Shawn Hall – Media Contact – media@tealjones.com

Source: The Teal-Jones Group