Working with provincial and territorial governments, First Nations, workers and management in the forest industry Jack Layton and the New Democrats will:

Support sustainability in forest management practices, including incentives for certification, to keep the industry sustainable for communities, workers, and future generations.

End the Conservatives' restrictive 2007 Canada-US softwood lumber agreement, work to re-open U.S. markets based on fair trade in lumber, and develop alternatives to the US market.

Restrict raw log exports to make sure that Canadian jobs come first – a step that Liberals and Conservatives have refused to take.

Maximize opportunities for workers and businesses through value-added development, expanded product exports, innovation and opening new markets.

Overhaul the federal government's inadequate program to mitigate the impacts of the pine beetle and other insect epidemics. We will:

• Develop harvesting strategies and new uses for affected trees, including as clean and sustainable biofuels.
• Emphasize climate change solutions and adaptation strategies.
• Encourage economic diversification.
• Promote forestry industry opportunities and forest sustainability.