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Interest Groups in Forest Policy

1Todays LectureInterest GroupsstrategiesresourcesOrganization, resources, and strategies for Industry GroupsLabourEnvironmental GroupsOctober 1, 2013 2

Analytical Framework: Forces at work in natural resources policy3environmentgovernancemarketspoliciesactionsWhich group has more power over forest policy in British Columbia: environmentalists or the forest industry?October 1, 2013 4How do interest groups try to influence public policy?October 1, 2013 5

Pralle Framework on group strategies - branching out, digging in (p. 16)Issue definition FramingLinkingBoundariesOwnershipActorsScopeCharacterizationconflictInstitutions and VenuesJurisdictionLevel of authorityRules of the gameOctober 1, 2013 6Group Tacticslobbyinfluence public opinion through mediainfluence market behaviourfinance electionslitigationform coalitionsdirect action (demonstrations, civil disobedience)

October 1, 2013 7

Group Resourcesmoneyexpertise (substance, process)control over investment, jobsskilled leadership (effective, charismatic)appealing causepublic opinioncontactsOctober 1, 2013 8

8Forest Industryindividual firmsindustry associationsprovincialnationalOctober 1, 2013 9

Size of Firm, by fraction of AAC, 2003October 1, 2013 10

Sept 3, 2003, MOF102000s ConsolidationOctober 1, 2013 11

2000s ConsolidationCanfor (1) bought Slocan (3)Riverside (7) bought Lignum (18)Tolko (10) bought Riverside (6)West Fraser (3) bought Weldwood (8) from IPWeyerhaeuser sold its coastal holdings (previously adquired from MacMillan Bloedel) to Brascan, which created Cascadia, which was then bought by Western Forest ProductsOctober 1, 2013 1212Size of Firm, by fraction of AAC, 2013sourceOctober 1, 2013 13

September 2013The Big 513http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/ftp/hth/external/!publish/web/timber-tenures/apportionment/aptr043.pdfProvincial AssociationsCouncil of Forest Industries Interior OnlyCoastal Forest Products AssociationTruck Loggers AssociationOctober 1, 2013 14

14COFI: relied upon by medium and large firms through mid-1980sFormed in 1960Apsey: left COFI VP to become DM of Forests in 1978, returned to COFI in 1984

National AssociationForest Products Association of Canadarequired 3rd party certification from all of its members by 2005Boreal agreement with environmentalistsOctober 1, 2013 15

Forest Industry ResourcesStructural advantage (privileged position) of business

money advantagebuys expertise, leadershipcontrol over investment, jobsgovernment seeks reelectionreelection depends on jobs, healthy economyjobs, growth created by investmentinvestment a function of business climategovernment constrained from undermining business climateweak economy strengthens business influence over governmentOctober 1, 2013 1616Industry ObjectivesProfitCertainty

October 1, 2013 17Industry Strategieslobbying, campaign financecoalition building with communities, workersinfluence public opinion through media FPAC op eds

October 1, 2013 1818Labour - ObjectivesJobsHigher wagesSecuritySafety

October 1, 2013 19Environmental Organizations - ObjectivesEnvironmental qualityOrganizational maintenance

October 1, 2013 20Engo Resources salience vs. support Commitment, Diversity (?)Public Opinion: Support general attitudes on an issueExample: how important is the protection of old growth forests to you?Salience how the issue is ranked about most important problemsExample: how important is a party position on old growth conservation to your vote?Environmental group power function of salienceOctober 1, 2013 2121Power Shift: Market strategiesCreate economic power by influencing purchasers of BC forest productsBoycottsPurchasing policiesCertification (next week)October 1, 2013 22Environmental Group Influencegeneral public support can be jeopardized by radical tacticsdisadvantage on money, expertisereal power dependent on salience, markets

October 1, 2013 23Groups Conclusion thus farInterest groups matterDifferent objectives, resources and strategiesStrategic choice can influence policyBusiness has structural advantageEnvironmentalists can benefit from issue salience and market actions

October 1, 2013 24Actors Interests and ResourcesActorinterestResourcePoliticiansReelection, revenueAuthority, spendingBureaucratsInfluence, prestigeExpertise, authorityindustryProfit, certaintyCapital, control of investmentLabourSecure jobs, safetyOrganization, votesenvironmentalistsEnvironmental qualityPublic opinion, votes, influence on marketsFirst NationsTitle, economic developmentlaw2525New ThemesActors in the policy process have interests and resources, and adopt strategies designed to best use those resources in pursuit of their interestsBusiness control over investment gives it a structural advantagePublic opinion is far more influential on policy makers when it is salient

Environmentalists have effectively used market-oriented strategies to increase their powerFirst Nations have effectively used the courts to increase their powerThe BC government has undergone a profound shift in relations towards First Nations, from active repression through resistance and now apparently sincere efforts at reconciliation

26Company% cut rightsCum. %

Canfor11.0511.05

Weyco9.2720.32

Slocan7.5927.91

W. Fraser6.9234.83

Doman5.0939.91

Interfor4.1744.08

Riverside3.3547.44

Weldwood3.0850.52

NWBC2.3952.91

Tolko2.1855.09

Company% cut rightsCumulative %

Canfor13.613.6

Western FP8.021.5

West Fraser7.829.3

Tolko5.034.3

Interfor6.039.3

LP1.540.8

Confix-MacK1.242.0

Mackenzie1.043.0

Teal1.044.0

TimberWest0.945.0