BACK OFF ON POT

The attention being paid to illegal marijuana production operations in B.C.
is increasing -- as are the operations -- yet our industry continues to be
buffeted by governments and courts that limit and restrict the ability of
landlords to avoid or evict those who break the law (Legal smoke and
mirrors protect pot-growing tenants, Editorial, July 7).

Residential rental owners are not the cause of the marijuana growing
problem in B.C.

Residential rental owners are not responsible -- or able -- to solve this
problem.

Residential rental owners are not the accomplices of marijuana growers;
they are the victims.

Our new government needs to make a clear, emphatic policy statement that
marijuana-grow operations are not welcome and that landlords who attempt to
evict grow operators will be supported in their efforts, not vilified.

Al Kemp, CEO

Rental Owners and Managers Association of B.C.

Forestry contributes nearly $18 billion dollars to B.C.'s economy, even in
these difficult times (B.C.'s top commodity: marijuana, July 7). Of that,
$11.6 billion is in wages spent by British Columbians to buy their food,
shelter and transportation. The governments of Canada draw in $5.5 billion
in taxes, royalties and stumpage.

These contributions far exceed, legally and for the good of all, any other
sector contribution. Illegal commodities, such as marijuana, actually draw
down the benefits of our primary industry as a result of the dollars needed
for police pursuit and prosecution, as well as the housing and
rehabilitation of those who end up behind bars.

John McLean

Associate Dean

Faculty of Forestry, University of B.C.

It seems there's two things we can do about B.C.'s top commodity,
marijuana: Rejoice that there is at least one thriving industry in B.C.; or
eliminate it by legalizing it, regulating it and putting its management in
the hands of those recently "retired" folks who used to run the provincial
government.

Dave Ferguson

Courtenay