(Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Dylana Kneeshaw

BC TRUCKERS RALLY

Logging truckers convoy to Vancouver for solutions amidst forest industry struggles

Sep 25, 2019 | 4:32 PM

KAMLOOPS — Gathered in Merritt before heading to Vancouver today, more than 100 trucks from all over the province drove to show their support for B.C. forestry.

The truckers rallied to show how many people have been impacted by recent mill closures and cutbacks in the province. Rally co-organizer Howard McKimmon says some logging truckers have been without work for several months.

“Vavenby (closure), and Merritt is down to one mill with one shift left,” he explains. “These people need to go back to work. Families are getting into dire straits at this point.”

Taking part in today’s gathering, General Manager of the Interior Logging Association, Todd Chamberlain says people are getting desperate for action to be taken.

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“I’ve never seen it this bad. I mean everyone thought 2008 was bad, but this is the worst I’ve ever seen it.”

Co-organizer Frank Etchart points out that the rally is not just to provide imagery as to how dire the forest industry situation is in B.C. There is a meeting scheduled with Forests Minister Doug Donaldson once the convoy arrives in Vancouver.

“We have seen ups and downs, there are always cycles, and we understand those things. This is not a cycle,” notes Etchart. “I mean, things were extremely well. They were running well up until last year.”

Citing high stumpage fees as one of the reasons the industry has suffered, Etchart says many forest workers would like to see changes made to how it is calculated.

“In Alberta, they adjust the price every 30 days. In B.C. we run it every 10 years. So that means for the next 10 years we’re going to be running this same type of a pricing system,” he says. “I don’t see an end. They have to adjust the system.”

Given how large the $13 billion industry is in B.C., Chamberlain says it would take more than one solution to keep forestry viable.

“We’d like to see the employer’s healthcare tax looked at, carbon tax looked at, and training opportunities to bring people into the industry, not exit the industry.”

Along with the rally, Coldwater Indian Band Chief Lee Spahan says a letter was sent by Nicola Valley chiefs on Tuesday to see if Premier John Horgan would meet with them, union representatives, and Aspen Planers about Merritt area mill concerns.

“And work together on how the Nicola bands can keep Aspen Planers open,” Spahan says. “Because Aspen Planers employs a lot of our members throughout the five bands. And it’s very important because when Tolko shut down, that was over 200 jobs. That impacted the entire city of Merritt.”

After Wednesday’s meeting, forestry workers hope a solid solution can be brought in soon, as the industry’s economic struggles have begun to be felt elsewhere.