Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Ashley Legassic

FORESTRY SECTOR

MP McLeod says federal government has been silent over B.C. forestry crisis

Jul 24, 2019 | 9:41 AM

KAMLOOPS — Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo MP Cathy McLeod says it has been radio silence from the federal government on the forestry crisis hammering B.C. Interior mill towns.

McLeod along with B.C. MPs Bob Zimmer, Todd Doherty, Dan Albas and Shannon Stubbs addressed a letter to the federal ministers of Natural Resources and Innovation, Science and Economic Development, respectively, Amarjeet Sohi and Navdeep Bains.

“The job losses are staggering,” the letter reads. “They will impact not just the employees and their families, but also countless people and businesses across the ridings we represent. The Liberal Government has shown a complete lack of respect for these rural communities as this crisis has unfolded. Over six weeks ago MP Cathy McLeod wrote to Minister Bains to request immediate assistance from his department, but there has been nothing but silence from the Minister’s office. In that time the situation has worsened, and your government appears to be oblivious to the needs of families in our region.”

McLeod says the Trudeau government has stepped in to help other industries, but has not lifted a finger for forestry.

“We are being dramatically impacted in the Interior of British Columbia with forestry closures, whether it’s up in Prince George, whether it’s in the Merritt area, whether it’s in our riding,” McLeod tells CFJC Today. “Although it is predominantly a provincial issue, the federal government does have an important role to play and we’re very concerned that it has been absolutely radio silence from the federal government.”

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McLeod says although forestry is primarily a provincial responsibility, the federal government could help by recommitting to the softwood lumber agreement with the United States and by ensuring Service Canada is responsive to those seeking employment insurance.

“The Interior of British Columbia, between direct and indirect wrongs, is impacted by the thousands, and there’s things the federal government could and should be doing.”