BC’s unionized forest workers are inviting forest communities to join them in a series of town hall meetings around the province to address the crisis in BC forest.
Whether it’s the devastation caused by the mountain pine beetle or raw log exports, forest communities have been hit hard over the last decade, and it’s critical we come together to address not only the problems in our forest sector but solutions as well,” said Jim Britton Vice-President, Western Region, of the Communication, Energy and Paperworker’s Union.
"Years of government staffing cuts, deregulation and mis-management have created a crisis in BC's forests," said Darryl Walker, President of the B.C. Government and Service Employees' Union (BCGEU). "British Columbians deserve to know their forests are being managed sustainably and in the public interest—maintaining forest-sector jobs, while preserving ecosystems. We need to work together to demand that government invest in research, reforestation, and compliance and enforcement to ensure healthy forests today, and in the future.”
“Over the last decade, viable mills were shutdown while raw log exports grew dramatically,” added Steve Hunt, Western Canadian Director of the United Steelworkers. “People in forest communities understand it’s not just about the direct jobs in the forest, or related milling and manufacturing jobs, it’s also about the indirect jobs and benefits to local communities that come from forest workers.”
Community members attending the meetings will not only have an opportunity to hear from provincial and local forestry experts, but each meeting will also engage participants in a dialogue about how we work together to draw attention the crisis and community solutions for change. Start times are 6:00 pm with the exception of Prince George, which will start at 6:15 pm.
12-Feb-13
Kelowna
Coast Capri Hotel
13-Feb-13
Kamloops
Coast Kamloops Hotel & Conference Centre
25-Feb-13
100 Mile House
100 Mile Lodge and Conference Center
26-Feb-13
Williams Lake
Ramada Williams Lake (formerly Overlander)
27-Feb-13
Mackenzie
Mackenzie Recreation Centre
28-Feb-13
Prince George
Coast Inn Of The North
06-Mar-13
Nanaimo
Coast Bastion Inn (Tentative)
07-Mar-13
Courtenay/Comox
Westerly Hotel
To register for the town hall meetings call toll free 1-855-784-0784 or visit www.forestsforbc.ca .
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For more information contact: Jessie Uppal ph: 604-220-0739, Jim Britton (CEP) ph: 604-992-6625 or Steve Hunt (USW) ph: 604-816-2554.