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Vancouver Island forestry workers rally against old-growth deferral

Provincial decisions ‘threat to forestry jobs’ say opponents
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Forestry supporters wave at cars along Johnston Road during a rally on Saturday, Nov. 27. Across the street, several logging trucks are parked in support. (ELENA RARDON / ALBERNI VALLEY NEWS)

Forestry workers rallied in Port Alberni last weekend against potential logging deferrals that could have a “devastating” impact on the community.

A group of forestry workers and their family members braved the rain on Saturday, Nov. 27, gathering outside of Mid Island-Pacific Rim MLA Josie Osborne’s office on Johnston Road. They waved at passing motorists and carried signs that read “Save the working forest” and “Support responsible forestry.”

At the beginning of November, the province announced a deferral of logging on up to 2.6 million hectares of forest identified as rare, ancient or sustaining big trees.

READ MORE: B.C. pauses logging on up to 2.6M hectares of old-growth forest

The provincial agency B.C. Timber Sales has stopped advertising and selling timber rights in the areas identified by a five-person independent panel. Talks continue with Indigenous land rights holders on the final logging plans.

The province estimates that the deferrals will result in 4,500 jobs lost, but the Council of Forest Industries says the number is closer to 18,000 jobs, as sawmills, pulp mills and manufacturing facilities will be forced to shutter.

READ MORE: B.C. old-growth protection will hit hard, industry group says

Mary Ann Cheetham, who helped to organize the rally on Saturday, said she attended the legislature as a guest and was “appalled” by the province’s decision to defer without consulting forestry workers.

“That’s going to destroy whole communities, whole businesses,” said Cheetham. “If they want to do this right, at least have a panel with forestry involved, First Nations involved.”

The province has promised support for forest contract workers who are put out of jobs, including skills training, short-term employment and bridging those 55 and older to retirement. But Cheetham said the supports fall short.

“We’re losing jobs now, and there is no support in place,” she said.

Forestry supporters in Port Alberni originally planned to travel down to Victoria on Nov. 18 to rally in front of the legislature, but this was postponed after heavy flooding closed roads across the province, including the Malahat.

READ MORE: Pro-forestry rally in Victoria postponed due to province-wide flooding

“Our province is in a state of emergency and we don’t believe it’s the right time to do that,” said Cheetham. “Yes, we’re fighting for our livelihoods, but when we see other people who are devastated, losing everything they own, it’s just not the right time.”

Huu-ay-aht First Nations also planned to hold an Old Growth Summit in Anacla, with an opportunity for 25 Indigenous nations to hear from forestry and resource experts before deciding whether or not to approve the old growth deferrals. This summit was also postponed due to flooding, and is expected to take place in 2022 instead.

Although the rally in Port Alberni on Saturday took place with short notice, a crowd of approximately two dozen received honks of support from passing cars.

“This town wouldn’t be here without forestry,” said Cheetham. “And I think the community knows that.”



elena.rardon@albernivalleynews.com

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Forestry supporters wave at cars along Johnston Road during a rally on Saturday, Nov. 27. (ELENA RARDON / ALBERNI VALLEY NEWS)


Elena Rardon

About the Author: Elena Rardon

I have worked with the Alberni Valley News since 2016.
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