The BC New Democrat government is standing with forest industry workers, contractors and communities who have been affected by mill closures and is working to fix the mess that the BC Liberals left in this important sector.

Today our government announced $69 million for workers affected by recent mill closures.

By contrast, the BC Liberals ignored pressures on this important sector even though it was obvious that action to protect the forest industry was badly needed.

On Fibre Shortage: The BC Liberals buried their own 2015 report warning that the mountain pine beetle epidemic would result in the closure of up to 13 mills. The BC NDP government is now responding to this crisis by bringing together companies, workers, communities and First Nations to confront this challenge head-on and protect jobs.

On Trade: The BC Liberals failed to secure a new softwood lumber agreement and instead gambled on dealing with Donald Trump. The result was sky-high tariffs that shrunk market access. That’s why Premier John Horgan went to Washington to fight for workers and communities, something the BC Liberals failed to do. We continue to fight unfair tariffs that have been imposed on this industry.

“The BC Liberals did not give workers and their families a second thought as they ignored the challenges facing the forestry sector. Unlike the BC Liberals, we are stepping up to provide them with support.” – Ravi Kahlon, MLA for North Delta