By Adam Berls

forestry

‘We need action’: Mayor of Mackenzie takes aim at Victoria over inaction on forestry in Northern BC

Feb 8, 2024 | 1:36 PM

PRINCE GEORGE — A mayor of a community deeply impacted by recent changes in the forestry industry says that there needs to be policy reform and changes in legislation, and that the province needs to take strong action to protect jobs and communities.

It was less than a month ago when the Province announced that the forestry industry would remain a top priority at the Natural Resources Forum with the announcement of funding through the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund, but the North was mainly absent from the announcement. Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation Brenda Bailey said that the Fund was designed to help communities.

“We designed the B.C. Manufacturing Jobs Fund to be open and responsive to the needs of every community. Targeting investments that you tell us are right for your community.” – Brenda Bailey, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation

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However, Joan Atkinson, the mayor of Mackenzie, a community that has been hit hard in recent years by mill closures, says that communities like hers needs action, not promises. It is hard to understate just how much Mackenzie has been impacted by recent changes in the industry. Particularly, after Canfor shut the sawmill down in the community of 3,281, in 2019, followed by the pulp mill in 2020. Atkinson says that the number of jobs that have been lost in her community, can be linked to legislation, which is why she is calling for reform.

“Somebody down there has to make the decision and move this forward and stop engaging with us. We’re engaged up to here. We want action. We’ve lost 400 jobs, 400 direct jobs in forestry because of the current legislation. We need policy reform and change in legislation. Bottom line.” – Mayor Joan Atkinson, District of Mackenzie

Mayor Atkinson also has a strong message for Victoria.

“I know government has it seems every week they have a new initiative or a new, you know, let’s try this. And then my message to government is stop these make work projects to make it appear that you’re actually doing something because you’re not doing a thing that matters to the people who are dependent on resource communities.” – Mayor Joan Atkinson, District of Mackenzie

Pattison Media is owned by Jim Pattison Industries, a majority shareholder in Canfor.

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Email: Adam.Berls@pattisonmedia.com