Conservative Party of BC leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay visits Prince George

The visit comes as the industry continues to grapple with mill closures, fibre shortages and production curtailments across northern B.C. In Prince George, uncertainty remains high following announcements affecting local operations, including Northwood Pulp and other facilities throughout the region.

Findlay said she rejects suggestions that forestry is a declining industry and argued government should be actively supporting workers and communities that rely on the sector.

“It is our intention that it doesn’t go away in this part of British Columbia or throughout British Columbia,” she said.

The Conservative leader accused the NDP government of treating forestry as a “sunset industry” and argued that policymakers should be listening more closely to workers, contractors and industry veterans. According to Findlay, the people best positioned to help revive the sector are those who have spent decades working in it.

“The workers and the people who have been in the industry for decades have lots of brilliant ideas and innovative ideas to save the forestry industry,” she said.

She emphasized that mill closures affect far more than the employees directly involved. When a large operation shuts down or curtails production, she noted, the impact is felt throughout surrounding communities, affecting contractors, suppliers, transportation companies and small businesses that depend on forestry activity. Calling Prince George one of the province’s forestry epicentres, Findlay said the city deserves stronger advocacy from Victoria.

Beyond forestry, Findlay repeatedly returned to the issue she believes is driving many residents to reconsider their future in the province: affordability.

She said rising housing costs, household expenses and economic pressures are increasingly causing British Columbians, particularly younger residents, to look elsewhere for opportunities.

“They’re leaving because basically affordability, lack of opportunity, lack of jobs,” she said.

Findlay described the trend as one of the most troubling developments facing the province, arguing that B.C. is losing skilled workers and young families to neighbouring provinces where costs are lower.

“It’s one thing to decide to go somewhere else. It’s quite another to feel forced out.”

She said many people feel increasingly discouraged about their prospects of home ownership and financial stability. The Conservative leader positioned her party as one focused on restoring what she repeatedly called “hope and opportunity” for residents who want to remain in British Columbia.

Findlay also devoted significant attention to health care, describing the system as one of the province’s most pressing concerns. She cited emergency room closures, long wait times and difficulties accessing family doctors as evidence that the current system is failing patients.

“We’re in a mess,” she said.

Findlay argued that British Columbia needs to focus on improving access to care and reducing layers of administration within the health system. She also suggested the province should examine successful models used in other jurisdictions, including systems that incorporate some private-sector delivery.

“If that means we need to look at successful jurisdictions where they have hybrid models of some kind or some private hospitals, we need to start being innovative and look at these things.”

Her comments reflected a broader theme that surfaced repeatedly throughout her visit: a belief that government should be more willing to reconsider traditional approaches and explore alternative solutions.

Findlay was also asked about internal party matters following the departure of finance critic Peter Milobar from his caucus role. While acknowledging that leadership transitions can present challenges, she expressed confidence that Conservative MLAs remain focused on forming government.

“The MLAs on the team that I’m talking to are expressing their desire to continue on the team,” she said.

Findlay said she has spent considerable time speaking individually with caucus members and working to build cohesion following the party’s recent leadership race. She characterized her focus as uniting conservatives around the shared goal of defeating the NDP government at the next election.

Asked what role Prince George would play under a future Conservative government, Findlay’s answer was unequivocal.

“It’s the centre hub of British Columbia,” she said.

Findlay described the city as one of the province’s most important municipalities, citing its central location, transportation links, industrial base and historical significance.

She suggested Prince George could play a larger role in future economic development efforts, both as a forestry centre and as a hub for new opportunities in trade, logistics and resource development. For residents navigating uncertainty in the forest sector and broader concerns about affordability, Findlay’s message was ultimately one of optimism.

“Hope is on the horizon,” she said. “There are options.”

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Email: Adam.Berls@pattisonmedia.com

by Adam Berls

Conservative Party of BC leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay visits Prince George

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