Andrew Mercier, the BC NDP candidate in Langley-Willowbrook, issued the following statement:

"Forest workers remember that when John Rustad was in government, nearly 30,000 jobs were lost and dozens of mills were closed, as he shipped away raw logs and BC jobs.

When John Rustad was in government he failed to support forestry communities:

• They ended measures to ensure that local trees supported local jobs
• Did nothing to prepare the sector for clear fibre challenges or to support made-in-BC wood manufacturing
• Completely failed to deliver on the same promise to streamline permitting

Not only will Rustad’s old thinking and recycled ideas fail to deliver, his proposal to eliminate stumpage would inflame the softwood lumber dispute — punishing forestry workers and communities.

Wildfires are becoming more frequent and destructive due to climate change. Effectively fighting wildfires also requires a modern and science-based approach. John Rustad’s rejection of climate science would leave communities more vulnerable and leave people at risk.

John Rustad dismissed clear challenges facing the sector and did nothing to prepare for them. Once again he’s ignoring the complexity of the challenges facing workers and communities today.

We are taking real action to tackle challenges and strengthen forestry communities. We’re bringing together industry, communities and First Nations to unlock long-term stable fibre access. And boosting made-in-BC wood manufacturing to support more good jobs from every tree.

Rustad failed forestry workers and communities before, and he’ll do it again. He’s a risk we can’t afford."