KAMLOOPS — NDP Leader Carole James today laid out a strong proposal to renew B.C.’s forest industry, assist forest workers and forest-dependent communities and reinvest in B.C.’s forest land base.

Speaking to the Western Silviculture Contractors’ Association convention, James unveiled a five-point proposal that will form the beginning of a progressive action plan for B.C.’s forest industry. James drew a strong distinction between her action plan and the Campbell government’s latest round of roundtables.

“It’s simply not acceptable to sit back and watch the province’s primary industry decline, as the Campbell government has done,” James said. “Two weeks ago the Premier talked about a ‘seismic shift’ in the industry, yet his only idea was another roundtable and more deregulation.

“I believe our proposal puts us on the path to revitalizing an industry which the Campbell government has left in crisis.”

The NDP plan calls for:
- a green plan for re-investing in B.C.’s forest land base;
- the development of an innovative 21st century forest products industry;
- a community and worker stability program;
- a permanent commission on forestry; and,
- careful review and reform of the tenure system.

“This is a forward-looking proposal to renew an industry that the Campbell government has left in crisis,” said NDP Forestry Critic Bob Simpson. “The Premier’s roundtable is an admission that he’s out of ideas and has nothing to offer communities and workers who need support now.”

“We don’t need another roundtable,” said James. “We need real change to help support an industry in crisis. Our proposal fills the leadership void left by the Campbell government inaction; it will create a more diverse and competitive forest sector that will once again provide benefits to the owners of our public forests -- British Columbians.”