VICTORIA, B.C. – Sonia Furstenau, MLA for the Cowichan Valley, welcomed the protection of forestry jobs and highlighted the renewed opportunities it offers.
“Today it was announced that Catalyst Paper has been purchased by Paper Excellence Canada, securing hundreds of jobs for B.C. forestry workers on Vancouver Island.
“The sale of these mills also offers an important opportunity to renew engagement with the Indigenous groups whose territories are impacted by the Catalyst Paper operations.
“I would like to offer my congratulations to the forestry workers whose jobs are now secure, and I am hopeful that the sale of these operations to Paper Excellence Canada is accompanied by a renewed commitment to environmental protection and Indigenous rights.
“There is more work to be done to ensure the long-term success of this vital sector. Sustainable forestry practices support a thriving value-added forestry industry. Timber is B.C.’s most valuable renewable resource and we need to ensure that we are on the cutting edge of best practices to maintain a healthy industry that provides good-paying jobs in communities across the province. The B.C. Green caucus is actively engaged in establishing specific policy priorities that will advance this goal, and we are working to champion reforms through our partnership with government.”
-30-
Media contact
+1 778-650-0597 | [email protected]