Doug Donaldson & John Horgan

Premier John Horgan said last week in a press conference that he will take on American “lumber barons” in the softwood lumber dispute. …“We will continue to fight for the 60,000 British Columbians who depend on forestry,” said Premier Horgan. …Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development Minister Doug Donaldson headed to Asia for a week-long trade trip with over 35 senior forestry executives to lobby in China and Japan. He said that he has not had a chance to speak with smaller producers like Kyahwood Forest Products in Moricetown. Donaldson said he planned to talk with smaller producers about cash flow issues from the retroactive demand from the U.S. that deposits be made in April effective back to January. …“My focus is not simply on trying to assist people who are going to be laid off but try to make sure people don’t get laid off,” he said.