Ravi Parmar

PENTICTON — The Conservative Party of BC, and others, are intensifying calls for Forests Minister Ravi Parmar to resign, citing multiple mill closures that cost hundreds of high-paying jobs and the government’s handling of a destructive wildfire season that has forced more than 21,000 people from their homes. The pressure comes as the Bald Range wildfire near Summerland triggered a widespread evacuations across the South Okanagan. …During a press conference, while addressing criticism of the Eby government’s wildfire management, Parmar dismissed opposition questions with a curt reply: “I don’t have time for the BC Conservatives. If they want to play politics, they can fill their boots.” …Environmental groups have also attacked Parmar from the opposite direction, accusing him of accelerating old-growth logging through BC Timber Sales and making dismissive comments about caribou. …Parmar has given no indication he intends to step down. Premier David Eby has, so far, stood by his minister.