Andrew Mercier

“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. …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.