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“I am a Canadian, free to speak without fear, free to worship in my own way, free to stand for what I think right, free to oppose what I believe wrong, or free to choose those who shall govern my country. This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold for myself and all mankind.” ~~ John G. Diefenbaker

MP Cathy McLeod -- One hundred and seventy-eight people will lose their jobs ... it is long past time for this government to take some action


Ottawa- Cathy McLeod, Member of Parliament for Kamloops - Thompson - Cariboo delivered the following statement today in the House of Commons.

Mr. Speaker- last evening my constituency received some devastating news when Canfor announced the closure of its mill in Vavenby. One hundred and seventy-eight people will lose their jobs.


The Canfor mill had been the major employer in Vavenby and the area, and this is tragic news for this community

Unfortunately, this is not an isolated situation. In B.C. companies have been cutting back shifts and closing mills. As a lack of log supplies and low prices endure, more closures are expected to come.

In fact, the province will likely lose 12 mills in the next decade, according to a report commissioned by the Forest Economic Advisors of Canada.

It is long past time for this government to take some action. We need to have the Trans Mountain pipeline approved, we need the U.S. softwood lumber tariffs lifted, we need broadband investments and we need western diversification to support these small towns that must diversify or die.

Time is of the essence.

Rural Canadians deserve better.

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