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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

FURSTENAU – We owe it to the future to protect the last ancient forests in our province


The old growth trees in this province are some of the oldest living things on our planet. Their value is immeasurable. Old growth forests serve as carbon sinks, habitats, and incredible systems of biodiversity, and we have a responsibility to protect them.

This week we have seen more arrests at Fairy Creek as protesters fight to protect some of Vancouver’s last old growth forest.

 

I am concerned that there has been a lack of transparency and accountability in some of these situations, and I am disappointed at the silence of the government. They have said that they want to work collaboratively, but in order to do that they cannot continue to talk and log. This government has had the old growth review panel recommendations for over a year, and now time is running out.

We owe it to the future to protect the last ancient forests in our province.


BC's Restart Plan


As we enter a new phase of this (COVID-19) pandemic with the new restart plan this week, I am hopeful that we are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I am thankful to all the healthcare and frontline workers who have continued to support the province during this time, and everyone who worked hard to keep their communities safe.

 

Along with all British Columbians, I am looking forward to supporting local restaurants and businesses and safely reconnecting with friends and family.

This plan is made stronger with clear metrics that we can look to in order to understand how we will achieve new phases of B.C.’s restart. While we are seeing better case numbers and fewer hospitalizations, we shouldn’t let our guard down just yet. Variants of concern still pose risks, and safety must still come first.

 

I continue to encourage all eligible British Columbians to register for a vaccine to keep everyone in this province safe.

 

Sonia Furstenau … is the MLA for Cowichan Valley, and Leader of the BC Greens

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