Thoughts on BC Politics and More

Statement from John Rustad, Leader of The Conservative Party of British Columbia   Friday, May 10, 2024 — Vancouver, BC:   John Rustad, Leader of The Conservative Party of British Columbia released the following statement on the announcement of the Canfor Pulp investment suspension in Houston and subsequent layoffs in Prince George:   “First and foremost, my thoughts are with the 220 employees and their families who were impacted by the investment suspension of Canfor Pulp in Houston and the additional job losses across Prince George and in the North. This follows the announcement of 180 jobs lost after the Polar Sawmill closure in Bear Lake and the curtailed production that was announced at the Northwood Pulp Mill.    This news across the region was a direct result of the NDP’s failed leadership when it comes to making British Columbia a more attractive place to live, work and invest in our natural resource sectors. It is unacceptable tha...

Canfor has confirmed 190 people will be impacted by the six-month shutdown at their Polar Sawmill north of Prince George. United Steelworkers 1-2017 President Brian O’Rourke told MyPGNow.com the announcement came out of the blue but the company did provide more clarity on when it will take effect. “That is going to start sometime in January. So, they are going to run out of their inventory from what we are told as of right now so we should be meeting with them in the next couple of weeks and see what is on the books there. What we have been told is the BC Timber Services haven’t gotten to put permits out yet. Albeit, when they do that, those permits are open for bid and could go to anyone" ... CLICK HERE for the full story

Kamloops Mayor Ken Christian This morning the Ministry for Mental Health and Addictions Ministry, announced a number of BC communities would be receiving a share of nearly a million dollars ($900,000) in grants for local community wellness, safety and harm-reduction projects. The announcement stated there were a total of twenty-four municipalities, along with community partners, who would be receiving up to $50,000 in funding for ... initiatives that build on community wellness, safety and harm-reduction efforts related to the overdose crisis and saving lives . Projects being funded include: a business engagement and ambassador project in Abbotsford; a needle recovery program in Vancouver; youth harm reduction and wellness efforts in Port Alberni; a drop-in harm reduction and meal program in Houston ... and ... an employment program in Penticton and Kelowna. Additional projects aim to reduce stigma, while engaging and empowering people...