Port Alberni Mayor Sharie Minions was in Victoria on Monday to meet with provincial forests minister Doug Donaldson.
She said with the continued strike of Western Forest Products workers, and now the curtailment of Mosaic operations, troubles in the forest economy are being felt in forest dependant communities.
“Although Port Alberni is diversifying its economy the forest sector is incredibly important to us still, and we want to make sure that we remain strong,” she said. “We talked about the value-added sector as well and how we can start to position Port Alberni to really make sure we’re taking advantage of what we see as the most likely next phase of the forest industry, so we want to make sure we’re well-positioned to take advantage of that.”
Minions said she was impressed that Donaldson asked specifically about the people of Port Alberni, and how we’re doing during these troubled times.
She said city budget discussions are happening as hundreds of families face uncertain futures as the forestry closures continue, and council will continue to meet with forestry officials as the Western strike enters its 6th month.
Yesterday, 60 workers at Errington Cedar Products were laid off after the 30-year old company declared bankruptcy.
Companies say high stumpage rates and low lumber prices are conspiring against forestry operations around the province.
