Union leaders and NDP politicians blasted the provincial government for its handling of the forest industry during a rally in Mackenzie on Friday.
Approximately 800 people turned out to the Save our Community Rally, which took place during the B.C. forestry roundtable meeting in the town. Over 1,000 workers have been laid off by Canfor, Pope & Talbot and AbitibiBowater in the town of 4,500 people.
B.C. NDP leader Carole James said exporting raw logs to mills outside B.C. needs to stop.
“These resources from your community belong in the province and they should stay in the province,” James said.
The forest sector and rural communities like Mackenzie have helped build this province and bankroll government infrastructure, she said.