Carole James and New Democrats launch rural consultation in Prince George
As part of a rural consultation tour, New Democrat Leader Carole James urged the Campbell Liberals to lobby the federal government to extend and adapt its Employment Insurance programs for communities and workers coping with B.C.'s 
Carole Jamesforestry crisis.
James was speaking in Prince George where the NDP caucus today launched a consultation focused on rural B.C. priorities. Announced by James at the UBCM Convention in September, the rural consultation tour is aimed at developing new economic development strategies for rural B.C., including the creation of a rural heritage fund.
"Rural British Columbians have been betrayed and abandoned by the Campbell Liberals," said James. "As the economic crisis has deepened for many communities with mills closed and thousands of jobs lost, the Campbell government hasn't lifted a finger to help, content to be spectators.
"New Democrats won't sit back and watch as rural B.C. suffers. We've held Campbell's government accountable for its failures. We're proposing new solutions to help restore the forest industry and support rural B.C. families through tough economic times. That's what the rural consultation is all about and that's why I am calling on Campbell to show leadership and demand that the federal government help forest workers by extending EI benefits," James said.
James added that for over two years, the New Democrats have been calling on Gordon Campbell to provide meaningful supports for the unemployed forest workers. In January, James put forward a five point forestry action plan, to stabilize forest communities and renew the forest industry.
As part of that plan, James said both the provincial and federal governments needed to step forward with supports for forest workers. With EI benefits running out for many workers and mills cutting shifts, James said urgent action is now required to extend benefits and assist the industry with an expanded WorkShare program to keep mills operating.
"Forest workers and their families are facing the worst-ever industry downturn," said James. "Gordon Campbell needs to finally pay attention and start fighting for the survival of forest communities. Those communities provide so much of the wealth that every British Columbian depends on for our quality of life.
"As part of the rural consultation tour, the New Democrats will be hearing from average families, businesses and experts on issues, including the impact of B.C.'s new carbon tax, state of our health care, agriculture and transportation infrastructure. The discussions will help the caucus hone in on solutions that work for rural B.C.Over the next few days, the tour will also visit Kamloops and Cranbrook.
Additionally, James has spent the past several months travelling across the province, with rural B.C. being a significant focus of her outreach work and consultations.
