VANCOUVER – The Campbell government’s agenda for more privatization of public lands will only worsen the crisis facing forest communities, says New Democrat Forest Critic Bob Simpson .

Simpson was responding to news today that Chief Forester Jim Snetsinger called the discussion about more privatization “a good start” for the future of the forest industry.

A non-invasive cardiac procedure that helps patients avoid stroke or invasive cardiac procedures is seriously under funded by the Campbell Liberals, says New Democrat Health Critic Adrian Dix. “This is a simple, non-invasive procedure that literally can give people back their lives,” said Dix.  “We have the equipment and the physicians available.

VICTORIA –The aid package announced today by Prime Minister Stephen Harper will do nothing to help struggling forest-dependent communities that have been abandoned by the Campbell government, says NDP Leader Carole James .

VICTORIA– Prince George residents have a right to know if Alcan’s decisions at Kitimat have been a factor in the flooding that has forced people out of their homes and away from their jobs, Bob Simpson says.

New Democrats are calling on the Campbell government to stop observing and start taking action as increasing numbers of workers are hit hard by mill closures at various sawmills in the Prince George region.

QUESNEL – Another week, another announced mill closure and still no action from the Minister of Forests.

Today’s news that Canfor is shuttering its Chetwynd mill – putting 188 workers out of a job – further highlights the need for some action by the Campbell government, New Democrat forestry critic Bob Simpson says.

VICTORIA – The New Democrats are calling for Forests Minister Rich Coleman to suspend all removal of private lands from Tree Farm Licenses until Auditor General John Doyle has completed his investigation into whether the public interest is served by those releases.Bob Simpson

VICTORIA – As communities across the province reel from an unprecedented downturn in the forestry industry, New Democrat MLA Bob Simpson is calling on the Campbell government to convene an emergency summit that brings together business, forestry experts, labour and community interests.Bob Simpson

NEW WESTMINSTER — Today’s announced closure of the Canadian Forest Products mill in New Westminster is another example of the Campbell government’s failure to meet the needs of the coastal forest sector, New Democrat Chuck Puchmayr said today.

VICTORIA - Huge political donations by forest companies to the B.C. Liberal Party are compelling reasons for electoral finance reform in B.C., New Democrat MLA Bob Simpson says.