NDP shames Campbell government into finally getting involved in P&T hearings
VICTORIA – After weeks of pressure from Opposition New Democrats, the CampbellOntario. government has quietly registered for standing in Pope and Talbot’s bankruptcy proceedings in Ontario.
Forest and Range Minister Rich Coleman acknowledged yesterday that the
Bob Simpson government had applied for standing and Ontario court documents confirmed it.
“We’ve been asking for weeks for some action to protect the interests of communities, contractors and workers,” said NDP Forests Critic Bob Simpson . “That it’s needed this much time and this much pressure shows that the Minister doesn’t care all that much about the needs of forest-dependent communities.”
Katrine ConroySimpson said MLAs Corky Evans (Nelson - Creston) and Katrine Conroy (West Kootenay – Boundary) deserve the credit for keeping this issue in the forefront.
Conroy said the government’s action is only a half measure.
“Minister Coleman should immediately and personally consult with the people in the Kootenays whose livelihoods are at stake,” Conroy said. “That’s the only way to ensure the needs of those communities will be fully met.”
Evans said he met with a group of workers and contractors last
Corky Evans week who collectively are owed about $5 million by the company.
“It’s not good enough that the Minister registers if all he’s doing is looking after the corporate interests,” Evans said. “There’s no indication that he will work to make sure workers and contractors in Nakusp and Edgewood aren’t left out in the cold. These people are looking for real action and are just getting window-dressing.”
The NDP also maintains that the public forest lands and logs under Pope & Talbot's control should be used by the Province as leverage to ensure local creditors get paid before P&T's American bankers.
