Forest critics will stop in Cowichan Valley, Comox Valley, Port Alberni and Campbell River next week

VICTORIA - New Democrat forest critic Norm Macdonald and deputy critic Bill Routley will meet with stakeholders on Vancouver Island next week affected by the struggling forest industry.Norm Macdonald

"The Campbell government has done nothing to help the forest industry that has suffered under its watch," said Macdonald, MLA for Columbia River-Revelstoke. "For years the Campbell Liberals have been 'spectators' to an industry in collapse.

"Gordon Campbell has sent a clear and consistent message that he does not care about families and communities that rely on the forest industry."

Macdonald and Routley will be in the Cowichan Valley and Nanaimo on Monday July 20, followed by Port Alberni on Tuesday and Courtenay and Campbell River on Wednesday. The New Democrat forest critics will meet with workers, businesses, and local governments to discuss what needs to be done to stimulate the industry.

"British Columbians who work in the forest industry and their families are tired of listening to the Campbell government say there's nothing they can do," said Macdonald. "Carole James and the New Democrats are listening and working toward stimulating the industry.

Macdonald said log exports, mill closures, job loss, injuries and fatalities are just some of the problems plaguing the industry.

Schedule:

Monday, July 20 - Cowichan Valley (morning), Nanaimo (afternoon)

Tuesday, July 21 - Port Alberni

Wednesday, July 22 - Courtenay (morning), Campbell River (afternoon)

Norm Macdonald

Columbia River-Revelstoke

Norm Macdonald was re-elected as the MLA for Columbia River-Revelstoke on May 12, 2009. He was first elected to the Legislature in 2005.