Three years have passed since the BC government promised to implement the Old Growth Strategic Review, but many feel very little has been done. On September 28 concerned citizens will be protesting in front of constituency offices across the province.
The local protest will be in front of MLA Michele Babchuk’s office at 908 Island Highway, in Campbell River, from 11:30 to 12:30.
Continue reading Sept 28: Day of Action for Old Growth in Campbell River
Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Conservation groups are alarmed that endangered old-growth forests continue to fall three years after B.C. promised to protect the ancient ecosystems and transform the province’s approach to forestry.
The province hasn’t fully met any of the 14 recommendations of the 2020 Old Growth Strategic Review (OGSR), said Torrance Torrance Coste, national campaign director for the Wilderness Committee.
Continue reading On third anniversary of B.C’s promise to protect old-growth, ancient trees still falling
By Zak Vescera, The Tyee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Lawyers working for the B.C. government are threatening to sue it over a new law that would remove their right to choose their own union.
Bill 5 became law on Thursday after months of fighting between the government and the BC Government Lawyers Association, which applied last year to be recognized as an independent union representing about 300 members.
The legislation lifts a ban on unionization for the lawyers, who advise government on new laws and represent it in civil court.
Continue reading BC Government and Its Lawyers Head Toward Unionization Showdown
By Zak Vescera, The Tyee, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The B.C. government is offering the first look at parts of a $460-million plan to plug a growing labour gap as employers struggle to fill jobs.
The province has budgeted $126 million in the next year for skills training, helping immigrants to have their credentials recognized and helping businesses hire staff.
Finance Minister Katrine Conroy said lack of staff is the number one issue for small businesses in the province.
Continue reading Labour Shortage, or Bad Jobs?
By Natasha Bulowski, Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
B.C.’s old-growth forests are still in jeopardy despite the province’s pledge to work with Indigenous nations to temporarily ban logging in specific areas, a new report by Stand.earth finds.
More than 55,000 hectares of B.C.’s proposed old-growth deferrals are still at “extreme risk” of being logged, Stand.earth’s spatial analysis revealed. Satellite imagery analysis shows some deferrals have already been destroyed or are in the process of being clear-cut.
Continue reading Old-growth forests remain at ‘immediate risk’ despite B.C. government promises, report finds
