Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo MP Cathy McLeod is calling for an emergency debate in the House of Commons on the jobs crisis affecting BC forestry workers.

McLeod, who is also Shadow Minister for Natural Resources (Forestry and Mining) says the federal government has ignored the issues in the sector for the last four years.

“The closure and restriction of softwood lumber mills in recent months has devastated communities across British Columbia,” she said. ” said MP Cathy McLeod. “The federal Liberal Government has ignored the needs of rural communities, failing to take action as the job crisis unfolded.”

Referencing the Council of Forest Industries, McLeod says Canada’s forestry sector supports about 140,000 jobs and generates about $4 billion in annual revenues for B.C.

“However, since the crisis began, at least 20 lumber mills have been forced to shut down or restrict production,” McLeod noted. “As a result, thousands of people across 27 communities are out of work, and further layoffs are expected before the Christmas holidays.”

McLeod also points out that there is no softwood lumber agreement with the United States, which leads to “crippling tariffs” for Canadian companies.

“This is an enormous opportunity for Justin Trudeau to stop attacking the Western Canadian economy. His government can start to heal regional divisions by alleviating this jobs crisis impacting thousands of workers, their families and communities across British Columbia,” added McLeod.

“Conservatives will continue fighting to get our forestry and energy sectors back to work.”

Editors note: You can hear from MP McLeod on her call for an emergency debate on the NL Morning News on Dec. 12 at 6:40 a.m.