Forest Industry in One of Worst Downturns in History

The BC government cannot change the market the struggling forestry industry is experiencing despite calls from the Opposition to do more.

That from Forestry Minister Rich Coleman who calls this downturn one of the worst in history.

"All our analysts tell us that in about 18 months from now the market will be completely different. That it's going to be a stable, robust, growing market with good prices, and that these jobs will come back, and the mills will be able to compete again simply because there's a market for their product."

Coleman says, the government is helping forestry workers hold on until then by helping older workers retire, and younger ones upgrade their education.

Coleman was in Vernon meeting with industry stakeholders today on part of a Province wide tour.

Starlee Speers Astral Media Radio (Vernon)