Re: PG Citizen article, "Wood-first policy a win says NDP candidate" dated April 14th, 2011.
Dear Mr. Harris,
I find it really cynical of you to excuse your continued opposition to a "national wood-first policy" with the justification that in "just a very short several months . . . the mills in Canada are going to be working to capacity."
While I don't disagree with your optimistic outlook, I have to ask why you didn't advocate for a national wood-first policy when the mills were first being shuttered?
Yes, it is questionable whether a national wood-first policy would have prevented all the mills from being closed during the recession.
And yes, your lobbying to get the feds to invest in mill upgrades in the riding deserves praise. But, you can't stop there! Your first responsibility is to your constituents, not all of which are commodity mills. I'm no socialist, but I do believe there is a role for the government in the economy. If we want a diverse and resilient forest economy in the Interior, then you have to get your government to start making new investments through the Western Economic Diversification Fund in programs, such as the former Wood Enterprise Centre in Quesnel, that give a leg up to the rural entrepreneur.
Your dismissal of a wood-first policy is just another example of the Conservative contempt for economic nationalism.
You were first elected under the Reform Party banner -- you were supposed to be an advocate for rural western Canadians. Why should we be satisfied with shipping our lumber and heavy oil to Red China, to the benefit of corporate offices in the south, when we could do so much more to add value to these commodities here in the Interior?
It has been nearly an 18-year marriage for you with Cariboo-Prince George. Perhaps it's time for you to renew your western vows, or we'll start looking for a new -- younger -- partner.
Thank you for taking the time to read and consider my opinion. I hope you will respond through action.
Sincerely,
Rory Plunkett
Prince George
