Greens support forestry workers while protecting our forests

Montreal − Elizabeth May, Leader of the Green Party of Canada (MP, Saanich-Gulf Islands), expressed the Green Party’s opposition to the Conservative Party’s motion in the House today concerning support for forestry workers.

“It is regrettable that the Conservative Party has put forward a motion that includes extraneous, egregious, and malicious attacks on environmental groups. This motion divides Members of Parliament when we could have stood united in support of the Canadian forest industry, forestry workers and sustainable forest practices," Ms. May said.

“At a time when we are seeking to achieve an equitable agreement with the United States on trade, Members of Parliament should focus on supporting our forest industry, not demonizing environmental groups.”

Daniel Green, GPC Deputy Leader, said: “Action by forest conservation groups is aimed at ensuring healthy and productive forests over the long term. Without viable forests, there’s a risk forestry jobs will disappear.”

He added: “The Green Party of Canada wants to see both forests and forestry jobs protected.  This is accomplished through the environmental certification of forestry operations, a process designed to ensure our forests are properly managed, which will help secure this vital resource is managed sustainability for future generations.”

Yves Laporte, Green Party candidate for Lac-Saint-Jean concluded: “Lac-Saint-Jean has a unique opportunity to stand out from the rest of the country by voting for a lucrative green economy that takes future generations into consideration.”

-30-

For further information or an interview, please contact

Robin Marty, Press Secretary

Green Party of Canada

514.652.3669

robin.marty@greenparty.ca