MLA Norm Macdonald has been appointed as the new Forestry Critic for the opposition.

Macdonald, who spoke with The Star about his new position, said that this is an important area of concern especially in communities like Golden where forestry is still a major driver in the area’s economy.

When queried about what his main focuses will be, Macdonald talked about the massive job losses in the industry as of late - 25 to 30,000 people have lost their jobs because of the sagging market conditions.

“Golden has seen stoppages, but we’re fortunate that LP is modern and is a plant that produces a good product,” he said.

“In the area that I represent alone, I have seen closures at the Skookumchuck and Radium Tembec mills and the Canfor plant in Radium. All of these closures create challenges for Golden operations.”

As a critic, the first area Macdonald intends to focus on is job losses and mill closures that continue to plague the valley.

“It’s important to recognize the ripple effect these closures have in our region,” he said.

He explained that he also intends to address Employment Insurance (EI) issues related to the closures.

“Though it is a federal issue it is important to make sure that E.I. is working in relation to the layoffs in the forestry sector.”

Macdonald is looking to the government to balance the system so that there is a shorter waiting period, that the number of hours required is lowered and so that holiday pay doesn’t interfere with receiving E.I. benefits.

“The provincial government needs to do more to support its workers.”

Macdonald said he will also be looking at ideas as to how the industry has restructured in current and future conditions, saying that diversification is key.

“We have to look at the allowability in diversification and have a structure that allows it to happen,” he explained.

Another of Macdonald’s concerns is the U.S, government’s Black Liquor subsidy that is wreaking havoc on the Canadian pulp and paper industry. The tax credit is an incentive to mix an alternative energy source with carbon based fuel. Papermakers already generate electricity by burning a wood byproduct from pulp-making called “black liquor.” To qualify for the subsidy they are adding diesel fuel to the black liquor, following the letter of the law while violating its spirit. Canadian companies can’t compete with their US counterparts who get millions in cheques every month from their government.

“That is not what the subsidies were meant for and it makes Canadian companies have to compete with a highly subsidized US industry,” said Macdonald, adding that this is an issue that has only really been noticed in rural BC where there is a heightened awareness of how important that issue is.

Macdonald said he will also be keeping an eye on silviculture and forest health in the province to ensure that the government is doing the work they should in these areas. He said he believes he is up for the very demanding position.

“I very much enjoyed my last role as I am very passionate about education, but certainly this is an issue that has occupied and will occupy more of my time. It’s a really important role and one that I am looking forward to.”

Since 2003, there have been more than 200 mill closures across Canada and 50,000 confirmed layoffs or job losses in the industry according the Communications Energy and Paperworkers Union.