Carole James visits Kimberley

By CAROLYN GRANT
Kimberley Daily Bulletin

June 11th, 2008

In the mind of Provincial NDP Leader Carole James the provincial election campaign has already begun, and she believes there are gains to be made in this neck of the woods.

To that end she intends to spend plenty of time in the Kootenays over the coming year prior to the May 2009 election.

James was in Kimberley Monday, as part of a forestry tour of Kimberley, Cranbrook, Nelson and Creston.

“This is the kickoff of the election campaign,” James said in an interview with the Bulletin.  “It’s going to be a long one and my commitment is to on the road much of that time; talking and, unlike the government, listening, to people.”

James says that the past legislative session was a clear indication of how out of touch the current Liberal government is.  An example of that is their non-reaction to the crisis in the forestry industry, she says.

“There is no question that forestry will be a huge issue in the coming election,” she said.  “1300 jobs lost and 50 mills closed in the last year.  Those are shocking numbers.  And the only response is the Minister of Forests saying ‘there’s nothing we can do, our hands are tied’.  The Premier says we should continue raw log exports.  They are out of touch.  A major industry that helps provide the surplus they are proud of is in trouble and they offer nothing.

“I find it ironic that as we celebrate the 150th birthday of British Columbia, the government is giving up on the industry that built this province.”

James is of the opinion that there is plenty that can be done, and offers a five point plan which includes a tax on raw logs.  James is in favour of keeping raw logs in the province instead of sending jobs and resources south of the border.

“There needs to be a major investment in reforestation and silviculture.  A lot of money has been dropped from the government’s investment in a sustainable forest.”

James also advocates for a permanent Commission of Forestry and a Community and Worker Stability Program.

“I’m getting a lot of positive feedback from the forest industry and the average person,” James said.

As for the coming election campaign, she says things are just getting started.

“We are now going into the nominating process, because of the electoral boundary changes,” she said.  “We should start seeing nominations in all ridings by the fall.”

There will be a hole in the NDP lineup with the retirement of Nelson – Creston MLA Corky Evans.

“Corky is irreplaceable in some ways,” James said.  “He is a unique politician.  I’ve been so proud to work with him.”

But James believes that there is great potential in this area.

“We are going to be working hard in the Kootenays.  We’re running to win.  People in these communities feel left out. They don’t feel the government understands them.

Asked where she feels the NDP might be particularly successful in the coming elections, James will only say that she intends that her party will do well all over the province.

“We can’t afford another Campbell term,” she said.  “I’m running in every riding to win.”