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Courtenay event protesting old-growth logging part of a province-wide rally

Similar rallies in communities throughout B.C. on Sept. 18
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A monumental old-growth yellow cedar tree in the at-risk headwaters of Fairy Creek measuring 9.5 ft in diameter, making it the ninth-widest known yellow cedar according to the BC Big Tree Registry. Photo courtesy T J Watt

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On Friday, Sept. 18, concerned people across the province are getting together to demand a new forest framework that respects nature and Indigenous systems and gives power back to communities. British Columbians are witnessing the last days of the almost total eradication of their ancient forests, now reduced to less than three per cent of its original extent.

Chambers of Commerce, city governments, conservation groups and unions all over the province are calling for an end to old-growth logging, because the trees are so much more valuable standing, as hundreds of thousands of tourists come from all over the world to look up at them.

We are in a climate emergency. Premier Horgan has broken his campaign promise for sustainable management of B.C.’s forests, and continues a ruthless pace of logging, destroying 500 soccer fields of irreplaceable old-growth every day in B.C., releasing vast amounts of stored carbon as well as eradicating habitat for many species at risk.

Events calling for changes in government policy regarding old-growth logging (and other logging) practices, will be happening throughout B.C. - safely - in gatherings of under 50 people and with careful physical distancing.

In the Comox Valley, community members will be gathering from 1-2 p.m. at ​​​​​​the Sid Williams Plaza. Wear a mask, bring signs and practise appropriate social distancing.