SASK. NDP CALLS ON SASK. PARTY FOR PLAN TO INVEST IN REFORESTATION

SASKATOON – The Saskatchewan NDP is calling on the Sask. Party government get a plan to make major investments in reforestation as the industry reels from a devastating wildfire season and U.S. lumber tariffs.

“It’s hard enough to run a business in ideal conditions, let alone job-killing tariffs and massive forest fires,” said Jordan McPhail, Saskatchewan NDP Shadow Minister for Forestry.

“It’s long past time for the provincial government to get to work on reforestation to ensure this important industry has a future in our province.”

More than 2.9 million hectares of Saskatchewan forest have burned in the fires, costing Saskatchewan’s North and the forestry industry at least $500 million dollars. At the same time, Donald Trump has levelled a new 10 per cent tariff on softwood lumber, as much as 45 per cent when stacked on other tariffs.

“All levels of government have a role to play when it comes to protecting these good, mortgage-paying jobs,” said McPhail.

“All levels of government should be at the table with leaders in this industry to ensure this vital sector is not left behind. Forestry is too important to Prince Albert and our Northern communities not to act swiftly.”

Forestry is Northern Saskatchewan’s second largest industry, supporting nearly 8,000 jobs.

Employment in the Prince Albert Economic Region decreased by 1,300 jobs last month, according to Statistics Canada. Since Scott Moe became premier in 2018, employment in the Prince Albert economic region has only increased by 2.2 percent – the second lowest rate in the province.

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