I am writing as a young person who is worried and scared about the future of our forests, and who is concerned that the Fairy Creek logging dispute is at a tipping point.
The British Columbia New Democratic Party has decided that immediate economic growth is more important than a long-term future for our children. I was ready to go to Fairy Creek, but my parents eventually decided that they didn’t want me to put myself at risk there, due to reports of police aggression at the site of the protests. That needs to change.
Peaceful protest is a right, and the provincial NDP government needs to act. For too long they have just sat by the sidelines, happy to let the protestors take on the logging company alone.
There are so few low-elevation, old-growth forests remaining in BC, and it is crucial to the earth’s survival that we protect those that remain.
Every week, officers from our local RCMP detachment are deployed at the site of the protests to enforce the injunction. I’m speaking to them, asking them to help however they can to defend our forests.
I’m speaking to the NDP government, who need to respect the promises made four years ago to protect what old growth remains. And most importantly, I’m speaking to the people of the qathet region, asking them to get out to do their part and join one or more of the many wonderful local organizations who raise awareness and try to change the world for the better.
Finn Thoms is a qathet Regional District resident.
