B.C. old-growth forest rally planned in Victoria

More than 160 organizations have signed a declaration demanding B.C. take faster action to protect the province’s remaining old-growth forests.

The document calls on Premier David Eby to fulfill commitments on old growth, pushing for “immediate action to stop logging” of these areas.

The Union of BC Indian Chiefs, municipal leaders, and the BC General Employees Union are among those who’ve signed on.

“Today, and every day, we, the undersigned, stand together in an unprecedented show of unity amongst working people, Indigenous land stewards and knowledge-keepers, activists, scientists, youth, educators, communities, celebrities, environmental and social justice groups, faith organizations and more. Standing united against the destruction of old growth forests. Standing strong for future generations,” the declaration reads, in part.

The groups have announced a rally set for Feb. 25 at the Legislature in Victoria, marking Eby’s 100th day as premier.

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Last October, the now-premier promised to accelerate action to protect old-growth forests within 100 days.

“The government’s continued negligence and stonewalling on truly protecting old-growth and elder trees is endemic in its approach to climate change and the stewardship of our environment,” said Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, president of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs.

“This feigned ignorance of what is happening to our forests by government and industry will be our downfall, and the impacts of this inaction will prevent us from leaving our future generations with a rich legacy of vibrant, healthy and productive forest lands.”

The declaration also calls on the province to “provide fulsome and immediate financial support for First Nations to implement logging deferrals and resilience planning,” as well as “protection as the goal for all deferral areas.”

The signatories are urging the province to implement all 14 recommendations that came from the Old-Growth Strategic Review panel by September of this year, “within the three-year timeline which government promised.”