200 Truck Convoy Makes Itself Heard In Support Of British Columbia Logging

Wednesday September 25th 2019 was a day to be reckoned for. British Columbia logging workers and truckers were out in full force to petition many changes being made within the logging industry by the government. A 200 truck convoy made its way from the central interior of British Columbia to downtown Vancouver’s convention centre. Many families that are involved in the logging and trucking industry were at the convention centre to support the workers that have all been affected by changes lately. B.C. has seen four mills permanently close in the Interior this year, putting as many as 700 workers out of a job. There have been a further 13 indefinite closures which has impacted an estimated 1,000 workers, as well as hundreds more impacted due to curtailments. Recently one large mill in Maple Ridge B.C has given its employees notice of closure. Interfor has announced that it plans to permanently close its Hammond Cedar Sawmill in Maple Ridge, B.C., by the end of the year. Hammond mill is the latest in a growing list of mill closures to hit the province amid an industry downturn. Stuey Wheeler, who’s family owns a Langley B.C based logging equipment company says industry slowdown could harm his business. Don whom recorded this footage mentioned that the convoy took nearly thirty minutes to pass the overpass he was parked upon. Don himself owns a hydraulic repair shop that also gains business from the logging industry. Many types of equipment in the forest used in harvesting and transporting logs are outfitted with hydraulic cylinders, pumps and hoses. Many of which Don’s company repairs and replaces daily. Tariffs have also been imposed which in themselves have affected the logging and softwood lumber industry in the last few years. About 100 trucks from the north, including Prince George, Quesnel, Williams Lake and 100 Mile House, were seen on the roads in 100 Mile, receiving honks of support and more trucks joined the convoy as they travel through rural communities impacted by mill curtailments and closures. The Rally to Vancouver truck protest, which was organized by Merritt B.C logger Howard McKimmon and others, is shedding light on the “industry in crisis” as mayors and MLAs from across the province converge in the Lower Mainland for its annual Union of BC Municipalities convention. With horns honking all the way along British Columbia’s Highway 1 and through the downtown core, it is sure that the truckers have been heard. Hopefully changes will be made for the good to help keep the logging industry alive in British Columbia. It is the bread and butter for many families thought B.C.