Editor, The Times:
Recently I listened to the B.C. minister responsible for forests, Steve Thomson, respond to questions about a leaked confidential draft report on the sustainability of our forest industry. The report predicts thousands of job losses because of the pine beetle infestation and suggests various reactionary policy options.
While I listened to Thomson defend the Liberal government’s handling of the decade-old pine beetle problem, one image kept popping into my mind: an unprepared student trying to convince his teacher a dog ate his homework.
Why did the B.C. government want the report to remain hidden? The answer is simple; Premier Clark’s Liberals can’t see the deforestation for the sleaze.
When Thomson was asked if he was going to run in the 2013 provincial election, he said yes. I wish him luck. He’ll need it.
Lloyd Atkins
Vernon, B.C.
