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LETTER: Canadians failing to treasure irreplaceable forests

Loss to B.C. and to future generations ‘is forever’
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(PQB News file art)

Before-and-after photos by TJ Watt of the cutting of old-growth forests in B.C. has reached a worldwide audience.

The destruction of these ancient giants is drawing international condemnation. Canada has enjoyed great respect on the world stage for so long, I think people have a hard time believing that it is Canadians that are failing to treasure these irreplaceable forests.

Like all deforestation, profit is the motive.

But money can come from so many other sources. Fairy Creek, because of its closeness to Victoria, could have become a powerful draw to international visitors, a destination for eco-tourism, a valuable educational and scientific resource – for many decades.

Donations could have come from all over the world. The possibilities were endless. Are there still possibilities?

The fate of our forestry-based communities was sealed years ago with modern logging technology, over-harvesting and the shipping of raw logs overseas. The fewer jobs that remain are only short-term. But the loss of the ancient forests to B.C. and to future generations is forever.

A group has been gathering at 10 a.m. in front of MLA Adam Walker’s office in Qualicum Beach for 38 Fridays in a row, pleading with industry and leaders to stop the logging of the Ancient Forests. I join when I can.

We all might remember the story of the goose that laid golden eggs.

A farmer was blessed with a miraculous goose, who laid a golden egg every morning. His family had everything they needed. But greed can creep up on us.

The farmer thought, “If I kill the goose, I can get all the gold at once!” So, he killed the goose that laid the golden eggs, and that was the end.

Did his children ever forgive him? Will ours?

Joanne Sales

Qualicum Beach

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