Bev Playfair, Mayor of Fort St James, along with the District of Fraser-Fort St James has been left with no option.
Last Friday (Aug. 16) would have marked 30 days since the financial crisis had initially been implemented, however, the decision to extend it has been made.
Melany Helmer, Chief Administrative Officer for the District of Fraser-Fort St James, told MyPGNow that Playfair and the council don’t feel their concerns raised have been addressed by the provincial and federal government.
“The mayor and council are feeling quite certain that they are needing to continue the financial crisis until the concerns that they have raised are addressed by the provincial and federal government. The federal and provincial government have indicated that they have received the message from the community loud and clear, and we are optimistic that there will be actions forthcoming — they haven’t happened yet.”
The District has been calling for support to the workers and businesses that have been impacted by the closure of the Conifex sawmill, as well as the current situation surrounding the lumber market and its instability.
At the time of it being announced, it was said that 226 workers were directly impacted by the sawmill’s closure. Conifex announced in June that they plan to sell the sawmill to Hampton Lumber for $39 million.
Discussions have included Forest Minister Doug Donaldson, his parliamentary secretary, the local District Manager David Van Dolah, as well as the community transition committee that included federal and provincial personnel who are engaged in looking at the matter in order to find solutions.
Helmer indicated that Minister Donaldson had yet to visit the community.
“He has not yet been here, but he’s reassured us that he’s committed to coming here soon,” said Helmer.
However, she said a date has yet to be established.
As for how much longer the financial crisis will be in place, Mayor Playfair and the council will be reconsidering in September whether to further extend the crisis or to cancel it.