STATEMENT: STOP to the Clearcut Logging of Old-Growth Forests

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers calls on the BC and Federal Governments to put a stop to the clearcut logging of old-growth forests. Further, CUPW denounces RCMP actions against forest protectors and journalists at the Ada'itsx/Fairy Creek Blockade on Vancouver Island, where, for more than a year, thousands of people from all walks of life have been trying to prevent the clearcut logging of an ancient forest.

Over 800 peaceful people have been arrested for protecting rare old-growth trees. The RCMP has used excessive force including assault and pepper spray against the forest protectors, people who have posed no physical threat. They have also blocked journalists and legal observers from gaining access to the blockade site and illegally arrested some of them. Moreover, the RCMP has targeted Indigenous people and people of colour with more severe violence and this has been well documented.

On August 9, 2021, Judge Douglas Thompson, of the BC Supreme Court, ruled illegal the actions of the RCMP in arresting people who were exercising their right to protest. Yet, the RCMP escalated their violence after the ruling came out.

CUPW calls on both the BC Provincial and Federal Governments to keep their promises to protect the very last old-growth forests and the fragile ecosystems and fauna therein. We call on our governments to also fulfill their reconciliation promises and consult honourably with First Nations. It’s about doing the right thing in an escalating climate crisis and when over 1300 Indigenous children's bodies are discovered on residential school properties.

The Union also demands: 

• that all charges be dropped against those arrested;
• that the illegal arrests and use of violence and pepper spray on protesters be halted immediately; and
• that journalists be enabled to access the blockade site.

We would like to express our disappointment that a government elected on a platform of supporting workers and a just transition would be responsible for this type of atrocity at such a critical time for humanity. We must put a halt to extractive practices borne of colonialism and capitalism. We must do everything in our power to save the very last old growth forests.