NDP Leader Carole James addressed unemployed forestry workers in Mackenzie, B.C., on Wednesday, promising to bring jobs back to the devastated town -- but not everyone was convinced.
"I haven't made up my mind yet," said laid off mill worker Jen Saavedra. "I want to get all the information that I possibly can, and I'll make my vote on May 12."
Saavedra was a machine operator in Mackenzie's Canfor mill for six years, until she became one of 200 employees laid off last June when the mill was closed. A weak lumber market due to the US housing crisis was cited as the cause.
Mackenzie is just one of several northern communities relying on a forestry-based economy, and both the BC Liberal Party and BC NDP are working to prove their party plans to keep the province's forestry industry strong.
Earlier this week, the Liberals took credit for Canfor's decision to re-open the mill in Mackenzie for a single shift daily. Canfor's CEO, Jim Shepard, agreed.
"I mean the NDP would have it where you create jobs and then you attract investment," Shepard said. "That isn't the way business works."
But despite being one of 60 employees who will be returning to work in July, Andy Frisse is sticking with the NDP.
Frisse said he has seen the devastating effects of the mill closure firsthand.
"Repossessing houses has become an industry in this town," Frisse said. "There's nothing left for a lot of people."
But many workers remain undecided, and with Election Day only one week away, ridings like Mackenzie-Prince George may be some of the closest races in the province.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Sarah Galashan
