We have to get message out: Miramichi forestry workers

"Tell your MLA you need their help."

This was the message delivered to woodlot owners and silviculture workers at a meeting Monday in Newcastle.

And that's just what many of the about 70 people in attendance did when they left the Northumberland Woodlot Owners Association headquarters, got in their cars and drove to their local constituency offices.

About 30 people gathered outside Public Safety Minister John Foran's office in Newscastle while they discussed strategy. Many others at the meeting returned to their home ridings to see their own MLAs.

Northumberland Woodlot Owners Association executive director Kevin Forgrave told the crowd if everyone went to their MLA's office it would really make a difference.

"They're gonna want to resolve that, because it takes up their time."

But, he cautioned, do it in a way that will add credibility to the cause.

"We do it peacefully."

Before the group filed up the ramp to fill Foran's small office, Northumberland Forest Products Marketing Board president Jean-Guy Comeau repeated that message.

Foran wasn't in the office, so Comeau asked his representative to pass their concerns along to the minister.

"They want the minister to work on their behalf."

With the message delivered, the woodlot owners and silviculture workers filed back down the concrete ramp.

As they gathered in the parking lot, Foran arrived.

He agreed to a meeting at the woodlot owners association building, but asked that the media not be permitted to sit in.

After the meeting, Foran said he would be happy to attend a public meeting where the media is present, but he was told this particular meeting would be private.

"That's what I wanted to attend was a private meeting."

Foran said he will attend a public meeting the association has scheduled for April 14 at its office.

Meanwhile, Foran said, he told the group he understands its concerns about cuts to silviculture, but pointed out the budget has already been put forward and will be voted on this Friday.

"I can't see any changes in the future."

Comeau said he appreciated the minister's help and added they need MLAs to work on their behalf to show the impact of the cuts, because their success depends on it.

The biggest problem for those in the forestry industry is losing what they already have, he said.

Comeau said people who work in silviculture are trained professionals and they can't sit at home and wait a year to see if things turn around.

"If we lose them this year, they could be lost forever."

Silviculture worker Maureen Whalen visited her MLA in Blackville after the meeting.

She said 2008 might be her last year working in the industry — if she can get work at all this year.

Whalen explained her husband works out west and usually comes home in the summer, but this year he might not do that. Instead, after about 10 years working in the forestry industry, she might join him out west.

"If need be."

Whalen said the workers know where they stand.

"Our jobs don't mean a whole lot to the government."

Comeau said the Miramichi region can't afford to lose the money earned from forestry jobs that goes into the community.

"That money is spent every week."

There is an aging workforce in the industry, he said, and parents won't tell their kids to get into it because of the uncertainty.

"That's a sad thing to do."

Comeau said he will be at the legislature April 2 to address his board's concerns alongside other marketing boards and woodlot owners.

"There will not be an MLA who is not be aware of the consequences and damages," he said, adding all they want is the same program as before, with the same amount of dollars.

"Not 50-50."