04/12 BC,Canada:Enviros Grade Political Leaders on Forestry

[the.greenbase@green2.greenpeace.org]

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Original-TO:      World Press (Green2:Green2:Gnl:INET)
Original-Cc:      The Greenbase (Green2:Green2:Gnl:Main)
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               GREENPEACE PRESS RELEASE
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>>   ENVIRONMENTALISTS GRADE POLITICAL LEADERS ON 
     VISION OF FORESTRY'S FUTURE 
 
Better start studying for the final, groups say 
 
PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. Friday, 12 April, 1996 (GP) Today,
Greenpeace and the Council of Environmental Voters graded
speeches given by Premier Glen Clark, Liberal leader Gordon
Campbell and Reform leader Jack Weisgerber at the Annual
General Meeting of the Northern Forest Products Association,
the results ranged from extremely poor to fair. 
 
As the Premier began his talk, a Greenpeace activist using a
megaphone announced that each of the leaders would be graded
on his vision of the future of B.C.'s forests. As each speaker
concluded his talk, other Greenpeace activists held up
scorecards ranking each out of 10.
 
The party leaders were speaking on the subject "Your Vision of
Prosperity for B.C.". Premier Glen Clark received a barely
passing grade of 5.9 out of 10. Liberal leader Gordon Campbell
spoke of relaxing the Forest Practices Code and creating
intensive forestry zones, and scored a 3.7. The crowd
alternately heckled and cheered.
 
Mr Weisgerber spoke out strongly against so-called 'over-
regulation' of the Forest Industry and Greenpeace grade him a
'0'  because as Greenpeace Campaigner Tamara Stark said, "If
you can't say anything nice you shouldn't say anything at
all."
 
"But it's clear these guys haven't been studying very hard,"
added Stark.
 
"While Clark at least committed to maintaining environmental
protection, both of the others want to roll back the few hard-
won gains we've made," said Dean Mercer of the Council of
Environmental Voters. "It's an appalling vision of B.C.'s
future."
 
Greenpeace and the Council of Environmental Voters are two
groups that are part of the umbrella organisation British
Columbians for a Better Environment. The BCBE is made up of
individuals and groups that want to see each political party
improve their environmental platform prior to and beyond the
upcoming provincial election and are committed to challenging
each party to adopt the most
progressive positions possible. 
 
 
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
 
Tamara Stark or Dean Mercer by cell phone: 604-328-6527
 


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