UNISACO and COFOR cooperatives unite against the federal caribou protection decree
Workers from the UNISACO and COFOR cooperatives, two key pillars of Boisaco, have taken a stand against the proposed emergency decree on forest caribou protection, currently being developed by the federal government. Concerned about the disastrous consequences for the local economy, they have launched a campaign under the slogan « village for sale » to raise public awareness and alert policymakers to the potential repercussions of this measure.
According to Vicky Savard, president of the Sainte-Marguerite Forest Workers’ Cooperative (COFOR), the adoption of the decree would severely jeopardize the future of Boisaco, a major economic player in the Haute-Côte-Nord region. « If Boisaco disappears, our entire village is at risk. Our homes will lose value, and the community will become devalued, » she told CBC.
The decree, proposed by Environment and Climate Change Minister Steven Guilbeault, aims to restrict forestry activities in certain protected areas for forest caribou populations. While Ottawa estimates potential losses at $900 million over 10 years for Quebec, the provincial government predicts that the forestry industry could lose up to $1.5 billion over the same period.
UNISACO and COFOR, which employ over 300 workers, warn that the decree could endanger nearly 600 jobs in the region. « With a 60% reduction in our wood supply, the mill simply won’t be able to continue operating, » explained Steeve St-Gelais, president of Boisaco.
A Regional Solidarity Movement
On August 26, 2024, the Boisaco Group presented its concerns to the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development in Ottawa, accompanied by Lise Boulianne, mayor of Sacré-Cœur. During the meeting, they showcased products from Boisaco’s mills and provided a list of the hundreds of workers and families directly impacted by the decree.
The workers’ concerns were also echoed during a visit by Pierre Poilievre, leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, who expressed his support for Boisaco employees in August in the face of this threat.
On September 13, 2024, over 400 people, including several ministers from the Quebec government, gathered in Sacré-Cœur for the « March of Dignity, » demonstrating solidarity with the forestry communities. This event aimed to emphasize that environmental conservation should not come at the expense of human communities.
Uncertainty Looms Over the Future of Forestry Workers
Forestry workers in the region are expressing frustration over what they perceive as a decision disconnected from local economic and social realities. They believe that Steven Guilbeault’s decree contradicts the principles of sustainable development, neglecting the need for resilience in local societies and economies.
The residents of Haute-Côte-Nord, who have already overcome difficult periods in the 1980s, are determined to protect their future. « Forty years ago, we fought to create Boisaco. Today, we remain united to ensure the future of our region, » the Boisaco Group declared during the march.
The future of forestry workers now depends on the federal government’s upcoming decisions. In the meantime, they are determined to continue their mobilization to protect their jobs and communities.