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B.C. Conservatives Demand Action on Interior Rail Corridor The NDP needs to stop dragging their feet and move quickly to secure a new operator for the rail corridor between Squamish and 100 Mile House. Shadow Minister for Transportation Harman Bhangu, together with Bruce Banman, Shadow Minister for Tourism, Sheldon Clare, MLA for Prince George-North Cariboo, and Lorne Doerkson, MLA for Cariboo-Chilcotin, say the Interior cannot afford more delays while a critical transportation corridor sits in limbo. “The future of this rail corridor is on the line,” said MLA Bhangu. “The government’s lack of action reinforces what local governments, businesses, and rail users have been warning for years. Losing critical rail infrastructure means losing opportunities for resource development, trade, and growth.” “From Prince George to Quesnel, Williams Lake and beyond, communities rely on rail to support jobs and grow their economies,” said MLA Clare. “The loss of this rail line should be a wake up call.” In 2025, CN began the process of shutting down the 344-kilometre rail corridor between Squamish and 100 Mile House after freight service sat idle for years. If the line is lost, the Interior loses a critical transportation link to the Lower Mainland. “New business opportunities are being stifled because of the lack of urgency from the NDP government,” said MLA Doerkson. “Inaction will also have a devastating impact on tourism in the Interior.” The NDP government has made many promises regarding this corridor but have largely failed to act. Conservative MLAs say words are not enough. The government needs to deliver a clear timeline and plan. MLA Banman warned that continued delays could put tourism opportunities across the Interior at risk. “Rail tourism brings visitors from around the world to experience British Columbia,” said MLA Banman. “The uncertainty around this corridor puts future opportunities at risk for operators like Rocky Mountaineer, which has helped showcase communities like Quesnel internationally.” Conservative MLAs are calling on Victoria, Ottawa, and CN Rail to: Establish a public, expedited timeline for the Request for Proposals process; Find a qualified operator for freight and passenger service; Ensure continuity of rail operations during the transition Protect future economic development opportunities tied to resource development, manufacturing, and trade; Preserve tourism opportunities and passenger rail service throughout the corridor, including stops in communities such as Quesnel; and Work collaboratively with local governments, businesses, and industry stakeholders to secure the long-term future of the corridor.

Today is a difficult day for Prince George and for the 300 workers along with families, and contractors affected by the closure of Canfor’s Northwood Pulp Mill. For generations, forestry has put food on the table for thousands of families across northern British Columbia. The men and women who worked at Northwood helped build our communities, support local businesses, and strengthen our region. My thoughts are with every employee and family now facing uncertainty about the future. The reality is that this closure reflects a combination of challenging international market conditions and a long-term decline in the health of B.C.’s forest sector. While global factors cannot be ignored, successive provincial governments have failed to address the growing challenges facing forestry, and after nearly a decade in power, the BC NDP must accept responsibility for the condition of the industry today. Communities like Prince George need more than talking points, we need a government with a serious plan to restore competitiveness, improve access to fibre, support investment, and keep good-paying forestry jobs in British Columbia. Today, however, politics comes second. Our focus should be on the workers, families, and businesses affected by this decision. Prince George has weathered difficult times before, and we will stand together again through this challenge. Please join me in keeping the Northwood workforce and their families in your thoughts.

Stopped by Bonetti Meats this morning and ran into some future entrepreneurs. These young guys were out there selling their products, learning the value of hard work, building confidence, and earning every dollar. It’s great to see young people getting out from behind a screen, taking initiative, and giving entrepreneurship a try. If you’re in the area, be sure to stop by and show them some support!