Environmental Activists Rally to Save Old Growth Forests from BCI Corporation

Forty activists of the Save Our Forests Team held a demonstration in front of the British Columbia Insurance Management Corporation (BCI) building in Victoria, demanding divestment from logging companies clearing old growth forests on the island.

While the Team usually operates in the Comox Valley, today it joined forces with Elders For Ancient Trees, a group notable for its flash mobs in shopping malls and food courts.

BCI is the main public sector pension fund manager in this province, and is the largest shareholder in both Timber West Forest Corporation and Island Timberlands, two names associated with the logging of old growth forests on remote areas of Vancouver Island. The protesters object to their retirement being tied to devastating environmental practices. They also ask of the government that it revert to regulating the rate of harvest, the size of clearcuts, and the impact on biodiversity.

BC Green Party leader Sonia Furstenau made a surprise appearance at the rally, and spoke of giving the cause her full support. The group reciprocated by acknowledging the Greens have been so far the only ones to listen.

Public reception was very positive. We got lots of honking in support throughout the speeches, and quite a few bystanders dropped by to listen. The demonstrators then walked around the block to spread their message, singing slogans that were also well received. Elders For Ancient Trees always does things in style, from the bold signs down to the logging hats they wear, and draw a lot of attention.

The group also intended to deliver a letter to BCI. It first attempted the front door, which was predictably locked in advance. A security guard came to meet the protesters, and acknowledged reception of the letter with a handshake. Whether BCI’s management will read it is a matter best left for speculation.