John Horgan and the NDP must act quickly to save the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) before its possible closure delivers another blow to farmers and ranchers across the province.
That’s what Delta South Liberal MLA Ian Paton, the Opposition Agriculture Critic, said following his participation in a PNE worker rally in Vancouver on Wednesday to save the 111-year old exhibition.
Noting the fair has longstanding ties to B.C.’s agricultural history and has suffered huge financial losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Paton said the PNE is likely to lose nearly $15 million due to closures over the past year and is in desperate need of $8 million in aid to avoid permanent closure.
“Historically the PNE has been a place for farmers and ranchers to show, buy and sell livestock to support their operations. My own family has a long history with the exhibition, beginning in the 1930s and continuing to this day,” said Paton.
“Nowadays the focus has been on the next generation of farmers — the kids involved in 4-H Clubs — who are proud to show off the animals they have diligently raised and cared for. I also worry about the summer jobs at stake for the young people working in the barns and interacting with visitors. If the PNE isn’t saved and it closes for good, this would be a huge loss for B.C.’s agricultural community.”
Paton also noted farmers and ranchers around the province are already dealing with enough challenges.
“From the pandemic which paused agri-tourism operations, to the heat dome which scorched berry crops, to the wildfires that are currently damaging lands and threatening livestock — B.C.’s agricultural community has had a lot to contend with this year. Shutting down the PNE would just be one more setback,” he added.
The union representing the PNE's over 4,000 workers has also called on the province to help the annual fair.
CUPE 1004 is running radio and digital ads to raise awareness of the PNE’s financial plight.
The union notes that the PNE pumps $200 million into B.C.’s economy, supports countless local businesses and creates thousands of high-skilled jobs and youth employment.
The PNE is also a major local employer, providing many Lower Mainland residents their first job.
The PNE is scheduled to open Aug. 21 and is to run until Sept. 6, but at reduced capacity.
