Discover the Santa-Serena: Ratings & Maritime News

This week, Port Alberni witnessed a significant protest as approximately 50 members of Steelworkers Local 185 gathered to express their opposition to the export of raw logs. The group voiced their concerns as the Panamanian vessel, Santa Serena, was docked at the Port Alberni Port Authority’s facilities on Harbour Road for loading raw logs destined for China. Dave Steinhauer, the president of Steelworkers Local 185, emphasized the importance of keeping the timber industry within British Columbia, stating, "Canadian logs should equal Canadian jobs." He argued that the logs, whether sourced from Crown land, private property, or B.C. timber sales, should be processed locally rather than exported. The protest coincided with job steward training being conducted at the Steelworkers Hall, providing an opportunity for members to collectively voice their opposition to log exports at the public dock. Steinhauer reiterated the sentiment of many in the community that the benefits of B.C.'s timber resources should be realized locally, fostering jobs and economic growth within the region.