Neil Young, wife actress Daryl Hannah surprise crowd at Victoria old-growth rally

“That’s something I hope our Canadian government and business section will recognize that this has to do with Canada,” he said. “It has to do with the ages, if we are lucky enough to have ages. These trees have lasted so long they deserve Canada’s respect.”

Earlier this month, the B.C. government introduced new approaches to manage timber resources to protect more old-growth trees from logging.

Premier David Eby said more areas are now being deferred from logging than ever on record.

The old-growth deferral is a government program in B.C. where old-growth areas slated for logging are now deferred until a later date or not logged at all.

The logging deferral of old-growth forests is now at 2.1 million hectares, up from last spring’s report of 1.7 million hectares, Eby said.

Young was introduced by his wife, actress Daryl Hannah, who said the cold weather was giving her a bit of brain freeze.

“Despite the complexities, the necessary and simple answer is do no harm,” she said. “No further destruction. Love, support and respect your elders.”

“Please lend your support to another type of elder, your fellow Canadian from a small town in Ontario.”

Many of the people in the crowd dressed up as parts of the forest, including trees, bears, owls and frogs.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 25, 2023.

Dirk Meissner, The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

Neil Young, wife actress Daryl Hannah surprise crowd at Victoria old-growth rally

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