In a region devastated by fires and sawmill closures, some people wonder why Campbell wasn't talking about rebuilding communities and helping those in need.

The premier spent the day visiting the McClure fire hall, and then holding invitation-only meetings in Barriere and Clearwater.

Rob Ruttan who heads Barriere's reconstruction committee wasn't invited, and he says it's hard not to feel slighted.

"We feel a little bit puzzled to say the least as to why we weren't invited seeing as we have been so involved in the community for the last six months since the fire," he says.

First Nations support worker Jean Bonner who attended the Clearwater meeting says Olympic talk rings hollow in an area hit hard by fires and layoffs.

"The people in these areas have far more pressing issues than the Olympics six years down the road, when they are not able to find work and not able to feed their families," she says