It is critical that the…

It is critical that the management of the Ontario forestry industry remain under the Crown Sustainability Act as it is a proven and effective framework to balance the Environmental, Social and Economic objectives of forest management activities. As a forest management planner, I am committed to the achievement of this balance. Managing forests under the Endangered Species Act loses this balance as it only considers the environmental perspective pertaining to species at risk and their habitat. Ontario's wood supply would be critically reduced, triggering job loss with devastating effect on the economic and social dynamics of Northern Ontario cities, towns and Indigenous communities. The forest industry is important not just to Northern Ontario but is a vital part of the entire province's economy. Within my own household, potentially two jobs would be lost.

I appeal to the Ontario government to keep a balanced perspective between their own initiatives to promote forest industry development (check Ontario.ca website) and the constant and often overstated pressures of environmental groups in Ontario. I support a permanent ESA Section 55 regulatory exemption for the forest sector and the continued management for at-risk species through the CFSA, in balance with other social, economic and environmental objectives. Management under the CFSA ensures that species prescriptions are developed with input from forest practitioners, affected stakeholders and rights holders, to ensure they are effective.