At the core of any such…

At the core of any such strategy must be a commitment to protect biodiversity. Unfortunately, the proposed Ontario Forest Sector Strategy does not implement limits on habitat loss to protect and recover species at risk.

Throughout the province, Ontarians, including me, have been coming out in droves to demand climate action and real and sustainable change from business-as-usual industrial practices. That means creating a future in which we leave sufficient tracts of forest undisturbed by industrial activities to ensure that animals have the homes they need to survive.

The fact that the industry thinks there is enough forest to double the amount that it logs surely means that there is ample room to protect the forest homes needed by caribou and other at-risk species. It's time for Ontario to demonstrate its commitment to a sustainable future for all, which starts with a responsible forest sector strategy that includes limits to expansion to ensure wildlife survival.

The other important reason to protect our forests is that they sequester carbon emissions and protect against floods. The effects of climate change, such as forest fires and disease are rapidly diminishing our forests and we need to protect them in order to ensure our very own survival.