Thank you for allowing…

Thank you for allowing public comments.

I would suggest that to conduct public discourse, it should be shared more broadly, like why not on the CBC or Global News? I am just hearing about it the day before the comments are closed and I am connected in the environmental justice realm. So the average Ontarian has absolutely no clue about this, and they deserve to know. What are Ontario’s initiatives for that?

As a Stage 3 cancer survivor at 35 years old, who recently watched her mother die from the long-term effects of environmental poisoning, I am deeply invested in educating people about the long-term effects of possible environmental toxicity.

I am eagerly awaiting the Environmental Assessment plan for this draft since currently your document states "The draft Forest Biomass Action Plan is not environmentally significant and is considered a voluntary posting."

The draft also states that it aims to "support holistic, culturally relevant pathways for Indigenous community involvement in forest biomass value chains to support reconciliation between Indigenous communities and the Crown."

I am eager to hear about the holistic ways since my understanding of the document is that the forest, ecosystem and human communities are at risk of unregulated pollution, deforestation and green-washing for an industry to profit. That is not holistic, is it?

One of my main concerns is the effects on air quality in the surrounding areas, which would likely be First Nations and Indigenous communities in Ontario.

"Some communities living near wood pellet mills have also protested about the fumes that waft over their homes." (See first link below)

Secondly, I would insist that Total and Prior Consent be given by all First Nation, Métis and Indigenous nations upon whose land the manufacturing plants would be situated and whose forests are at risk.

My next concerns is that the pellet and biomass industry are not sufficiently regulated
“One of the most troubling trends in the wood pellet industry is that facilities that should face the most rigorous air permitting standards are actually the least controlled.” (see 2nd link below)

The action plan lists these points as to how biomass will improve environmental stewardship
“Helps to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions by reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Creates sustainable, renewable and low-carbon consumer products.”

Both of these points are highly debatable and there is a significant amount of research suggesting that biomass is not low-carbon because of the destruction of forests and the burning of wood that releases carbon into the atmosphere and removes trees which reduce carbon. That is mentioned in all of the links I have provided. And when the document refers to the by-product being used, then why in so many other areas where this industry is established, are forests being cut and burned? And how can we be sure that will not happen in Ontario? And furthermore, the "by-product', dead trees on the forest floor, play a vital role in ecosystems and in the carbon cycle, and that should not be disrupted.

Next, my concern is that biomass actually creates more pollution and that it has long-term effects on our forests.
“The pellets create more pollution at the smokestack than coal, and trees can’t regrow in time to recapture all the emissions biomass energy is spewing.” (See 3rd link below)

There are also many accounts of accidents and fires at the biomass plants in other areas of the world; “pellet mills and storage facilities have experienced a rash of fires and explosions, injuring workers and releasing large amounts of uncontrolled air pollution. Because wood pellets are stored in massive and concentrated piles, these fires can burn for days or weeks.” (see 2nd link below) How will that be addressed? How will the other families be consoled? Did I mention that my 38 year old cousin was killed on an industrial site in BC, leaving his wife, two children and mother devastated? A loss that no amount of money can mitigate.

Finally, the very first sentence in the summary says that one of the aims is “to create opportunity and prosperity for thousands of Ontario families.” If that is actually true, then would it not be absolutely necessary to inform Ontario families of the possible opportunities and see if they are interested, as well as inform them of the possible long term risks i.e. air pollution, unregulated industry, deforestation, violation of Indigenous rights as part of the action plan?

Can we hear from men and women and children who have been affected by industry in Ontario? Sure the money is great, but what's the point if you are sick from the job? (Asked the cancer survivor.)

How will the Government of Ontario inform families and seek their feedback in this project which would clearly affect the future of our entire province. A comment form that only reaches a fraction of the population is simple not enough.

Thank you for reading this comment, I appreciate that this form is available, as in many other countries it is likely not even an option.