We support the proposal…

We support the proposal posted Section 55 Regulation for Forestry. We also support the formation an expert panel which includes representatives from Northern Communities, First Nations, Forest Practitioners, and Scientists. This panel is critical to ensure that real science and the views of the people who live and work in the forest regions of Ontario are appropriately incorporated into any implementation plan for the ESA. However, we would urge the government to allow for more time than the currently proposed two year extension to deal with the very complex issues associated with the ESA. A five year extension would be a more realistic time frame for this panel to do its work effectively and work through these very complex issues associated with forestry operating under the Crown Forest Sustainability Act and protecting species under the ESA. The extension must be implemented as soon as possible after the 45 day review period in order to ensure it is in place well in advance of the July expiry of the current Section 55 Regulation. The result of an inadequate solution to the ESA will be catastrophic wood supply reductions, mill closures, economic and community impacts due to the loss of sustainable employment. A&R Greenhouses Ltd, a family owned business, has been in operation for over 32 years and is a strong supporter of local infrastructure and employment in a small rural community with limited resources and lack of any other larger corporation to help carry the local economy. As a supplier of tree seedlings this act could mean losses in revenues due to decreased demand. This decrease in the demand for seedlings would add to the fragility of our business, the ability to make any improvements and/or expansions to our company which in turn leads to job losses, inability to create new jobs and reduces our resources to support the local economy. All of these factors have an impact on our ability to continue our support of our community, our First Nations and the many workers dependent on the forest industry.

[Original Comment ID: 212980]