I am writing this comment to…

I am writing this comment to provide support to the proposal that was posted on the Environmental Registry to Extend the Endangered Species Act Section 55 Regulation for Forestry. In my opinion if implemented, the Act presents a serious risk of inadvertent consequences. The consequences will directly impact Northwestern Ontario (NWO) communities, the surrounding First Nations and the hard workers that tie the Forest Industry together. The implementation of this Act will mean the loss of my job, closure of mills and direct economic impact on the city of Thunder Bay. In order to make the correct decision of any implementation of the ESA, we must establish a strong panel. The panel should include Forest Practitioners, Scientists, First Nations and leaders of Northern Communities. The panel will apply real science and the views of people who live and work in the forest sector. The panel must also consider how to appropriately integrate the ESA with the Crown Forest Sustainability Act. This way we can seek a balanced legislation with goal of providing social, economic and environmental objectives. I 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 properly assess the options available. Finally, time will be of the essence in finalizing this proposal. With the deadline for the expiry of the current Section 55 Regulation fast approaching, this extension should be put into place immediately following the end of the 45 day review period. Thank you for recognising the critical issues at stake with respect to the ESA.

[Original Comment ID: 212580]