I am, and have for the past…

I am, and have for the past 35 years, been employed in the forestry industry. I currently employ 13 people. We live and work in the heart of the forest. I am writing to support the extensi. However a 2 year extension period is too short. A period of 5 years is more reasonable for a panel to do its work effectively and work through the 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, contractors out of business, stranded First Nations investments in the forestry economy, and severe socio-economic and community impacts due to the loss of sustainable employment. I am thoroughly invested in the north, and in the forest and in the sustainability of wood harvest. I operate a $4 million annually logging business, and have invested more than $1.5 million in the sector recently. I employ 13 people, all with families, homes and futures. All this is at risk if an adequate solution can't be reached. Forestry is, and has been, an integral part of the Ontario economy, especially in the north. Should the operating parameters and the allocated volumes become too constrictive, I can foresee that our local mill, Resolute Forest Products, would be forced to close it's doors resulting in massive economic devastation across northwestern Ontario. The spinoff is loss of industry income, loss of industry jobs, loss of suppliers income, loss of suppliers jobs, loss of retail store income and retail store jobs, bankrupt companies, investor losses, loss of tax revenue, and increase in EI usage. All these consequences should not be incurred lightly through hurried legislation. I am just asking that a 5 year extension be granted to Section 55, so that my and my children's and my neighbour's and their children's future is not devastated through legislation that has not had enough time to consider ALL the impacts of its implementation. Thank you

[Original Comment ID: 213191]