For over 16 years I have…

For over 16 years I have worked in silviculture, forest management planning support, and forest certification programs. One part of my current job is to monitor the SAR listings and updates and then to help operations keep informed on and implement SAR protection requirements provided through the approved Forest Management Plans and associated policy framework.

I fully support the proposed amendment to O.Reg. 242/08, per Section 55 of the ESA, to extend the exemption for forest management on Crown land. I do this as one who takes pride in working hard to provide protections to all species, not just SAR, under the Crown Forest Sustainability Act and the resulting FMP’s. Implementing the FMP’s founded on the legislated manuals and MNRF guides - that include provisions for all species, and those at risk - is the work I participate in. We are not exempt from protecting SAR, we are bound by the ESA exemption to implement protection for all species, including SAR, through another act- the CFSA. The CFSA also provides for meeting multiple, social, economic and environmental objectives providing for long-term forest health and the ability to enjoy the benefits of and from the forest.

To not extend the current ESA exemption would mean the loss of my job. Where else in the NW Ontario will I get a really good paying job? My entire household income is direct forestry industry employment. Also, the entire economy, and way of life, for a region could come to a halt July 1st with no extended exemption. Harvesting companies, hauling companies, silviculture companies, and the forest products companies, all employ many people and carry a huge amount of equipment and infrastructure that costs money to maintain. Ensuring employment security and continued operation of businesses should be the first priority to support extension. Some want protection of species to be the first determining point of this exemption, but protection for SAR is already provided under the CFSA thought the implementation of FMPs and is not at risk. Business and employment however is seriously at risk.

I support the exemption, yet two years seems short sighted for such a complex issue and given the realistic timeframes required to implement policy change over the vast landscape of Ontario’s Crown Forests. Five years as the exemption period will enable effective achievement of the goals of the expert panel to ensure two key acts would be aligned well – the ESA and CFSA- and more importantly be able to implement change well. I support the establishment of the panel with multiple stakeholders, First Nations, forest communities, forest industry; and that also includes forest workers.

Also, the timing of this EBR posting is quiet tight to the current ESA exemption expiry date. I support immediate exemption extension notice once the 45 day comment period is closed.

[Original Comment ID: 212804]