The forest industry has been…

The forest industry has been the backbone of the economy in Northwestern Ontario for many years. Wood and paper industry jobs contribute greatly to our standard of living. There is no doubt that the industry has had its challenges in the last few years but is now poised for significant growth. Companies that are looking to invest in Ontario must secure access to fiber supply in an affordable manner. Collectively, we can all work together to ensure that the industry be a robust sector that contributes to the province’s GDP and to the economy of the communities in northern and rural Ontario who rely on the forest industry.

While NOMA is pleased that the Government of Ontario has taken the right step and extended an exemption to the forest industry, we feel that two-years is likely too aggressive a timeframe to delve into this complex issue. As such, NOMA is requesting that at the very minimum, the Province institute a five-year exemption in an effort to thoroughly study and determine the precise approach to protecting the environment, the industry and the communities impacted the most.

Furthermore, NOMA is requesting that the Province of Ontario establish an independent panel comprised of practitioners, professional foresters, leaders of indigenous communities and municipalities, all who understand the nature of the forest industry, the importance of the Boreal forest and the species that inhabit the area. Collectively, we can work to develop a balanced approach to co-exist where we protect species at risk and their habitat while ensuring that the forest industry can succeed. For far too long, municipalities have been left out of the equation yet we have ample advice critical in finding a solution.

Given the comment period for this EBR concludes on March 5, 2018, NOMA is requesting that the Government enact a decision on or before March 30, 2018. There is so much at stake and it’s imperative that we hit the ground running and devise a policy with a balanced approach ensuring that the forest industry continues to function and maintaining protection for the environment in the sustainable manner for which it currently operates in Ontario.

[Original Comment ID: 213325]