I am in support of this…

I am in support of this proposal.

Through the development and implementation of a Forest Sector Strategy, Ontario has committed to positioning itself as a leading forestry jurisdiction within Canada. A healthy and sustainable forest industry will strengthen northern and rural communities across Ontario. Increasing available wood supply, making strategic investments in the forest access roads funding program, and ensuring free and open access to American markets is critically important, and these items continue to be on top of mind to me, our employers, and my community members.

A pre-requisite for a successful Forest Sector Strategy is a permanent solution to the duplication between the Crown Forest Sustainability Act (CFSA) and the Endangered Species Act (ESA). I am pleased to see that MNRF is actively addressing this item, and I am very supportive of ERO# 019-1020, Proposed Changes to the Crown Forest Sustainability Act.

Ontario and the MNRF embarked on similar strategies, red tape reduction initiatives, and process streamlining in the past. Some excellent documents and recommendations were developed as a result; however, not enough focus was placed on the implementation or roll-out of these strategies. As a result, systematic and cultural change within the Ministry was never achieved. On page 32 of the draft strategy, MNRF identifies the development of an implementation plan. This is an essential path forward, ensuring our best chance of success, and something I support.

The forest sector is an important part of Ontario’s history and critical to the future of my career and community.