To whom it may concern,…

To whom it may concern,

I am a resident of Northern Ontario and have been employed by the forest sector since graduating from Sault College almost 20 years ago. I have had the opportunity to work in many Northern Ontario towns whom all greatly rely on the Forest Industry. These towns and reserves all take great pride in the sustainable harvest and management of their crown forests. As a forest worker, I too, make my livelihood and am able to support my family because of the Forest Industry.

I am writing today to support an extension to Section 55 of the ESA Regulation. We need a full, multi-stakeholder panel, including industry, government, First Nations, Northern Community representatives and scientists will provide the critical oversight needed to enact a permanent workable solution to the ESA. This is not a quick process, and further support a 5 year extension to work through the complex issues associated with the forest industry operating under the CFSA and protecting species under the ESA. The extension must be implemented as soon as possible, after the 45 day review, in order to ensure it is in place well in advance of the July expiry of the current Section 55. If the extension is not implemented, there will be serious impacts to northern communities and reserves, stemming from wood supply shortages that will inevitably cause mill closures, downsizing's, and likely layoffs.

Many northern families, mine included, will be affected if there isn't an extension to Section 55 and a professional panel put in place to fully understand the socio-economic impacts of this regulation.

Thank you for you time.

[Original Comment ID: 212511]