Long-term stability in…

Long-term stability in tenure and policy is critical to the long-term sustainability of local forest-dependent communities. Sustainable silviculture and forest management practices will ensure that the forests are in good health for the generations to come. It is those residents who live in Ontario's forests that have the greatest long-term interest in the overall well-being of the forest and all the species it supports. By extension there is no greater stewards for our forests than those who earn their living from them everyday.

The 2-year extension presently being proposed by government does not provide certainty to the sector. At minimum government must provide a 5-year extension as this is complex policy work that cannot be pushed through because it has real consequences for real people. A 5-year extension is necessary and will provide adequate time to ensure a better understanding of the impacts of climate change on habitat, the cumulative impacts of all the ESA policy on the sector/communities and ensure socio-economic impact analysis is conducted for every single ESA policy/all policies impacting the forest sector in Ontario. This is responsible policy development and decision making.

For the government to truly develop a non-partisan policy that is rooted in fact, Support the establishment of an independent Panel should be formed to provide strategic advice and oversight. The Panel should be holistic and represented by those who have the greatest stakes in Ontario's forests– First Nation, Municipalities, the forest industry sector, and practitioners. Policy needs to be developed by the people who are most impacted, and informed by the most credible, fact based arguments. This includes mechanisms to include community and traditional ecological knowledge from our Indigenous communities. Under Section 35 of the Constitution, the Crown has a duty to consult and accommodate. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry must fulfill a duty to consult with First Nations, relative to any developments that take place within their territory.

While the public comment period for the posting ends on March 5th, the government must make a final decision on this before March 30th. Communities and people's livelihoods are at stake. This is far too important to let sit on a shelf.

[Original Comment ID: 212528]