Our small community nestled…

Our small community nestled in the deep boreal forest of Northern Ontario has been thriving on the forestry sector for decades. Not only saw mills but all attached services. Friends and Kin are numerous providing for their families with forest industry related jobs. Many cut backs have been felt in the past years, pushing communities members to leave their trades and their homes towards southern most towns. When it comes to legislation changes brought forth by the government, our town folk take it very seriously, and so do I. I firmly believe that a 2 year extension is not sufficient to provide certainty to the sector and would ask the government to provide a 5 year extension to better review the matter. Legislation changes require much time to study the socio-economic and environmental impacts of such importance too often have rushed decisions have produced bad results in our communities. It is also my belief that an independent committee should be established and should be composed of members with experience in both sector and legislation such as First Nations and Municipal leaders who better understand the concerns of the people of our community thus better representing our interest. I note again such a decision cannot be rushed as it is a key component in the survival of our Northern communities. Please provide a 5 year extension.

[Original Comment ID: 213178]