The provincial government has a new roadmap for the forestry sector.
The 10-year strategy focuses on promoting stewardship and sustainability, reducing costs and fostering innovation and new markets.
Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry John Yakabuski says it will lead to more good-paying jobs and opportunities for northern and rural communities dependant on the sector.
Yakabuski says “Our forest sector strategy is aimed at helping this critical sector reach its full potential while ensuring that Ontario forests are managed sustainable now and for future generations.”
The plan looks to seek out new markets for wood and wood products, increase forest growth and attract more Indigenous participation to industry.
A new advisory committee is being formed to develop and oversee implementation of the strategy.
Northern Development and Mines Minister and Kenora-Rainy River MPP Greg Rickford says “Today’s final strategy will bring stability and opportunity to the man people and communities across Northern Ontario who benefit from good-paying jobs in the forestry sector. Our government is making targeted investments in the forest sector, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth and prosperity for the people of Northern Ontario today and into the future.”
Today, @JYakabuskiMPP released Ontario’s Forest Sector Strategy to help the sector recover and reach its full potential, supporting the northern and rural communities that rely on it while ensuring our forests are managed sustainably. https://t.co/H40jCeMODO pic.twitter.com/FyCGUfwkJy
— Greg Rickford (@GregRickford) August 20, 2020
Jamie Lim is the President and Chief Executive Officer with the Ontario Forest Industries Association.
Lim says “On March 3rd, during the early stages of the pandemic, Ontario was the first jurisdiction in Canada to declare the forest sector as essential. We want to thank the government for recognizing the critical role Ontario’s innovative forest sector plays in our province’s recovery and we are pleased that today, the Ontario government has committed to unleashing the full potential of Ontario’s forest sector. We look forward to working with Minister Yakabuski to implement a bold and ambitious Forest Sector Strategy, aimed at making Ontario a leading international jurisdiction. Collaboration between government, rural communities and other rightsholders has facilitated productive dialogue to ensure that everyone dependent on the forest sector will benefit from this strategy. We look forward to continuing this conversation and building Ontario together.
Northwestern Ontario Municipalities Association President Wendy Lander says “On behalf of the Board of Directors for the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association and our membership, we congratulate Minister Yakabuski and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry on the creation of Sustainable Growth: Ontario’s Forest Sector Strategy. Northwestern Ontario relies on a robust forest industry to support our economy. By working with leaders from municipalities, Indigenous communities and environmental organizations, the Government of Ontario has delivered a framework poised to lead the next generation of the forestry sector to success.”
