Ontario is supporting forestry jobs and worker safety.
The government is spending $5.3 million to help small and medium sized forest sector businesses offset the cost of COVID-19 safety measures.
The funding will be used for various initiatives such as sanitizing stations, providing enhanced cleaning, additional worker training, measures to increase physical distancing, and to purchase personal protective equipment.
Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry John Yakabuski says “Our government is committed to the ongoing economic recovery and growth in the forestry industry. This funding will help businesses within this crucial sector overcome the economic challenges they face, ensuring they can continue to keep their doors open, while protecting workers and the communities where they live.”
The money comes from the federal Forest Sector Safety Measures Fund.
Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources Seamus O’Regan says “Protecting workers in our forest sector was one of the federal government’s early commitments during the pandemic. We said we would be there for Canadians through COVID-19 and we are delivering.”
Both levels of government deemed the forestry industry an essential service.
Ontario has more than 1,900 small and medium sized businesses in the forest sector, directly employing close to 35,000 people.
The industry generates over $18 billion in revenue and supports roughly 147,000 direct and indirect jobs across Ontario.
(Picture: John Yakabuski)
