“People are outraged when they learn that the Liberals are failing to protect one of the province’s Crown Jewels – Algonquin Park,” says Schreiner. “It’s time to phase out logging in Algonquin now.”
According to the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario’s (ECO) Annual Report released recently at Queen’s Park, the ecological integrity of the park is threatened. Over 65% of Algonquin is open to logging. [The Report also mentions the use of bee-killing pesticides at Algonquin CP]
“The Liberals have a choice: stop the logging or be honest with people that Algonquin is not really a provincial park with basic environmental protections,” says Schreiner.
The Green Party is calling for a ban now in order to provide forestry companies time to economically phase out logging in the park over the next decade. The ECO suggests there is adequate lumber supply in the region to keep companies in business while protecting the integrity of the park.
“Like many parents, one of the highlights of my summer was paddling in Algonquin with my daughter. I’m not going to let the status quo politics at Queen’s Park prevent my daughter from enjoying the park with my grandkids,” says Schreiner. “Algonquin is worth fighting to protect.”
Changes Coming To Ontario Forestry Sector
QUEEN’S PARK – Ontario’s newly redesigned Forest Sector Investment and Innovation
Program will benefit the forestry sector, which is important in both Norfolk and
Haldimand Counties.
Barrett’s question about the program, during Question Period at Queen’s Park
recently, came on the heels of the recent announcement of its redesign.
“Can the minister inform this House on how this announcement will benefit the sector
and the hard-working men and women who are employed by it right across the province
of Ontario,” Barrett asked, noting the industry generates $16 billion annually and
supports 155,000 direct and indirect jobs.
“The Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program (FSIIP) will emphasize the
impact a project can have on a region and Ontario’s forest sector as a whole while
considering key outcomes such as jobs, innovation and productivity or product
enhancements,” Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry John Yakabuski answered.
“This program helps address the economic development challenges of doing business in
the province’s rural and northern regions and is part of our government’s plan for
building Ontario together.”
Through Barrett’s supplementary question, Yakabuski revealed the ministry will soon
launch a draft sector strategic plan and provided more details about FSIIP.
“FSIIP will make it easier for forestry businesses to gain access and apply for
funding,” Yakabuski said. “The new program is focused on streamlining the process
and will put greater emphasis on the impact a project will have on its given
region.”
For more information, contact MPP Toby Barrett at 519-428-0446 or Please mention The Silo when contacting.
toby.barrett@pc.ola.org
YouTube link:
https://youtu.be/lTv5GU2xAGU
ONTARIO LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
Official Hansard
Monday, December 2, 2019
Forest industry
Mr. Toby Barrett: My question is for the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry.
Last week, he was in North Bay to announce the redesigned Forest Sector Investment
and Innovation Program. Ontario’s forestry sector generates over $16 billion in
annual revenues and supports 155,000 direct and indirect jobs, primarily in rural
and northern Ontario. It’s easy to see how much passion the minister has for the
sector, and I’m confident that with his hard work, the industry will finally be back
on the right track.
Can the minister inform this House on how this announcement will benefit the sector
and the hard-working men and women who are employed by it right across the province
of Ontario?
Hon. John Yakabuski: I want to thank the great member from Haldimand-Norfolk for
that question.
Speaker, as you know, Ontario wood products are globally recognized as coming from
forests that are responsibly and sustainably managed. We have a plan to create the
right conditions to help the forest industry innovate, attract investment and create
jobs for communities all across the province.
The Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program will emphasize the impact a
project can have on a region and Ontario’s forest sector as a whole while
considering key outcomes such as jobs, innovation and productivity or product
enhancements. This program helps address the economic development challenges of
doing business in the province’s rural and northern regions and is part of our
government’s plan for building Ontario together.
I’ll have more to say in the supplementary.
The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The supplementary question?
Mr. Toby Barrett: Thank you to the minister for that answer. I’m heartened to see
that our government recognizes the benefits of having a strong forestry industry in
Ontario, and I’m glad to see how committed the minister is to creating an
environment that will help the forestry sector succeed within the province of
Ontario. By growing our forestry sector, we can help communities across the province
thrive, building a future with a better quality of life and a higher standard of
living.
Through you, Speaker: Would the minister please explain how this redesigned program
will make it easier for those who work in the forest industry to do business in
Ontario?
Hon. John Yakabuski: Thank you to the member for that question. I was pleased to
meet with the Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade last week to
make that announcement, along with its new name. FSIIP will make it easier for
forestry businesses to gain access and apply for funding. The new program is focused
on streamlining the process and will put greater emphasis on the impact a project
will have on its given region.
I’m looking forward soon to launching a draft forest sector strategy that will help
industry innovate, attract new investment, and protect and create jobs, securing a
future for the communities and families who depend on the industry.
These initiatives will offer better support for the industry, help us promote a
stronger and more dynamic forest sector, and enable us to make Ontario the most
attractive place in North America to invest, grow a business and create jobs. We’re
open for jobs. We’re open for business.