The Ontario Forestry Coalition says drafted policy protecting threatened species is going to cost Northern Ontario jobs.
The Endangered Species Act currently gives leeway to the forestry industry. However, this could change with drafted legislation.
The forestry exemption from the Endangered Species Act expires next year. First Nations, northern municipalities and interest groups have all expressed concern about the way this change will affect jobs in the forestry industry.
Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry Kathryn McGarry postponed the tabling of new legislation. She cited the MNRF’s need for a better understanding of the socio-economic impacts the new policy would have as one reason for the delay. However, for these groups a delay is not enough.
OFC and First Nations are requesting to have a bigger say on the proposed new policy
57,000 people in Northern Ontario are employed in the forestry sector.
The OFC is made up of several municipal associations, chambers of commerce and unions.