Ontario to Launch Provincial Forest Sector Strategy in Spring of 2020

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The Ontario government has released a proposed strategy for the province’s forestry sector. It has been seeking input from various parties. The final strategy is expected to be released in the spring of 2020.

John Yakabuski, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry noted that the strategy aims to create more jobs in the sector, drive economic growth and cut unnecessary costs for businesses. It also focuses on ensuring sustainable management of forests. The draft is the result of over a year of hard work by the government, he said. Conversations with indigenous groups, communities and other stakeholders will continue, he added.

The closing date for consultation on the draft Forest Sector Strategy through the Environmental Registry is set as 5^th February, 2020. Additional comments received will be considered as the government finalizes consultations with indigenous partners and municipalities. It must be noted that the ministry has had seven roundtables across the province, since the first implementation of the plan in September last year. In addition, public were also provided options to submit their feedback through surveys and email submissions.

The development of the strategy is part of the government’s ‘Build Ontario Together’ plan and is expected to help the province’s forest sector to reach its full potential. Sadly, Ontario’s timber harvest levels have almost halved when compared with 2000 levels.

Incidentally, estimates suggest that the provincial forestry sector generates nearly $16 billion in revenue, by supporting approximately 155,000 jobs across the province.