Features Environment & Sustainability Forestry
Ontario calls on public for help with forestry strategy

September 27, 2018 – Over the next seven months, the Ontario government will hold roundtables and gather online feedback to help develop a strategy for promoting economic growth within the forestry sector.

“A provincial forestry strategy is an important first step in unleashing the potential of Ontario’s forest industry,” says Jeff Yurek, minister of natural resources and forestry. “We are creating the conditions that help the forestry industry to innovate, attract investment and create jobs and prosperity for the North and for all communities that depend on the sector. Working together with industry stakeholders, we will send a message to the world that Ontario is open for business.”

The first roundtable session will be November 15 in Sault Ste. Marie, followed by additional sessions in 2019 across the province.

The proposed dates and locations are as follows (subject to change): 
November 15, 2018 – Sault Ste. Marie
January 22, 2019 – Kitchener
February 5, 2019 – Kenora
February 6, 2019 – Kapuskasing
March 1, 2019 – North Bay
March 22, 2019 – Thunder Bay
April 16, 2019 – Pembroke
May 3, 2019 – Timmins

Ontario’s forest industry is an important driver of the province’s economy, generating more than $15 billion in revenues and supporting 150,000 direct and indirect jobs in 260 communities across the province.

“Ontario’s wood and wood products are recognized around the world as coming from forests with the highest standard of forest management anywhere,” says Yurek. “Sustainable forest management helps Ontario’s forests remain healthy and productive, grows our economy and provides people with jobs.”

The government is asking Ontarians to email additional ideas on job creation and forest development to forestrystrategy@ontario.ca.