Future of Species at Risk Policy a Question of Credibility – ONW

Ontario Forestry Coalition Says Fact-Based Arguments Should Trump Emotional Rhetoric

KAPUSKASING, ON – A coalition of municipal leaders, chambers of commerce, unions, and the forest sector are raising alarm bells that draft provincial species at risk policy will jeopardize jobs in northern and rural Ontario.

The Ontario Forestry Coalition had repeatedly requested that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) consult with municipalities, Indigenous communities, and industry leaders to address the impact that the proposed species at risk policy would have on the forest sector.

“Although NOMA initially graded the government as completely off track with regard to the Endangered Species Act, we sincerely appreciated Minister McGarry’s announcement that the posting of finalized species at risk policy would be suspended. We are now growing more and more concerned that even with the suspension of the policy, plans are in the works that will negatively impact the forest industry and those who rely on a robust sector to provide for their families,” said Wendy Landry, NOMA President and Mayor of Shuniah.