Premier Doug Ford spoke at the 77th OFIA meeting this week along with the Honourable John Yakabuski, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry. Both also attended the Ontario Forest Industries Association (OFIA) Board of Directors meeting in Toronto for a roundtable discussion on creating responsible growth, prosperity and business certainty for Ontario’s forest sector through the Government’s Provincial Forestry Strategy.

“I strongly believe that the forest industry is the best steward of our environment. This sector is comprised of the front-line people that live, work and play in our forests and our government wants to create an environment for the sector, and the communities that depend on it, to prosper and thrive. Today, we have the opportunity to make a change for the better, to unleash the full potential of Ontario’s forest sector and give our future generations something to be proud of. That is why our government is committed to developing a Provincial Forestry Strategy that will help make Ontario’s forest sector open for business,” said Doug Ford to a packed room of delegates.
“Last week we held the last Forestry Strategy roundtable session in Hearst. Through these roundtables, we have heard from industry, stakeholders and rights holders about how we can develop a strategy that encourages economic growth, reduces forestry sector red tape and guarantees continued first-class stewardship of Ontario’s renewable resource. Over the next several months, we will continue to work together to create a new strategy with a goal to increase harvestable wood supply. We are committed to creating the conditions for the industry to innovate, attract investment, and create jobs and prosperity for the North and for all communities that depend on this sector,” added John Yakabuski.

“We would like to thank the Premier and Minister Yakabuski for joining us today to discuss the future of Ontario’s forest sector. OFIA’s member companies are committed to sustainable forest management and this is evident when you look at member companies such as Shaw Lumber and McRae Mills – these are fifth and sixth generation families that have been managing the land for over 170 years,” said Erik Holmstrom, OFIA’s Chair. “As sector leaders, we understand the responsible use of a renewable natural resource. Operating under a world-class Crown Forest Sustainability Act (CFSA), we manage Crown forests to meet social, economic and environmental needs of present and future generations. Regeneration is the pillar of our forest sector and it’s something that OFIA’s members take very seriously. Our sector plants 72 million seedlings on Provincial land annually and we look forward to increasing the sustainable use of our Crown forests through a Provincial Forestry Strategy.”