MPP John Yakabuski, pictured above at Santa Claus Parade in Barry’s Bay (photo Sharon Gardiner), has sent this December message to Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke residents:
I’m always excited when I have the opportunity to talk about forestry, one of the bedrock industries in the province of Ontario and certainly one that played a huge role in making the Ottawa Valley what it is today.
We all know the history of the lumber barons and the communities that were built on the tremendous natural resource that was found in the areas that we call home. Some would say those were the glory days of forestry, when it seemed like there was a never-ending supply of timber of the highest quality, that no matter what we did we could never exhaust it.
However, we all know that resources are exhaustible. Fortunately, in the case of forests, they’re also one of the most renewable, and the forest management practices of today ensure that we will have a sustainable supply for generations to come.
We also know that over the past 15 years, the forest industry has struggled and one of the reasons is that it was handcuffed by restrictive government policy that seemed bent on curtailing the harvests even at the expense of the jobs that so many families depend on.
I don’t have to tell you that a well-managed forest is a healthy forest, and harvest conducted in a sustainable way is a major component of forest management. Well-managed forests are not only healthier, they are less susceptible to fires, because the wood is harvested before it reaches a point where it is certain to become fuel for a fire.
With this in mind, I proceeded to embark on the development of a new forest sector strategy for Ontario and began that by holding seven roundtables across the province to gather input from stakeholders, municipalities, and Indigenous communities, as to where we needed to go to ensure that the industry could achieve more of its potential. Just a few weeks ago, we released a new draft forest sector strategy and it stands on four main pillars, namely stewardship and sustainability, putting more wood to work, improving cost competitiveness, and fostering innovation, markets and talent.
Analysts have indicated that the demand for wood products is expected to grow by 30 per cent by 2030 and we have to make sure that we are in a position here in Ontario to get our fair share of that market. I believe this draft forest sector strategy, which is now posted to the Environmental Registry and open to public comment, will serve as a blueprint to help us get there. Coming from the Ottawa Valley myself, I know how much of a difference our plan would make to the businesses and families in Renfrew County who depend on a thriving forest sector. You can submit your comments on the Environmental Registry until February 5, 2020.
On another subject entirely, I was extremely pleased that our government recently announced new health care funding for hospitals here in Renfrew County. This is funding that is in addition to their original allocations. As part of our commitment to support small- and medium-sized hospitals and correct longstanding funding inequities, hospitals in Renfrew County received a total of $2,184,000 as top ups to their budgets. We all know how important health care is and supporting our local hospitals is a fundamental priority for me.
Lastly, at this very special time of year, I do want to take the opportunity to do what so many others do and reflect upon the year that was, to join with family and friends, and do as we always do – celebrate the birth of our Saviour. On behalf of Vicky, our children and grandchildren, please accept our best wishes for the merriest of Christmases and health and happiness in 2020.
Cooper,C. (2019,Dec.13) December Column John Yakabuski [media release]
