The Ontario Forest Industries Association (OFIA) says Michael Gravelle's new pumped-up Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry offers an “empty toolbox” to the province's forestry players.
After Premier Dalton McGuinty announced June 24 he was transferring the business side of forestry from the Ministry of Natural Resources over to Gravelle's ministry, OFIA president Jamie Lim now says the new ministry does not offer the “the one-stop shop” approach that the forestry sector needs.
“The new organization split does not reflect any of our advice,” said Lim in a Sept. 9 statement. “This piece-meal approach does not provide the long-term benefits desired or the certainty needed to make positive business decisions in the short to long-term.”
Last week, MNDMF announced the ministry will be responsible for the business and economic aspects of forestry, including industrial strategy, forest sector competitiveness programs, softwood lumber and wood allocation, pricing and licensing.
The Ministry of Natural Resources will be in charge of forest management planning, forest health and science, and provision of habitat, including the requirements under the Endangered Species Act.
OFIA forestry policy manager Scott Jackson said MNDMF can't make the forest sector more competitive if it doesn't control primary legislation that governs the industry. Jackson said the government's Sept. 3 statement suggesting the MNR could now focus on ensuring forests remain healthy and sustainable an “insult” to those working in government, industry and professional forestry.
Lim added her members were optimistic about the transfer of forestry to MNDMF and believed a “new and real competitive environment could be achieved,” but last week's announcement has left OFIA concerned “this could be a step in the wrong direction.”
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