The Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada (CEP) is hailing a new report by Greenpeace as a means of stimulating Northern Ontario's forestry industry, creating new green jobs, and preserving the ecological value of the Boreal Forest.
The document, entitled Building a Green Economy, includes such recommendations as providing green tax credits and conservation funding, and adopting ecosystem-based management and Forest Stewardship Council certification. It also suggests allocating more Crown forests for community-based initiatives and value-added processing, and supporting non-timber forest products and services such as wild food and ecotourism.
"Forest workers have taken a major hit over the last few years," said Kim Ginter, CEP's Ontario Region vice-president, in a release.
"Provincial and federal governments need to take immediate concrete steps to stimulate the forestry sector so northwestern families can continue working in their communities. Building a Green Economy shows both governments how to take these steps."
These recommendations can also help return the forestry industry to prosperity while branching out into green markets, said Catharine Grant, Greenpeace forest campaigner.
"With Premier McGuinty and (Northern Development, Mines and Forestry Minister Michael) Gravelle's support, forestry workers in Northern communities can stay on the job without compromising the natural environment," said Grant. "While the forest must be treated with greater care, there are also significant green economic opportunities for forest-based communities."
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