The provincial government has announced a series of roundtable discussions to glean input from forestry industry stakeholders on how to grow the sector.
Dates and locations for the sessions follow:
- Nov. 15, 2018 - Sault Ste. Marie
- Jan. 22, 2019 - Kitchener
- Feb. 5, 2019 - Kenora
- Feb. 6, 2019 - Kapuskasing
- March 1, 2019 - North Bay
- March 22, 2019 - Thunder Bay
- April 16, 2019 - Pembroke
- May 3, 2019 - Timmins
People will also have an opportunity to share their insight online by emailing comments to forestrystrategy@ontario.ca.
"A provincial forestry strategy is an important first step in unleashing the potential of Ontario's forest industry," said Jeff Yurek, minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, in a Sept. 27 news release.
"We are creating the conditions that help the forestry industry to innovate, attract investment and create jobs and prosperity for the North and for all communities that depend on the sector. Working together with industry stakeholders we will send a message to the world that Ontario is open for business."
According to the province, the forestry industry in Ontario generates more than $15 billion in revenues and supports 150,000 direct and indirect jobs in 260 communities across Ontario.
"Ontario's wood and wood products are recognized around the world as coming from forests with the highest standard of forest management anywhere," Yurek said.
"Sustainable forest management helps Ontario's forests remain healthy and productive, grows our economy and provides people with jobs."
For more information visit www.ontario.ca/forestrystrategy.
