Greens call for ban on logging in Algonquin Provincial Park- over 65% open to logging

Queen's Park - Green Party of Ontario leader Mike Schreiner is calling for a ban on logging in Algonquin Park. image courtesy of Bing
Queen’s Park – Green Party of Ontario leader Mike Schreiner is calling for a ban on logging in Algonquin Park. image courtesy of Bing
“People are outraged when they learn that the Liberals are failing to protect one of the province’s Crown Jewels – Algonquin Park,” says Schreiner. “It’s time to phase out logging in Algonquin now.”
According to the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario’s (ECO) Annual Report released recently at Queen’s Park, the ecological integrity of the park is threatened. Over 65% of Algonquin is open to logging. [The Report also mentions the use of bee-killing pesticides at Algonquin CP]
“The Liberals have a choice: stop the logging or be honest with people that Algonquin is not really a provincial park with basic environmental protections,” says Schreiner.
 Ontario Environmental Commissioner Report
The Green Party is calling for a ban now in order to provide forestry companies time to economically phase out logging in the park over the next decade. The ECO suggests there is adequate lumber supply in the region to keep companies in business while protecting the integrity of the park.
“Like many parents, one of the highlights of my summer was paddling in Algonquin with my daughter. I’m not going to let the status quo politics at Queen’s Park prevent my daughter from enjoying the park with my grandkids,” says Schreiner. “Algonquin is worth fighting to protect.”
The government recently reduced the area of the park open to logging, but almost two-thirds of Algonquin is still potentially open to timber harvesting.
The government recently reduced the area of the park open to logging, but almost two-thirds of Algonquin is still potentially open to timber harvesting.
Historical logging and planking of Algonquin timber in the "Age of Wood"- harvested log planks being shipped to distant ports
Historical logging and planking of Algonquin timber in the “Age of Wood”- harvested log planks being shipped to distant ports

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One response to “Greens call for ban on logging in Algonquin Provincial Park- over 65% open to logging”

  1. The Silo Avatar
    The Silo

    Changes Coming To Ontario Forestry Sector

    QUEEN’S PARK – Ontario’s newly redesigned Forest Sector Investment and Innovation
    Program will benefit the forestry sector, which is important in both Norfolk and
    Haldimand Counties.

    Barrett’s question about the program, during Question Period at Queen’s Park
    recently, came on the heels of the recent announcement of its redesign.
    “Can the minister inform this House on how this announcement will benefit the sector
    and the hard-working men and women who are employed by it right across the province
    of Ontario,” Barrett asked, noting the industry generates $16 billion annually and
    supports 155,000 direct and indirect jobs.

    “The Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program (FSIIP) will emphasize the
    impact a project can have on a region and Ontario’s forest sector as a whole while
    considering key outcomes such as jobs, innovation and productivity or product
    enhancements,” Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry John Yakabuski answered.
    “This program helps address the economic development challenges of doing business in
    the province’s rural and northern regions and is part of our government’s plan for
    building Ontario together.”

    Through Barrett’s supplementary question, Yakabuski revealed the ministry will soon
    launch a draft sector strategic plan and provided more details about FSIIP.
    “FSIIP will make it easier for forestry businesses to gain access and apply for
    funding,” Yakabuski said. “The new program is focused on streamlining the process
    and will put greater emphasis on the impact a project will have on its given
    region.”

    For more information, contact MPP Toby Barrett at 519-428-0446 or
    toby.barrett@pc.ola.org Please mention The Silo when contacting.

    YouTube link:
    https://youtu.be/lTv5GU2xAGU

    ONTARIO LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
    Official Hansard
    Monday, December 2, 2019
    Forest industry

    Mr. Toby Barrett: My question is for the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry.
    Last week, he was in North Bay to announce the redesigned Forest Sector Investment
    and Innovation Program. Ontario’s forestry sector generates over $16 billion in
    annual revenues and supports 155,000 direct and indirect jobs, primarily in rural
    and northern Ontario. It’s easy to see how much passion the minister has for the
    sector, and I’m confident that with his hard work, the industry will finally be back
    on the right track.

    Can the minister inform this House on how this announcement will benefit the sector
    and the hard-working men and women who are employed by it right across the province
    of Ontario?

    Hon. John Yakabuski: I want to thank the great member from Haldimand-Norfolk for
    that question.

    Speaker, as you know, Ontario wood products are globally recognized as coming from
    forests that are responsibly and sustainably managed. We have a plan to create the
    right conditions to help the forest industry innovate, attract investment and create
    jobs for communities all across the province.

    The Forest Sector Investment and Innovation Program will emphasize the impact a
    project can have on a region and Ontario’s forest sector as a whole while
    considering key outcomes such as jobs, innovation and productivity or product
    enhancements. This program helps address the economic development challenges of
    doing business in the province’s rural and northern regions and is part of our
    government’s plan for building Ontario together.
    I’ll have more to say in the supplementary.

    The Speaker (Hon. Ted Arnott): The supplementary question?

    Mr. Toby Barrett: Thank you to the minister for that answer. I’m heartened to see
    that our government recognizes the benefits of having a strong forestry industry in
    Ontario, and I’m glad to see how committed the minister is to creating an
    environment that will help the forestry sector succeed within the province of
    Ontario. By growing our forestry sector, we can help communities across the province
    thrive, building a future with a better quality of life and a higher standard of
    living.

    Through you, Speaker: Would the minister please explain how this redesigned program
    will make it easier for those who work in the forest industry to do business in
    Ontario?

    Hon. John Yakabuski: Thank you to the member for that question. I was pleased to
    meet with the Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade last week to
    make that announcement, along with its new name. FSIIP will make it easier for
    forestry businesses to gain access and apply for funding. The new program is focused
    on streamlining the process and will put greater emphasis on the impact a project
    will have on its given region.

    I’m looking forward soon to launching a draft forest sector strategy that will help
    industry innovate, attract new investment, and protect and create jobs, securing a
    future for the communities and families who depend on the industry.
    These initiatives will offer better support for the industry, help us promote a
    stronger and more dynamic forest sector, and enable us to make Ontario the most
    attractive place in North America to invest, grow a business and create jobs. We’re
    open for jobs. We’re open for business.

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