"Forestry has been carved off to renew itself.” said Minister Michael Gravelle, MPP Thunder Bay, referring to the recent transfer of Forest Management from the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) to the new Ministry of Northern Development Mines and Forestry (MNDMF).

This resource-based super Ministry has been facilitated to maximize forestry opportunities in Ontario.  This is resting on the reputation of the former MNDM, a ministry that has been very successful and with ministry staff known to battle other departments for the best interest of the mining industry.   Details have not been announced, including which files and responsibilities will move over to MNDMF and what roll MNR will play if any.

The political belief is that MNDMF, as with mining, must have the authority over forestry’s guiding legislation, in this case the Crown Forest Sustainability Act (CFSA), forest management planning, industry relations, forest operations and related approvals processes.

Of concern for Friends of Temagami are the implications and potential to lessen the voice of concern for natural heritage and cultural values found within the forests of Temagami.  Will public input still be considered valuable and relevant is the big question for Temagami recreationists and environmentalists.  Will the newly appointed steward of the forests administer the forests of Temagami in a responsible and environmentally sustainable fashion that is fair for all the area stakeholders’ interests?

Though everyone is still awaiting more details, those across Northwestern Ontario with a direct stake in forestry are reacting favorably to having forestry under the direction of a local government minister who knows the industry. This is of course understandable as northern communities have been hit hard by the economic downslide.

The Ontario forest industry has spent decades ensuring the highest sustainable forestry standards in the world. The new economic development focus in the government is expected to promote and market that side of the forest industry now with a clear mandate to promote economic development and improve our competitiveness.  All this is consistent with Premier McGuinty’s promise to make the economy a priority and to make Ontario ‘Open for Business’.