A $1.2-billion lifeline from Ottawa that’s being thrown to the forest industry is welcome news to northwestern Ontario mayors and the Canadian Wood Council. …The 37-member Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA) called it a “significant and timely commitment to ensuring the long-term competitiveness of the forest sector” and comes at a crucial time when local jobs, economic growth and municipal stability is on the line. …“These measures recognize the vital role of forestry in Northwestern Ontario and across Canada,” said Marathon Mayor and NOMA president Rick Dubas in a statement, “helping our sector adapt to ongoing trade challenges, protect local jobs, and create opportunities for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.”
In related coverage:
- By Rob Shaw in Business in Vancouver: Ottawa opens wallet for forestry, while B.C. pushes for fair share and faster fixes
- CBC’s Stephen Quinn interviews David Elstone, Spartree Group: Softwood Lumber Industry reacts to federal funding announcement
- CBC’s Gregor Craigie interviews Domenico Iannidinardo, the CEO of Strategic Natural Resource Group and David Elstone, the managing director of the Spartree Group: Forest industry experts react to Prime Minister Mark Carney’s announcement on softwood lumber