As Ontario braces for a snap provincial election called by Premier Doug Ford, the languishing forest industry in rural and Northern Ontario remains a critical yet overlooked issue. The closure of major pulp mills in Espanola and Terrace Bay have dealt a severe blow to the region’s economy, with far-reaching consequences that demand immediate attention. …With only two pulp mills remaining operational in Ontario, the forest sector is at a critical juncture. The lack of product diversity and mutual support among mills threatens the survival of the entire industry. …While the cost of rebuilding these facilities would be substantial—estimated at over $500 million each—it also opens the door for modernization and innovation. Ontario now has a unique chance to re-imagine its forest sector, potentially introducing new, state-of-the-art pulp mills. …Such an investment would not only revitalize the forest industry but also provide a much-needed economic boost to Northern Ontario.