The MPP for Mushkegowuk James Bay believes the province must be more proactive instead of reactive when it comes to the northern forestry industry.
New Democrat Guy Bourgouin questions whether more mills like Kap Paper could face either closure or curtailment in operations before a long-term plan is developed.
He adds one area he would like to see addressed is an extension of power and co-generation agreements beyond five years.
“Think about the co-gen in Constance Lake,” he said. They are running at 60 per cent. We have enough product in there that they could sign 10-year agreements like they do in Quebec instead of five years like in the province and give them access to the grid more.”
Bourgouin says the NDP continues to push for a forestry strategy that includes investments in modernization, better coordination across various ministries and work centered transition support and training programs.
Bourgouin notes that there are numerous one-industry towns that rely on the forestry industry for survival.
“When these close or take temporary layoff like Gogama, Ear Falls, the list goes on Nairn Centre, it hurts the communities big time,” he said. “They go from three to two to one shift so people are out of work.”
