Organizations with a stake in the forest sector have released an election commitment report card for the three parties looking to form government.
The Ontario Forest Industries Association, the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association and the Northwestern Ontario Associated Chambers of Commerce revealed the parties responses Thursday morning. While many of the requests were only partially answered, or in some cases not addressed at all, the organizations say they're pleased forestry is still on the radar.
The organizations asked the Liberals, Progressive Conservatives and NDP for commitments on five issues. They include fibre supply, forest tenure, competitiveness, electricity rates and the endangered species act. Of the 13 requests, the Liberals partially addressed one, the NDP addressed four and the PC's addressed two.
Scott Jackson, forest policy manager for the Ontario Forest Industries Association, said the questions were meant to find out where the parties were in terms of policy. It wasn’t meant to be a partisan exercise.
"There are some fundamental policy concerns in this province. There are some Ontario-made barriers that are preventing us from achieving our potential," Jackson said.
Jackson and Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association president Ron Nelson said they’re pleased that the parties took the time to answer the questions. Even though most responses were only partially answered, the complex issues were at least addressed and can help to continue dialogue.
"Some of the questions are a little more complex than just a yes or no answer," Nelson said.
Jackson said it’s important to use the party’s responses as a starting point.
"We see this as a start of the discussion heading into the election," Jackson said.
And once a party is elected, that starting point can be used to further the conversation with the provincial government.
