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NOACC POLICIES 2006 - EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
FORESTRY INDUSTRY
That all the recommendations of the “Minister’s Council on Forest Sector Competitiveness Report May 2005 be immediately implemented;
And that absolute priority be given to the cost and supply of energy to the industry, and the cost and availability of fibre, and further that;
The Government of Ontario work together on this issue - the Provincial Legislation must recognize the crisis that is currently facing the Forest Industry and work out solutions for the good of all Ontario.
WOOD SUPPLY
That the province’s long-term wood supply available for harvesting be defined as soon as possible. Until this is completed, ensure that there is an immediate moratorium on reducing wood supply is instituted;
To ensure that any deferrals or withdrawals beyond those that are already in established guidelines are preceded by consultation with stakeholders and are based on careful analysis of both the socio-economic and environment impacts, we recommend that there be:
No increase in harvesting fees such as stumpage;
No regulatory changes resulting in additional costs to the forestry sector;
No decrease in fibre supply due to legislative, regulatory or policy change.
FORESTRY AND SOCIO ECONOMIC IMPACTS
That all Ministries of the Provincial Government, in particular the Minister of Community and Social Services, Minister of Health and Long-term Care, Minister of Labour, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services, recognize the issues facing the forestry industry in Ontario and become part of long-term solutions.
This issue will have a devastating impact on the very fabric of our families and thereby threaten the viability of communities’ dependent of the forestry products industry. Therefore Northwestern Ontario Associated Chambers of Commerce’s position is that this issue is not just a Ministry of Natural Resources issue.
That the Provincial Legislation come together to move the swift implementation of the recommendations of the Minister’s Council on Forest Sector Competitiveness.
ENERGY
That the Province of Ontario establish a clear set of environmental standards before eliminating any energy fuel sources; and
That the Province works with Northwestern Ontario to establish a Energy Management Authority with the authority to:
a) make recommendations on generation decisions in the Northwest system;
b) negotiate power purchase agreements with industrial users as an economic development tool for the region;
c) sell power at a slightly above cost where it can be proven by the industrial user that; (i) energy costs are a significant component of their cost of production (greater than 25% ) (ii) the agreement with
the industrial user will result in the maintenance or creation of jobs, investment of capital for modernization and the sustainability of the facility;
d) Use energy pricing to attract new industrial users to the Northwest region;
And further;
That the Province of Ontario act immediately on these resolutions and recognize that Northwestern Ontario is facing a crisis.
LOTTERY LICENSING POLICY CHANGES
That the Ontario Ministry of Consumer and Corporate Affairs review and revise the policies related to Lottery Licensing as set out by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, to consider the broader interpretation of culture that respects the history and social priorities of the various regions of the Province. And grant Municipal governments the autonomy to acquire lottery licenses and disperse the proceeds of lotteries to significant community initiatives.
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