SooToday.com | Tuesday, October 18, 2005
ONTARIO MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES
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Statement by Minister of Natural Resources David Ramsay
TORONTO — Ontario’s Minister of Natural Resources, David Ramsay, issued the following statement:
With the Government of Canada's announcement of support for the Province of Quebec's forest industry through an investment of $50 million, all Ontarians now eagerly await the Government of Canada's support for Ontario's industry.
The Prime Minister made a commitment to the people of Ontario that the federal government would support this province's industry through a national strategy.
Minister Ralph Goodale two weeks ago echoed the Prime Minister's commitment to a national strategy.
A truly national strategy must treat all provinces equally, taking into account the special challenges and opportunities that exist, helping to overcome the former and embrace the latter.
The forest industry employs 88,000 Ontarians directly and is second only to automobiles in exports from the province.
It generates $18.7 billion in product shipments annually, including $8.5 billion in exports and $1.5 billion in federal taxes.
Last month I announced Phase 2 of Ontario’s $680 million package of new investment for our industry at a time when this government is overcoming a budget deficit.
Given the Government of Canada’s fiscal position, achieved through the leadership and perseverance of the Prime Minister, I would hope that the federal government's package would match and complement ours.
There is no quick fix to the issues facing the forestry sector.
All levels of government need to work together to find long-term solutions and to develop an attractive and prosperous business climate.
We need to encourage both reinvestment to modernize existing facilities and further investment in new opportunities.
