Forestry is a major contributor to the economy of Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario, providing direct and indirect employment to thousands of hardworking men and women in our region.

Last September, we welcomed the Ontario government’s announcement of the development of a provincial forestry strategy to increase the sustainable use and harvest of our Crown forests and to ensure that we can continue to put wood to work for our communities. Our Chamber continues to work closely with our Members and forest industry associations and will be participating in the local forestry strategy roundtable in Thunder Bay this week to ensure that local concerns are heard as part of this important process.

In addition, we are pleased to welcome the Honourable John Yakabuski, Minister of Natural Resources & Forestry, as the guest speaker for our Leaders Luncheon event this Friday. We look forward to hearing his priorities for the MNRF and to working with his office to address the needs of our Members.