THUNDER BAY - The province is investing more than $3 million to ensure the workers in the forestry sector are protected this upcoming season.
The provincial government announced on Thursday that it is investing $3.5 million to implement protective measures for tree planters in northern and rural areas of Ontario.
“We are safeguarding the workers who regenerate our forests and the communities where they work during the COVID-19 outbreak," said John Yakabuski, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry in a release on Thursday.
"This will help the industry expand existing facilities and modify operations to ensure that those helping to renew Ontario's forests can work in a safe environment. With these measures, we are also securing the planting of 70 million trees this year in Ontario's forests."
Safeguards to prevent the spread of COVID-19 include larger camp facilities and additional kitchens, personal protective equipment, more wash stations, and plastic partitions for transporting workers.
According to the province, the forestry sector generates more than $18 billion in revenue and supports more than 155,000 direct and indirect jobs in Ontario.
Virtual consultations were held with forestry leaders across the province to determine the needs of workers in the industry as the government prepares to reopen sectors of the economy.
"It is so important to hear directly from forestry stakeholders on the economic impact of COVID-19 and listen to their needs and priorities," Yakabuski said. "By working together with our partners in the forest sector, we can support a careful, stage-by-stage approach to loosening emergency measures and reopening Ontario's economy."
