The new democrat MPP for Mushkegowuk James Bay says a forestry strategy released by his party builds on recommendations from unions, industry leaders and northern communities.
Guy Bourgouin adds that one of the key components is creating power purchasing agreements between the mills and utility companies that would allow power from wood chips and pulp to be sold to the grid.
“That this would be transformational; they are not looking at supplying all of the electricity but a small portion or percentage that could come from forestry,” he said. “It’s green and it would finalize a circle in the forest industry with the energy tied to forestry.”
Bourgouin says he hopes the government will take some of the ideas his party has come up with including creating power purchasing agreements.
“There is huge potential, but this government is so stuck on nuclear that they don’t want to do anything else on energy and I think we are missing the boat where when it comes to the forest industry and securing our forestry companies.”
Bourgouin and fellow MPPs are hitting the road to visit communities across the north, including stops in Kapuskasing and Hearst to hear feedback on the plan.
