Newly Re-Elected MP Cheryl Gallant Optimistic for Future of Forestry in Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke

October 28, 2008

Renfrew, Ontario - Cheryl Gallant, MP Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke, is expressing optimism, after meeting with fellow Conservative Lawrence Cannon, MP for the Pontiac this week, that by working together in Government, the Ottawa Valley will overcome this latest setback in the forestry industry with the shutdown of the pulpwood mill in Portage-du-Fort, Pontiac, Quebec.

“MP Cannon, who is also a senior Cabinet Minister in the Harper government, joins me in confirming that we will do everything we can to find a viable solution to this closure,” stated Cheryl Gallant, MP. “At this time I wish to send a clear message to the families of all the affected workers that I will be working to protect employment in the forest.”

The decision by US based Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation to permanently close its pulpwood mill in Quebec, while directly affecting the 218 employees at the mill, also affects the cutters in the bush on both sides of the river who sold to the mill. The Quebec mill obtained 50% of its pulpwood from Ontario and 50% from Quebec.

“I see this challenge of the mill closure as an opportunity. I am pleased to confirm that I am developing a number of ideas to see us through this current crisis in the forestry. I am very pleased that the County of Renfrew has invited me to participate on their Forestry Committee. The Forestry Committee came together under the guidance of out-going Warden Janice Visneski. The County is lucky that Warden Visneski had the foresight to provide leadership in this area,” observed MP Cheryl Gallant. 

“Earlier this year, The County of Renfrew approached me to discuss the feasibility of holding a National Forestry Summit in Pembroke. I believe it would be beneficial to bring together all the forestry stakeholders to exchange ideas, as does Minister Cannon. I know the Ottawa Valley would welcome the opportunity to play host to the forest industry.”

“The forestry business has been rapidly changing. One thing we do not want to see is the forestry go the way of the fur trade as has been suggested by the more pessimistic among us.  Decisions we make today have the possibility to have far-ranging implications. Let’s make the right decisions,” concluded Cheryl Gallant, MP