The Ontario Liberals Have Killed the MNR

The McGinty Liberals have again appointed a Minister of Natural Resources with
no apparent qualifications other than she has been a good bureaucrat. Former “good
bureaucrat” Minister Donna Cansfield made sweeping changes during her tenure turning
the MNR into a ministry of biodiversity and environmentalism. The new internal
structure of the MNR no longer includes a Fish and Wildlife Branch nor Forestry. Fish
and Wildlife responsibilities will be shared between the new Policy Division/Biodiversity
section and the new Provincial Services Division and Forestry is now in Mines and
Northern Development. A good example of what someone who neither understands
science nor the value of natural resources can accomplish as Minister. With its core
functions and traditional values removed the demise of the MNR can not be far away.

Unfortunately, the MNR has alienated so many people in Northern Ontario
(myself included) that it is hard to find anyone who wants to rally to their support. But
please consider the long-term health and welfare of our natural resources. Our natural
resources are all parts of the ecosystem that is Ontario. Any change made to one part
affects the others. If you indiscriminately cut down trees you not only affect the wildlife
living in the forest, but you also affect the lakes and rivers and the fishery.

If you value our natural resources it is time to stand up and demand better from
our politicians in Toronto. Check out the Fish and Wildlife Services in states like New
York, Ohio, Michigan and see what they have accomplished to preserve, protect and
enhance their natural resources. This is not the time to be killing the MNR. It is time to be
investing in our natural resources so that all the citizens of Ontario can enjoy the outdoors
now and in the future.

Gaye Smith
Isl. 970 Temagami
519-353-7275