Fedeli tables private members’ bill

Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli
News Release

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QUEEN’S PARK – Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli introduced his first Private Members’ Bill in the Ontario Legislature Thursday afternoon.

The Ontario Forestry Industry Revitalization Act received First Reading, and is scheduled to be debated upon Second Reading in September.

“It’s my great pleasure to be able to present this Bill to the House today,” Fedeli said.

“It’s my belief it can give a real and significant boost to the forestry industry in Northern Ontario, and kickstart an economic revival in this sector.”

The Act would amend the Ontario Building Code to allow for wood frame construction to be used in mid-rise buildings up to six stories, instead of the current four stories. The aim is to increase the use of wood harvested in Northern Ontario for residential construction, Fedeli said.

In recent years, more than 60 lumber mills and some 45,000 forestry jobs have disappeared. The Ontario forest industry supports some 200,000 jobs and more than 100 forest-dependant communities.

While creating create jobs and growth in Northern Ontario, the Act would reduce construction costs and help Southern Ontario meet targets to reduce urban sprawl, Fedeli said.

Fedeli is optimistic that fellow MPPs of all parties, especially those in Northern Ontario, will stand up to support the forestry industry by backing this legislation.

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