The Ontario government enacting protective measures to stop the spread of COVID-19 during the upcoming tree planting season.
Today, John Yakabuski, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, announced the government is making $3.5 million available to help put protective measures in place for the workers who plant trees this season.
"We are safeguarding the workers who regenerate our forests and the communities where they work during the COVID-19 outbreak," said Minister Yakabuski. "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."
Funds will be used for larger camp facilities and additional kitchens to provide more space, as well as extra personal protective equipment, plastic partitions for transporting workers and more wash stations.
Ontario's forest industry is critical to the provincial economy, generating over $18 billion in revenue and supporting approximately 155,000 direct and indirect jobs.
The forest industry has been identified as an essential sector; providing essential forest products for hygiene, food and medical supplies, as well as packaging and shipping products.
