Forestry Strategy Demanded

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Howard Hampton is calling on the McGuinty Liberals for a strategy that helps secure the future of the province's forest industry.

His call comes in the wake of last week's announcement by AbitibiBowater to idle two paper machines at its Thunder Bay mill.

Hampton foresees the situation getting worse unless action is taken now.

"We could well see another paper mill close in northern Ontario in the next few months," says Hampton. "It would be very tragic and there's a real need for government action."

Hampton says that action must include the availability of affordable power to remain competitive with mills elsewhere in country and the United States.