[news] Softwood protesters call Ontario commitment a victory

[Gordon Flett]

Softwood protesters call Ontario commitment a victory 

For immediate release                                                  
April 3, 2003 

OTTAWA -- Ontario's chief negotiator in softwood lumber negotiations has
assured CEP protesters that the province will not surrender its role to
manage public forests. CEP Ontario VP Cecil Makowski says the letter
from Mike Willock received Wednesday afternoon by protesters occupying
the Ministry of Natural Resources offices in Thunder Bay represents "a
victory for Ontarians and for all Canadians who are opposed to having
our forest policies dictated by Washington." 

"This letter is a strong commitment from Mr. Willock on behalf of the
government that Ontario will not surrender its mandate to protect and
manage the public forests, and that any changes to forest legislation or
regulation in Ontario will be subject to a broad public process," said
Makowski. "For the hundreds of forest workers, their families and
friends who came out to show their concerns on Wednesday in Thunder Bay,
Sault St. Marie and Kapuskasing, this is welcome news.  We will insist
that this commitment from Ontario holds." 

CEP National President Brian Payne said that the commitment from Ontario
sends a strong message to Federal Trade Minister Pettigrew. "It is time
for Mr. Pettigrew to abandon the strategy of provincial concessions to
appease the Americans. I appeal again to Mr. Pettigrew to ensure that
labour representatives are present in any further softwood
negotiations." 

For information: Fred Wilson 613 266-3044

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