Ministry of Natural Resources
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Michael Gravelle |
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Overview
The Ministry of Natural Resources is the steward of Ontario's provincial parks, forests, fisheries, wildlife, mineral aggregates, and the Crown lands and waters that make up 87 per cent of the province. Our mission is to sustainably manage the province's natural resources to contribute to the environmental, social and economic well-being of the people of Ontario, and to ensure our resources remain abundant and available for the benefit of future generations.
As a ministry, we are working to promote healthy, sustainable ecosystems, conserve biodiversity, ensure source water protection and safe drinking water, facilitate economic opportunities in the resource sector, promote renewable energy, and enhance opportunities for outdoor recreation
Major Responsibilities
- Forestry - Oversee management of Ontario's forests, including strategic planning, legislation and policies, and facilitate economic opportunities for the forest and wood products sectors; Crown forest management planning and resource allocation; monitor compliance, audit and report on Ontario's forests; attract and retain investment and jobs; maximize economic value from Crown timber resources through innovation, expanded markets for Ontario's forest-based products, and increased global recognition of Ontario's wood products.
- Fish & Wildlife Management - Oversee management of Ontario's fish and wildlife resources, including strategic planning, legislation, and policies; Great Lakes management; fish culture and stocking; resource monitoring, assessment and allocation; research, food safety and disease control.
- Land & Waters Management - Lead the management of Ontario's Crown lands, water resources, mineral aggregates, and oil, gas, and salt resources. This includes land use planning, resource allocation, flood management, and low water/drought management.
- Ontario Parks - Deliver Ontario's parks and protected areas program, including provincial parks operations, development and implementation of legislation, regulation, policies and guidelines for protected areas, policy leadership on conservation reserves; compliance monitoring, auditing, and public reporting.
- Aviation & Forest Fire Management - Provide leadership and program delivery for the protection of people, property and communities affected by forest fire, flood, and drought emergencies. Includes fire and emergency management, and aviation services to ministries, executive flying, and flying for forest fire fighting and resource management.
- Geographic Information - Provide leadership and program delivery in the development and application of geographic information for natural resource management.
History of Government
