December 30, 2016

Mr. Joe Dickson
Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry
Room 5501, Whitney Block
99 Wellesley Street West
Toronto, Ontario
M7A 1W3

Dear Mr. Dickson:

I am honoured to have you as my parliamentary assistant, and thank you for the valuable support that you will provide me in this crucial role. I welcome you back to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF), and look forward to working closely with you to ensure that both ministry and overall government objectives are achieved.

At this mid-point of our mandate — and after having achieved two years of real and tangible progress — we are redoubling our efforts to deliver on our top priority — economic growth and good jobs. Our balanced plan to build Ontario up for everyone will deliver real benefits and more inclusive growth that will help people in their everyday lives. We will do this by continuing to invest in better infrastructure, more affordable and accessible postsecondary education, a competitive, low-carbon economy and improved retirement security.

Responsible fiscal management remains an overarching priority for our government, and, thanks to our disciplined approach, we are on track to balance the budget next year, in 2017-18.

The mandate letter I received in September from Premier Wynne sets out my specific priorities as minister for the coming two years. Parliamentary assistants play a key role in meeting these priorities and in helping put our government’s plan into action.

As you know, the ministry’s mandate is to safeguard and sustainably manage Ontario’s natural resources, including our provincial parks, forests, fisheries, wildlife, mineral aggregates, Crown lands and waters.

As Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, your specific responsibilities include:

  • Supporting our ongoing work and partner ministries in implementing the Climate Change Action Plan, specifically the development of a wood stove exchange/replacement program targeted at northern, indigenous, and rural communities.
  • As part of the Livestock in the Great Clay Belt Proposal, continuing to support the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs in their efforts with Indigenous partners, local municipalities and stakeholders, to develop and finalize the initiative.
  • Working with me to support implementation of the Invasive Species Act through ongoing engagement with partners and stakeholders.

A tremendous opportunity lies before us — to ensure that our ministry’s mandate is fully and effectively implemented, to continue to build Ontario up and to deliver real benefits to all Ontarians.

Sincerely,

Original signed by

The Honourable Kathryn McGarry
Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry