What’s the Government of Ontario doing?
The Government of Ontario announced Wednesday an $11.3 million investment through the Forest Biomass Program to support five forest sector projects in northeastern Ontario.
These strategic initiatives aim to modernize energy systems, explore green technologies, and unlock new uses for underutilized forest biomass, ultimately creating jobs, enhancing productivity, and stimulating regional economic growth.
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Project overview
Ontario’s investment targets projects that enhance the forest sector’s competitive advantage by using mill by-products and forest biomass in innovative ways. The goal is to diversify the economy, increase energy efficiency, and promote sustainable practices.
Key projects include:
- Hornepayne Power: $7.5 million to upgrade power generation equipment and research on-site green hydrogen production.
- GreenFirst Forest Products: $3 million to improve its biomass cogeneration plant and an additional $130,000 to explore torrefied pellets as a green coal alternative.
- Circular Carbon Canada: $500,000 for a feasibility study on creating pyrolysis plants that produce biochar from sawmill residues.
- Wikwemikong Development Commission: $200,000 to support business and environmental planning for a wood pellet and biocoal facility.
These projects aim to:
- Modernize power generation facilities
- Investigate renewable energy sources like hydrogen and biocharDevelop sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels
- Strengthen community and Indigenous participation in the forest sector
Economic impact
The funded initiatives are expected to stimulate economic growth and job creation across northeastern Ontario. Benefits include:
- Creation of good-paying local jobs in operations, engineering, and community engagement
- Increased demand for harvesting, hauling, and trucking services
- Support for Indigenous economic development through infrastructure and planning funding
- Potential for new industries related to biochar, biocoal, and green hydrogen production
Review your employment contract before signing
If you’ve been offered a job at a new company, congratulations – but don’t rush to sign your employment contract.
Most non-unionized employees in Ontario are required to sign an agreement before starting a new role. However, these employment contracts often reduce your legal protections, especially when it comes to severance pay, job duties, or workplace changes.
Common clauses to watch for:
- Limiting severance to just a few weeks’ pay
- Allowing your employer to make significant changes to your job without consent
- Probationary terms that affect your job security
You don’t have to sign right away. Your employer can’t force you to accept a contract immediately. If you’re unsure about any part of the agreement, contact the Ontario employment lawyers at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP before signing.
We’ll review your contract and make sure your workplace rights are protected.
ℹ️ There are 5 key things you should know about employment contracts! Watch the video below featuring Lior Samfiru or check out the full episode in our TV section.
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Understand probation periods
Most contracts include a probationary period – often 3 to 6 months – where your employer can termination you with little or no notice.
But here’s the catch: If it’s not clearly stated in your contract, it’s not enforceable.
In that case, you could be owed full severance pay, even if you’re let go during what your employer calls a “probation” period.
💡 Fired during probation?
Even if you’re let go early on, you might still be owed severance. It all depends on what’s in your contract. Our team can review the details and explain your rights.
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