Diversify economies to protect prized park

Province pressed to cut loggingNov. 28

The last time I drove through it, its name was Algonquin Park, not Algonquin Forest Industries. Is Natural Resources Minister Donna Cansfield up to the challenge of ensuring it lives up to its name? Can she help the local communities diversify their economies to make them less reliant on forestry?We need to help these communities get out from under the tyranny of single-industry towns. We need to protect the park by protecting the interests of the people who depend on it. We can’t exclude those whose livelihood depends on the park and concentrate only on those who use it for recreation.Algonquin needs protection, yes, but let’s do it right. Let’s show the forest industry how it should be done: with respect. Phase out logging and develop communities into robust, diversified economies.We’ve been %26#34;hewers of wood and drawers of water%26#34; for way too long.Alan Pickersgill, Guelph, Ont.