VII. Recommendation

As a result of its consultations and research, the LCO has concluded that FWLWA is no longer compatible with Ontario’s modern logging industry and commercial and legal environment. The logging contractors and subcontractors currently entitled to claim a lien under the language of FWLWA are not akin to the casual logging employees whom the Act was intended to protect. The financial risk that today’s loggers bear in the modern economy is not comparable to the economic circumstances experienced by 19th century loggers. In light of these findings, the LCO is of the opinion that it would not be appropriate to reform the Act and that repeal is the preferable option.

The LCO therefore recommends that:

The Government of Ontario repeal the Forestry Workers Lien for Wages Act.