Sep 12, 2007. /Lesprom Network/. The Ontario head of the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada says recently announced government procurement policy in regards to paper is "tantamount to kicking an industry in crisis while it is down." "The Ontario government uses thousands of tonnes of paper annually and we think all suppliers should be given equal access to that business. Instead, the government has arbitrarily issued new rules on certification processes which eliminate 90% of Ontario companies from bidding for the work," said Cec Makowski, CEP's Ontario region vice-president. "So, while companies are in financial dire straights, thousands of paper workers are jobless and dozens of communities are in crisis. Queen's Park decides this is a good time to unilaterally cut off access to this important business for most of the companies." "Premier McGuinty and natural resources minister David Ramsey should immediately intervene to overturn this decision," Mr. Makowski added. "What we need in this sector is a strong message of hope for the future, not restrictive policies which are tantamount to kicking an industry in crisis while it is down."