New legislation introduced yesterday looks to shift the Ministry of Forest’s focus to sustainability and consultation.
Amendments to the Forest and Range Practices Act look to better align it with the Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, introduced in 2019.
Under the new legislation, First Nations and local communities will have more opportunities to be involved in the decision making process.
According to Minister Katrine Conroy, the changes will put the government back in the driver’s seat when it comes to land management decisions, shifting it away from the private sector.
Stewardship plans will also be phased out in favour of 10-year Forest Landscape Plans, developed alongside First Nations, local communities, and stakeholders.
Companies will be required to submit plans, which will be posted publicly, for Ministry approval.
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