CAQ retracts part of its forestry overhaul, pledges significant alterations
In a surprising move, Natural Resources and Forests Minister Maite Blanchette Vezina has decided to tweak her controversial forestry bill, Bill 97, after facing intense criticism. The aim is to appease opposing voices and introduce "significant modifications."
Bill 97, initially proposed to modernize the forest regime, has encountered a storm of criticism from forest-related organizations, scientists, and First Nations. They argue that the reform threatens biodiversity, climate resilience, and the long-term viability of Quebec's forest sector, among other concerns.
The criticisms reached a boiling point during the recent "targeted consultations" on the bill, as well as through public statements by experts warning against a reform that could weaken the forest.
Amendments and Collaboration
Committed to collaborating with First Nations, Minister Blanchette Vezina promises to make "substantial changes" to her CAQ project to favor commercial exploitation of Quebec's public forests. This decision comes as a response to the Blockades set up by First Nations representatives who oppose the reform.
Biodiversity Implications
One of the most contentious points of criticism revolves around biodiversity protection. The bill currently plans to create "priority forest management zones" for the needs of the forestry industry. This reform could potentially grant more than 135,000 km of territory to the industry, raising serious concerns about biodiversity.
Exclusion of First Nations and Their Territories
The CAQ bill, designed to increase forest production in Quebec, has been criticized for excluding First Nations from its development. The bill also proposes to cede portions of territory directly to logging companies, effectively sidestepping discussions with indigenous communities.
The Road Ahead
The Minister's office has refused requests for an interview on Bill 97. At this stage, the analysis of what will be modified is ongoing, with the Minister set to return with an improved bill in the summer.
However, the Society for Nature and Parks of Quebec continues to call on the Legault government to withdraw the bill, arguing that making promises for significant amendments is not enough to restore trust and maintain social peace.
The amendments to the controversial Bill 97, initially aimed at modernizing Quebec's forest regime, are expected to address concerns from forest-related organizations, scientists, First Nations, and experts in environmental-science and general-news. These worries include the potential harm to biodiversity, climate resilience, and the long-term viability of Quebec's forest sector, as well as the exclusion of First Nations from the bill's development. The government's proposed "priority forest management zones" for the forestry industry have raised significant concerns, especially regarding the impact on biodiversity and the exclusion of indigenous communities. Despite the minister's promises for substantial changes, the Society for Nature and Parks of Quebec demands the withdrawal of the bill, asserting that mere promises for significant amendments are insufficient to restore trust and maintain social peace.
