Quebec administration reaffirms commitment to revise forestry reform legislation
Quebec Government Addresses Rising Tension Over Forestry Bill
The Quebec government is addressing rising tension over a forestry bill that has led to blockades and confrontations between Indigenous protesters and industry workers. The bill, tabled in the Quebec legislature this spring, aims to protect communities dependent on the commercial forestry industry.
The proposed legislation would divide public forests into zones designated for conservation, multi-purpose use, or forestry. However, the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador has withdrawn from discussions with the government, stating a lack of genuine political will to collaborate on the forestry reform.
Indigenous Affairs Minister Ian Lafrenière and Natural Resources Minister Maïté Blanchette Vézina have renewed a promise to modify the proposed legislation. They met with Indigenous leaders and forest industry representatives to discuss the bill.
One of the major points of contention for Indigenous leaders is how forestry zones are established, and consultations need to be reviewed, according to Lafrenière. The minister also expressed concern over the escalating hostile exchanges between the group's members and forestry workers, both in person and online.
Lafrenière stated that there are widespread misconceptions about the bill and its aims, and the government must adjust how it explains the proposed reform. He also stated that the province wants to protect one-third of the forest, and this is what they want to change from the current 100% operation by the forestry industry.
The Assembly proposes a "co-management" model for First Nations, industry, and government to determine which areas need protection. They have criticized the bill, stating it infringes on their rights. The Assembly also wants Quebec to scrap the zoning strategy, which they consider a form of land privatization.
In response to the blockades, actions that "restrict the carrying out of forest development activities" would be prohibited in the forestry zones, as would conservation measures. The forestry sector is currently in a precarious situation, and the economy of Quebec's regions must be protected, according to Blanchette Vézina. She stated that she is working on amendments to the bill.
The MAMU First Nation, a group of hereditary chiefs and land defenders, began organizing blockades of forestry roads in the province in response to the bill. Blockades in opposition to the legislation have disrupted forestry operations in the area.
The Quebec government made the modifications to the Forestry Act at the end of the period between 2019 and 2020. The ministers have acknowledged the need for further dialogue and collaboration with Indigenous leaders to address their concerns and find a mutually beneficial solution.
Read also:
- Amidst India's escalating climate crisis, transgender individuals continue to persevere
- Germany's three-month tenure under Merz's administration feels significantly extended
- Governing body allegedly persists in enjoying vacation time amidst Spain's highest danger level due to fires, claims Feijóo
- United Nations Human Rights Evaluation, Session 45: United Kingdom's Statement Regarding Mauritius' Human Rights Record
