Conversion legislation on hold given the recent Supreme Court of Canada Tsilhqot’in decision
VICTORIA – Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Minster Steve Thomson has issued the following statement today:
“I would like to thank Jim Snetsinger for his comprehensive and professional report on government’s proposal to enable conversions of some volume-based forest licences to new or expanded tree farm licences.
“His report contains 35 recommendations covering the full spectrum of economic, social, environmental, First Nations and administrative issues surrounding the proposed conversion of volume-based forest licences to area-based tree farm licences.
“His report stresses the need for strong First Nations and community support for any proposed expansion of area-based tenures in the province and says new proposals should incorporate measureable and verifiable public benefits.
“Jim’s recommendations provide a valuable roadmap on how to proceed. However, given the recent Supreme Court of Canada Tsilhqot’in decision and requests from forest companies and communities to focus on key immediate priorities, the ministry will not be proceeding with legislative changes that would enable forest licence conversions in fall 2014 or spring 2015.
“We will continue to consider the recommendations in the report as part of ongoing work in our ministry.”
Learn More:
A copy of Snetsinger’s report is available online at: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/foresttenures
Media Contacts:
Greig Bethel
Media Relations
Ministry of Forests, Lands
and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-5261
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