The forest sector has worked…

The forest sector has worked under the Crown Forest Sustainability Act (CFSA), for more than 25 years. The CFSA requires forestry to be practiced in a balanced way designed to equally achieve objectives for the economy, society, and the environment (including managing for at-risk species). The CFSA works well. It has been clear from day one that, when forestry is subjected to the Endangered Species Act, the balance is lost, and the result is devastating socio-economic impacts. For this reason, successive Ministers of Natural Resources have granted regulatory exemptions to the ESA for forestry, which has allowed our sector to continue to operate under the balanced management approach provided by the CFSA. The current Conservative Government has recognized that there are issues with the ESA, and that the CFSA is a more effective and balanced act for managing species protections. The government has proposed changes to the CFSA that would allow this Act to be the legal framework for managing species protections for forestry, without the duplication and legal risk associated with the ESA.
A solution to the ESA problem is critical for the survival of our industry, and these proposed changes appear to be the best way forward to achieve an effective, long-term solution for the forest sector.

Thank you for making the informed decision that works for all.