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Subcommittee on Boreal Forest

Past Session: Past Session:
36-1 36th Parliament, 1st Session (September 22, 1997 - September 18, 1999)
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SENATE SUBCOMMITTEE ON THE BOREAL FOREST

COMPETING REALITIES: The Boreal Forest at Risk

APPENDIX D
HEARING SUMMARIES

 

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SENATE SUBCOMMITTEE ON THE BOREAL FOREST
HEARING SUMMARY - Wednesday, September 23, 1998

Ottawa - The Senate Subcommittee on the Boreal Forest held public hearings on September 23,1998 in the Senate. Appearing before the Subcommittee was Graham Lochhead, Director the Office of Forestry and Environment for the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. Subcommittee Chairman Senator Nicholas Taylor opened the hearing: "The boreal forest hangs like a cape around the shoulders of the world encircling the Northern Hemisphere. Canada has over 20% of the world's boreal forest".

Graham Lochhead provided the Subcommittee with a detailed presentation on the implementation of a sustainable forest management system in Canada, international forest management standards and trade implications. Of the world forestry trade estimated at $155 billion, Canada exports over $31 billion. He told the Subcommittee that Canada is among the world leaders in standards for sustainable forestry. Fifteen of Canada's major forestry companies have declared their intention to certify for Canadian sustainable forest management standards. Certification of Canadian forest companies will begin this Fall.

Mr. Lochhead described the development, content and nature of the major forestry standard certification processes: Canadian Standards Association, ISO 14001 Forestry Standards, and Forest Stewardship Council Standards. He told the Committee that the CSA Standard is the most comprehensive and stringent certification system. However the use of different international standards in the world marketplace and practices such as mandatory labeling create non-tariff trade barriers. The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade is active in intervening in cases that are perceived to be contrary to accepted trade practices or World Trade Organization rules.

Mr. Lochhead also pointed out to Senators that only 23% of the world forest production participates in trade, while 50% of world production is consumed by local heating and cooking requirements. The portion of the world's forests directly affected by forest management standard certification is limited to production destined for trade, however sustainable forestry management may extend to other production as well.

  

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SENATE SUBCOMMITTEE ON THE BOREAL FOREST
HEARING SUMMARY - Wednesday, September 28, 1998

Ottawa - The Senate Subcommittee on the Boreal Forest held public hearings on September 28,1998 in the Senate. Appearing before the Subcommittee were Roger Street, Director, Environmental Adaptation Research Group and Robert Cross, Advisor, Science Promotion from the Atmospheric Environment Service (AES) of Environment Canada.

Roger Street briefed the Subcommittee on the Canada Country Study and, in particular its relevance to Canada's boreal forest. Senator Spivak, Deputy Chair, emphasized that the Boreal Forest could be a greater carbon dioxide sink than the ocean. Mr. Street and Mr. Cross stressed that the projections in the study also considered adaptation options that may be required in natural ecosystems, and social and economic systems in order to both mitigate and deal with the impacts of climate change. The ability to deal with climate change differs across the country as much as its impact. Senator Chalifoux pointed to the adaptation initiatives taking place in the Peace River country as an example of how that area is responding to its unique circumstances.

The experts from the AES told the Subcommittee that greater climate changes are projected in the next several centuries than have occurred to the Earth in the past 10,000 years. There is a need to engage all Canadians in assessing the impact and adapting to climate change. The boreal forest will be particularly affected. The tree-limit is projected to shift upwards in altitude by 500 to 1,000 metres and northward in latitude by 200 to 500 kilometres. This will mean substantial shrinkage in the boreal forest as the soil and solar capacities beyond the northern range of the boreal forest will limit its ability to migrate north. Migration of southern species, introduction of pests and more frequent fires will also threaten the forest. These projected impacts will require significant adaptation of forest management techniques.

Senators on the Subcommittee asked questions and raised issues related to:

  • the effect of human activity such as dams and pollution on local climate and the advance of climate change,
  • the impact of the creation of reservoirs and flooding on the generation and sequestration of carbon dioxide,
  • effects of clear cutting practices on the ability of forest to sequester carbon and regenerate in a changing climate environment,
  • the value of traditional and aboriginal knowledge and experience and the need to incorporate such knowledge in scientific inquiry into climate change,
  • changes to habitat for fish and wildlife as a result of climate changes and the particular sensitivity of boreal regions,
  • the priority given by the federal government to influencing provincial forest management policies,
  • international effects of American acid rain and cross-border emissions,
  • the extreme impact of climate change in Arctic regions and the significant adaptations which will be required,
  • and the availability and reliability of data on the level and impact of forest industry activity in Canada's boreal forest.

 

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SENATE SUBCOMMITTEE ON THE BOREAL FOREST
HEARING SUMMARY - Thursday, October 8 - Friday, October 9, 1998

Timmins, Ontario - The Senate Subcommittee on the Boreal Forest visited Timmins, Ontario on October 8 and 9 for a field trip to forest sites and public hearings. Subcommittee Chairman Senator Nick Taylor stressed the need for the Senate to hold hearings in forest locations to get a complete picture of the importance of the boreal forest to many Canadian communities.

On the morning and afternoon of October 8, the Subcommittee, with officials from the Canadian Forestry Service (CFS) and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR), visited three sites operated by Donohue Inc. to examine stages of forest harvesting operations. On the afternoon and evening of October 8 and the morning of October 9, hearings were held at the Travelway Inn in Timmins. Appearing before the Subcommittee were forest companies, forestry experts, community and environmental groups, aboriginal representatives, and government officials.

During the site visits, Richard Macnaughton of CFS provided Senators with an overview of forestry activity in the Timmins area and federal activities in sustainable forestry. Mr. Macnaughton stressed the need for federal / provincial / industrial cooperation in providing a practical framework for conserving biological diversity in managed forests. Rob Tomchik of Donohue Inc. showed the Subcommittee a 14-year-old clear-cut site that had undergone extensive site preparation and two herbicide applications. Mr. Tomchik also provided the Subcommittee with an overview of industry efforts under the Code of Forest Practices and his company’s assessment of the major certification programs: ISO 14000, Canadian Standards Association Sustainable Forest Management System and Forest Stewardship Council.

Bob Watt and Wally Bidwell of OMNR showed the Subcommittee the site of a road stream crossing and a stand of old growth jack pine. Mr. Watt described the development of boreal forest ecosystems, stressing the need to conserve biological diversity. He also outlined forest harvesting techniques designed to mimic natural cycles of the forest, describing approaches to forest regeneration and species selection. Celia Graham of OMNR briefed Senators on Ontario’s policy development environment and their definition of sustainability, including detailed information on the five stage formal public consultation process required in developing forest management plans.

Steve Osawa of Timmins OMNR described the development, application and implementation of the forest plans required by the province from forestry companies. He also provided details on the Province’s Forest Operations and Silvaculture Manual and compliance monitoring requirements. Bertrand Sirois of Donohue conducted tours of a recent 4 year old clear-cut using natural regeneration and of a current harvesting operation using heavy harvesting equipment and clear-cut techniques. Senator Taylor observed that, while Ontario sustainable forestry regulations seem progressive, the key is the audit and compliance process. He stressed the need for strong input from parks, tourism and aboriginal communities.

The Subcommittee met for hearings in the afternoon and evening of October 8. Dr John Naysmith of the Forest Futures Trust provided Senators a description of the legislative, regulatory and policy evolution in Ontario evolving from timber harvesting to timber management to forest management, including the development of forest trust funds. The purpose of the Forest Futures Trust Fund, which is provided through industry contributions, is intensive stand management, remediative silvaculture and pest control. Richard Moore described the development and management of the Lake Abitibi Model Forest, one of 11 across Canada. He stressed that, despite recognition of their economic value, forests are the playgrounds of residents, meeting their nature, hunting, fishing and camping needs, including extensive involvement of the aboriginal community. The focus of model forests is to bring the concepts of cutting trees and saving trees together.

In the evening, Senators received presentations from major forest companies operating in northeastern Ontario. All three company representatives described their forest operations. David Chown of Abitibi Consolidated told the Subcommittee that Abitibi Consolidated plans to be ready for ISO 14001 certification by the end of the year 2000. He stressed the need for federal / provincial funding agreements, restoration of federal funding and resisting additional federal regulation of traversing waterways. Senator Stratton expressed interest in how forest companies will address the predicted shortfall in wood supply. He also expressed concern over the long term impacts on soil and habitat of use of herbicides in species selection.

Martin Litchfield of E.B. Eddy told the Subcommittee that industry is working on sustainability indicators now that criteria have been developed. His company also supports continued federal participation and science support as well as more support for carbon offsets, emissions trading and possible tax incentives for biodiversity and carbon sequestration projects. Mr. Litchfield presented the Subcommittee with long term projections of forest production. Senator Spivak expressed interest in testimony that companies expect to double their production in the future despite predicted shortfalls. Rick Groves from Tembec described his company’s focus on developing markets from materials that were previously considered waste and on working closely with aboriginal communities. He stressed the need for both levels of government and aboriginal communities to work closely with industry.

On October 9, the Subcommittee held hearings in Timmins throughout the morning. Brennain Lloyd of Northwatch told the Subcommittee that all is not well in the woods. Since 1994 investment in silvaculture has dropped by 20%. While forest cutting has increased employment from the forests has decreased with machinery replacing workers in both forests and mills. She expressed concern with logging roads and with the artificial change in forest mix. Ric Symmes from the Federation of Ontario Naturalists also expressed concern over increased cutting and reduced employment in the forest industry in addition to government cutbacks in forestry. He recommended protection of 15 to 20% of public land and the addition of jobs through building world class tourism in conjunction with sustainable forestry. Senator Spivak discussed opportunities that presented by setting aside up to 20% of forests from industry harvesting.

Jim Antler presented the perspective of the Northern Ontario Tourist Outfitters Association. He told the Subcommittee that direct spending on resource-based tourism in Northeast Ontario totaled $482 million and accounted for 13,000 jobs in 1997. He expressed concern over road access to remote sites and visual and noise impacts when harvesting activities take place close to tourism locations. Senator Mahovolich addressed the need for an emphasis on regeneration, on returning sites to their natural state, citing the example of the destruction McIntyre Park site in Timmins.

Bill Thornton, OMNR’s Director of Forest Management told Senators that over the past 80 years timber harvesting and forest fire suppression activities have changed the tree species composition and age class structure of the boreal forest. He stressed that while it is not possible to mimic natural disturbances, it is possible to manage for levels of variability similar to natural disturbance patterns on a landscape. Mr. Thornton informed the Subcommittee that 95% of Ontario's boreal forest is Crown-owned, with 4.5% in private hands and the rest federal land. He also told Senators that the long term health of the forest must come first, but that Ontario's forest policy recognizes the role that the forest have for the people who live their and it's contribution to the economy. Senator Whelan discussed the invisible barrier in forestry activities of different regulations and policies under different provincial jurisdictions. He discussed whether common federal policies such as exist in the U.S. were advantageous.

Dr. Terry Quinney of the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters described an innovative approach to sustainable development focusing on floating reserves of similar ecological regions within the entire forest landscape. He emphasized that the primary requirement is that the forest industry manage to conserve biological diversity as the primary factor in forest regeneration. Bettyanne Thib-Jelly chaired the Boreal East Round Table of the Ontario Government consultation process. She told Senators that the Land for Life consultation may well have been the most extensive and comprehensive public dialogue about land use planning that has ever taken place in Ontario.

Tony Belcourt of the Metis Nation of Ontario stressed the critical importance of the Senate Subcommittee on the Boreal forest to the Metis. He stressed that Metis communities live in the boreal forest but have not been included thus far in consideration of references to aboriginal communities. Mr. Belcourt was critical of Ontario's attitude to Metis and emphasized the Metis role in discussions on the future of the boreal forest. The Chairman, Sen. Taylor, assured the Metis Nation that they would have ample opportunity to present their perspective to the Subcommittee.

Senators on the Subcommittee asked questions and raised issues related to:

· the state of scientific knowledge about boreal forest ecosystems,

· ability of the forest industry to return forests to their natural state,

· long term tenure for forest industries and its relation to other interests such as aboriginal, recreation and protected areas,

· cutbacks in research funding and the federal role in encouraging research,

· amount and nature of research undertaken by forest companies,

· composition and role of forest audit teams,

· confusion between federal and provincial jurisdiction, particularly for fish and wildlife and their habitat,

· impact of different provincial regulatory environments,

· comparisons of employment available through logging and through tourism and recreational activity,

· potential impact of aspects of supply management to the forest industry,

· the degree to which forest companies factor climate change and global warming considerations into their business and forest management plans,

· restrictions on cutting near to streams and Riparian areas,

· accuracy of forest industry emulation of natural disturbances,

· impacts of the use of herbicides in forest harvesting activities,

· greater economies for companies achieved through natural regeneration,

· methods of calculating supply shortfalls and targets,

· impact of wood supply shortfall in cutting younger trees, how forest companies will address predicted wood supply shortfalls,

· market capitalization and profit pictures of forest companies,

· how forest companies can accommodate other forest uses and needs while at the same time increasing yields,

· progress made by model forests toward sustainability,

· impact of forest harvesting on registered trap lines,

· use of herbicides in tree species selection, and

· corporate attitudes to certification standards.

 

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SENATE SUBCOMMITTEE ON THE BOREAL FOREST
HEARING SUMMARY - October 26, 27 and 28, 1998

Mistissini, Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec - The Senate Subcommittee on the Boreal Forest visited Mistissini, Quebec, a Cree community, on Monday, October 26, 1998 and Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec on Tuesday, October 27 and Wednesday, October 28 to visit forest sites and hold public hearings. Subcommittee Chairman Senator Nick Taylor opened hearings by pointing out that "the boreal forest hangs like a cape around the shoulders of the world. Canada has 20% of the world's boreal forest". He stressed the need for the Senate to hold hearings in forest locations to get a complete picture of the importance of the boreal forest to many Canadian communities.

On Monday, October 26, the Subcommittee toured the Cree community of Mistissini northeast of Chibougamau, Quebec and met with Band Chief Kenny Loon, Band Council members, the Cree Trappers' Association, local Cree Tallymen, and members of the community.

Chief Kenny Loon told the Subcommittee that forestry is an important concern to Crees and has a major impact on traditional and treaty hunting, fishing and trapping rights in the James Bay area. He described the evolution of the James Bay Agreement and the rights legally provided to the Cree. Chief Loon told Senators that those rights are not being respected by the Quebec Forest Act or in forest management practices and processes. Of the 53 Mistissini family trapline hunting territories, 25 are overlapped and severely affected by timber licenses. Forty-four percent of those lands are slated for timber harvesting. In a broader context, the amount of land in the James Bay territory allocated to forestry companies has increased by 185% since 1974 and by 16% since the James Bay Treaty was signed. While the Cree are not opposed to forestry, they stressed the need to manage the forest in a sustainable manner compatible with traditional land stewardship. Chief Loon asked Senators to ensure that the Cree are directly involved and participate in the development of forestry legislation and regulations.

The Subcommittee met with the Cree Trappers' Association, represented by Thomas Loon and four Cree Tallymen on the afternoon of October 26. The Tallymen described their role as stewards of their hunting areas and overall guardians of the ecology of the land for which they and their families have been responsible over generations. They described in detail the drastic effects of logging on wildlife in their areas and the need to control forest harvesting activity through industry practices and government inspection. Subcommittee Vice-Chair Senator Mira Spivak discussed the impact of forestry on traditional native hunting and gathering in the ecosystem, in particular the effect on plants used for medicinal and nutritional purposes.

On Tuesday, October 27, the Subcommittee visited forest areas managed by Norbord Industries south of Rouyn-Noranda throughout the day. The visit was hosted by Gilles Chantal, Senior Advisor to the Canadian Forest Service, Nelson Royer, Forestry Technician with the Quebec Ministry of Natural Resources, and Johanne Morasse and Bernard Bouchard of Norbord Industries. Senators were shown forestry operations at several stages: recent pre-commercial thinning to increase growth and improve tree quality; direct seedling in a site harvested in 1981, seeded in 1984 and thinned in 1992; stabilization at a water course to protect water quality and minimize sedimentation and erosion; and a recent site harvested through cutting with protection of natural regeneration and soil.

On the evening of October 27, the Subcommittee received a presentation from Jocelyn Carrier, President of the Association Touristique Régionale Abitibi-Témiscamingue. Mr. Carrier told Senators that his association wants the community to recognize the importance of protecting the forests and the development and maintenance of the special relationship with aboriginal peoples. Their future awareness initiatives focus on outfitting excursions, snowmobiling, adventure tourism, tours and events. He said that the lure of quick profit for logging companies and governments has, in the past, reflected a lack of concern for the environment. Mr. Yvan Croteau stated from the audience that the designation of conservation preserves needs to focus on the full ecosystem. Senator Terry Stratton focussed on sustainable use of forests and the need for designating protected, not to be harvested areas along with other areas for forest industry plantations and harvesting.

Senators held hearings throughout the day on October 28 in Rouyn-Noranda. Forestry Professor Yves Bergeron from the Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue told the Subcommittee that slightly more than one per cent of Quebec lands are set aside as protected areas compared to 12 per cent designated as targets by the Brundtland Report and the Rio Agreement. He stressed that nature ensures more diversity of habitat than forest management. Prof. Bergeron outlined in detail a proposal on using a mix of harvesting methods in industrial forests based on different patterns of natural disturbance. Senator Frank Mahovlich explored the effects of forest harvesting on wildlife and ecosystems, for example, on moose populations.

Joseph Schecapio Blacksmith and Roger Lacroix of the Cree Nation of Ouje-Bougoumou and Jack Blacksmith of the Grand Council of the Crees expressed concern that their forests will be cut much faster than it will regrow, making their land a desert. Joseph Blacksmith told the Subcommittee that about 27 per cent of the productive forest land in Ouje-Bougoumou will have been cut by 1999. They described the Crees' sustainable approach to resources, the environment, habitat and their traditional way of life. Jack Blacksmith quoted Quebec government figures for 1995 demonstrating that the economic impact from wood harvested on Cree traditional lands is worth more than $1.3 billion or about 15 per cent of Quebec’s total annual harvest. He described Cree legal action and requested that the Senate help them to build the setting necessary for honest and constructive dialogue between the Crees, Canada and Quebec. Chairman Senator Nick Taylor stressed that the boreal forest is the home of native peoples and discussed the role of the federal government in supporting their forest rights and interests.

Robert St.Amour, Vice-President of Forestry Supplies for Tembec presented a briefing on his company’s operations across Canada and in the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region. He stressed their focus on ensuring sustainable development and accessibility of northern forests. Tembec is an integrated company that tries to obtain maximum value from all trees harvested by developing a number of by-products. Mr. St.Amour also described the company’s research and development and environmental funds.

In the afternoon the Subcommittee started hearings with presentations from Henri Jacob from the Regroupement d'ecologistes de Val d'or et environs and from Yvan Croteau of Les citoyens du lac Vaudrey. Mr. Jacob told Senators that the Government of Quebec is not permitting true representation from environmental groups who are concerned that forests are over-logged and resources over-used. He said that logging interrupts the natural cycle of the forest and that the forest industry only regenerates desirable species. Yvan Croteau represents residents and cottagers on several lakes in the Rouyn-Noranda area rising up as citizen groups in reaction to forestry activities. They seek to protect their forest tract from logging activity. Mr. Croteau stressed that the forest belongs first to those who live there. Senator Aurélien Gill stressed the importance of the development of public consultation mechanisms and forums, particularly for dialogue and cooperation between various forest interests.

Samuel Gull and Allan Saganish of the Cree Nation of Waswanipi provided the Subcommittee with a detailed briefing illustrating the consultation process they are developing with the forest companies active in their area. They are seeking co-existence and trying to minimize conflicts between trappers and foresters. Of the 52 traplines in Waswanipi managed by Cree tallymen, all but 4 are affected by forestry. The Waswanipi Cree have developed a process of mapping and consultation which involves the forest company or companies directly with the tallyman responsible for each trapline. The mapping process provides information on the extent and nature of the boreal forest, road networks and bodies of water, the five year cutting plan filled out by the company and cultural and traditional land use filled out by the tallyman and other users of the land. These then form the basis of consultations and written agreements.

The Subcommittee finished its hearings with a presentation from Armand Plourde of the Syndicat des producteurs de bois d’Abitibi-Témiscamingue, representing the region’s private woodlot owners and operators. He described how industrialization and big forestry companies have changed the nature of forestry activities and jobs and the impact on communities and forests. Mr. Plourde told Senators that the present taxation system encourages private woodlot owners to liquidate their forests and suggested examination of tax measures to encourage ecological diversity and forest management. He also stressed the importance of stakeholder consultation including native peoples.

Senators on the Subcommittee asked questions and raised issues related to:

  • forestry company attitudes to native rights in James Bay region,
  • consultation processes undertaken by forest companies with natives,
  • opportunities for broadly based community dialogue on forestry activities,
  • status of legal challenges by the Cree to exercise their traditional rights,
  • relationship of Cree hunting and fishing rights under the James Bay Agreement to forestry operations,
  • Cree methods of sustainable trapping and conservation of traplines,
  • the role of the federal government in ensuring that traditional aboriginal rights are respected,
  • impacts of road networks and potential methods of addressing roads after logging activity,
  • native interest in conducting their own forest harvesting activity,
  • native employment in forestry companies,
  • impacts of logging on traditional uses of flora and fauna,
  • whether there are sufficient protected forest areas to meet recreational and tourism needs,
  • recreational and tourist use of logging roads,
  • differences between sustainable forestry and sustainable forests,
  • increased pressure on forestry companies to manage forests ecologically emanating from market forces,
  • concerns about logging north of the 52nd parallel,
  • ability of the forest industry to return forests to their natural state,
  • forest regeneration and cutting rotation schedules,
  • numbers and activities of government inspectors,
  • buffer zones and restrictions on cutting near to streams and Riparian areas,
  • accuracy of forest industry emulation of natural disturbances,
  • comparisons to forest plantation farming methods in Scandinavia,
  • how forest companies can accommodate other forest uses and needs, and
  • corporate attitudes to certification standards.

 

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SENATE SUBCOMMITTEE ON THE BOREAL FOREST
HEARING SUMMARY - November 2, 1998

Ottawa - The Senate Subcommittee on the Boreal Forest held public hearings in Room 705, Victoria Building on the evening of November 2, 1998. Appearing before the Subcommittee were witnesses from the Canadian Pulp and Paper Association, The Canadian Institute of Forestry, the Canadian Forestry Association, and the Ontario Professional Foresters Association.

Fiona Cook, Vice President of International Trade and Government Relations of the Canadian Pulp and Paper Association (CPPA) provided the Subcommittee with an overview of the status of the forestry industry. One in every 12 Canadian workers is directly or indirectly employed in the forest industry and 350 rural Canadian communities are dependent on forestry. Canada is the world's largest exporter of forest products with 70 per cent of its output exported. Subcommittee Vice-Chair Senator Mira Spivak requested further details on Canada's forestry industry including percentage of domestic economy and of overall Canadian trade, as well as provincial breakdowns of forest industry activity growth, yields, supply projections, and allowable annual cuts.

CPPA Senior Vice President David Barron addressed the industry's environmental performance. He told Senators that over $5.1 billion dollars has been spent since 1989 on pollution abatement and that an average of $2.4 billion is spent annually on forest management expenditures. Mr. Barron also described reduction in effluents, increased use of biomass energy and reduced use of fossil fuels in the industry. 41 per cent of Canada is forested; commercial forest makes up 21 percent of Canada's land mass, of that 67.5 percent is boreal forest; and three percent of Canada's land is protected forest. Tony Rotherham, Director of Forests of the CPPA briefed the Subcommittee on forestry history, techniques and processes. He also told Senators that of the total volume of commercial forest available, over 75 per cent has not been harvested, while almost 25 per cent has been harvested and regenerated. He also pointed out that the 82 percent of harvesting that was clear cut in 1995 represents a downward trend in use of the clear cut harvesting method.

Ralph Roberts of the Canadian Institute of Forestry (CIF) represents some 2,400 professional forest practitioners. He described their new philosophy of values such as water and wildlife assuming a higher profile rather than timber values being the driving force along with their ethic of sustainable management. The CIF support greater public participation, the National Forest Strategy, the Canadian Criteria and Indicators Initiative, the National Forest Resources Inventory, research and development, and education. They request that the Senate Subcommittee consider greater support to the needs of forestry education programs.

Education and public awareness are the key focal points for the Canadian Forestry Association (CFA). Manager of National Programs Dan Cooligan told Senators that the CFA promotes understanding and cooperation in the wise use and sustainable development of Canada's forests. He outlined CFA activity related to technical and professional education, public and youth education, private land forestry, national forest conferences, and tree planting programs. Mr. Cooligan believes that the primary barrier to balanced forest education in Canada at this time is the fundamental disagreement between various interests about what good forest management is.

Lorne Riley of the Ontario Professional Foresters Association (OPFA) described his organization's efforts to pursue licensing authority for professional foresters in Ontario. The OPFA believes that sound planning principles and scientifically based management practices are needed for good forest managment and sustainability. He told the Subcommittee that if any of Canada's forest regions can be described as the "national breadbasket", it is the boreal forest. Subcommittee Chairman Senator Nick Taylor raised the issue of the perception of foresters being too closely tied to the interests of the forest industry and government and how that affects concerns over stewardship of the resource.

Senators on the Subcommittee asked questions and raised issues related to:

  • further figures and statistical information on Canada's forestry industry, particularly in activity broken down by province and mills,
  • whether forests can withstand present harvesting activity and still remain sustainable,
  • forest reserves remaining in each province and how much can be harvested,
  • altering reforestation of different species for different forest products,
  • use of biomass energy as both an efficiency and environmental measure,
  • the absense of aboriginal relations committees in the CPPA and other forestry associations,
  • foresters' attitudes to leaving portions of the forest unused and toward logging in protected areas,
  • employment opportunities for forestry graduates outside the forest industry and government,
  • forest industry policy positions on cutting forests on lands subject to aboriginal land claims,
  • native employment in forestry companies,
  • whether there are sufficient protected forest areas to meet recreational and tourism needs,
  • impact of global warming on species and forest distribution,
  • selective preservation of sensitive and threatened forest areas and species,
  • selective manipulation of tree species mixes through herbicides, silvaculture and regeneration,
  • the basis on which provinces set allowable annual cuts,
  • levels of enforcement of provincial regulations and numbers and activities of government inspectors,
  • buffer zones and restrictions on cutting near to streams and Riparian areas,
  • how forest companies can accommodate other forest uses and needs,
  • comparison of management based and performance based certification systems, and
  • corporate attitudes to certification standards and their impact on export markets.

 

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SENATE SUBCOMMITTEE ON THE BOREAL FOREST
HEARING SUMMARY – November 3-4, 1998

Miramichi, New Brunswick - The Senate Subcommittee on the Boreal Forest visited Miramichi, New Bunswick on Tuesday, November 3 and Wednesday, November 4 to visit forest sites and hold public hearings. Subcommittee Chairman Senator Nick Taylor noted that the management of the boreal and near-boreal forest in New Brunswick provides a different mix of private and public land management than in other provinces.

On Tuesday November 3, the Subcommittee toured a private woodlot and forest operations of Repap New Brunswick Inc. Gerrit va Raalte and Janice Campbell of the Canadian Forestry Service and woodlot owner Jean-Guy Comeau conducted an extensive site walk of Mr. Comeau's woodlot in Miramichi. He practices selective harvesting in focussing on sustainable forest management. Mr. Comeau stressed his interest in biodiversity and habitat, leaving a mix of new and old growth in his woodlot as a haven for wildife. Senator Frank Mahovlich discussed the importance of managing forest lands to support a broad range of wildlife species and their habitat.

Doug Prebble, Steve Jones and other foresters from Repap New Brunswick Inc. provided Senators with a tour of a variety of logging sites demonstrating their forest management approaches. Jan Ellingsen, Manager of Silvaculture showed the Committee a 13 year old jack pine plantation which will be commercially thinned at the 30 year old point and harvested after 50 years. An example of shelter wood harvesting of old growth spruce and fir was provided by Bill Donald, Repap's District Superintendent. Forest contractors Maurice Noel and his son also demonstrated the operation of a single-grip harvester. Senators were shown a pre-commercial silvaculture spacing demonstration by James Riggin, Repap's Silvaculture Superintendent and his contracted thinning team. Desirable species are left while other young growth is cut to provide space for selected trees to grow. Steve Jones from Repap and Bob Currie, Wildlife Biologist with the New Brunswick Ministry of Natural Resources conducted a tour of the Sheephouse Falls Nature Trail, a conservation site developed by Repap for public recreational use.

The Subcommittee began public hearings at the RCAF Wing in Miramichi on the evening of November 3 to hear witnesses from the World Wildlife Fund, the Eel Ground First Nation and private woodlot owner organizations.

Roberta Clowater of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Protected Natural Areas Coalition told the Subcommittee that only about one per cent of New Brunswick's forests are in permanent protection for natural ecosystem functions, accounting for the WWF's failing grade of 'F' to New Brunswick regarding protected areas. She drew Senators' attention to harvesting in the Christmas Mountains of northcentral N.B., a boreal forest area where some 50,000 hectares of wild area has been reduced to 4,000 or less. She called on the Senate to recommend interim protection of potential candidate protected areas and development of a closer working relationship between industry, communities and federal resource and environment experts.

The Subcommittee was briefed on aboriginal forestry concerns by Steven Ginnish, Councillor and Forestry Development Officer for the Eel Ground First Nation. Mr. Ginnish told Senators that aboriginals do not have authority to manage the land, specifically that First Nations forest stand management activity is counter to the terms of the federal Indian Act as timber permits are the prerogative of the Minister. He detailed his concerns about references to aboriginal forestry in the Report of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal People, the National Forest Strategy and the First Nations Forestry Program and stressed the need for legislation to permit aboriginal self-government and management of their forest lands. Mr. Ginnish also told the Subcommittee that there must be increased involvement of First Nations people in employment in the forest industry and forest management decision-making, describing existing aboriginal employment as non-existent. Senator Terry Stratton raised concerns over the future of the traditional aboriginal way of life and its sustainability for coming generations in the face of pressure from modern urbanized society.

Albert Richardson and Jean-Guy Comeau of the Northumberland Forest Products Marketing Board described traditional Miramichi logging practices and the development of marketing boards for private woodlot owners. They stressed that despite commercial pressures, private woodlot owners are becoming more aware and interested in sustainable forest management. The average annual contribution to their local economy by private woodlots is some $10 million in wood sales. Private woodlot owners are calling for marketing boards to be single desk sellers. Andrew Clark of the New Brunswick Federation of Woodlot Owners and Peter Demarsh of the Canadian Federation of Woodlot owners provided a detailed account of tax disincentives to maintaining sustainable forestry, including part-time income definitions, treatment of inheritance and Guaranteed Income Supplement provisions. They called for continued funding of silvaculture grants and expansion of the powers of marketing boards to include export of wood products. Mr. Clark and Mr. Demarsh stressed the need to address tax treatment of private woodlots. Subcommittee Chairman Senator Nick Taylor discussed the impact of tax disincentives encouraging over-harvesting of private woodlots.

On Wednesday November 4, the Subcommittee met throughout the day to hear from conservation and wildlife organizations, the New Brunswick Ministry of Natural Resources, Repap, and the Big Cove First Nation. Richard DeBow, President of the New Brunswick Wildlife Federation described their conservation activities and the effects of forestry on wildlife, hunting and outdoor recreational activity. He suggested examination of the Ontario approach to 'floating' protected forest zones in the current New Brunswick review of the protected area strategy.

Tom Spinney, Director of the Forest Management Branch of the New Brunswick Ministry of Natural Resources, briefed the Subcommittee on the Province's forest management policies and initiatives. In New Brunswick, 48 per cent of forests are on provincial crown land, 20 per cent in industrial free hold, 31 per cent in private woodlots and one per cent on federal crown land. He described in detail the development of Forest Management Agreements and Five Year Management Plans. Mr. Spinney told Senators that the Crown Land Management System is based on the principle of sustainability and that, even though the department does not have management jurisdiction over industrial freehold and private woodlots, sustainable forest management is being increasingly practiced there as well. Senator Fernand Robichaud stressed that he is also convinced that the forest industry, private woodlot owners and communities are becoming more aware of the importance of sustainable forest management.

David Coon of the Conservation Council of New Brunswick presented his organization's efforts to promote policies to foster more community based ecological approaches to forestry. They are concerned that current management practices are not sustainable and are undermining the ecological health of forests, killing jobs and foreclosing on future economic opportunities. The Conservation Council recognixes the efforts of many private woodlot owners in practising sustainable forest harvesting. The Conservation Council wants to stop the establishment of tree plantations on Crown lands and restrict clear cutting to areas where other ecological harvesting practices cannot be ecologically justified.

Repap New Brunswick Inc. manages 22 per cent of all public Crown land in the province under two 25 year Crown leases. Doug Prebble Woodlands Manager, Steve Jones and Ian Prior of Repap briefed Senators on Repap's forest operations and policies as producers of light weight coated paper employing a workforce of 3,200. They stressed their efforts in sustainable forestry, conservation and wildlife habitat and agree with woodlot owners' concerns about over-harvesting. Thirty four per cent of their roundwood supplies comes from Crown allocations, 31 per cent from private purchases including woodlot owners, one per cent from company woodlots and 34 per cent from other sources such as sawmill chips. By 2008, 50 per cent of the area harvested by Repap will be non-clear cut. Mr. Prebble also pointed out that Repap has recently contracted with an aboriginal silvaculture crew.

Kevin Augustine of the Big Cove First Nation told Senators that his community has 90 per cent unemployment and the highest suicide rate in Canada. The recent decision to grant timber rights to aboriginals has had a positive impact on morale and forestry activities, but it has also created difficulty in maintaining native forest management planning. His nation will not sign an agreement with the province because only resource use has been granted, not title to the land. He described his community's training activity in forestry and proposals for the development of mills and aboriginal enterprises. Mr. Augustine stressed the need to develop a form of native self-government which requires both a land base and an economic base.

Senators on the Subcommittee asked questions and raised issues related to:

  • the need for a balanced overall land use plan,
  • attitudes of private woodlot owners to sustainable forest management,
  • market pressures related to private woodlots and sustainable forestry,
  • tax treatment of private woodlot activity,
  • increased awareness of sustainability in the forest industry,
  • the impact of lack of provincial authority or setting of annual allowable cutting on industrial freehold and private woodlot,
  • whether forest companies are expanding their industrial freehold through purchase of private woodlots,
  • dynamics of price negotiations between woodlot marketing boards and forestry companies,
  • the need to find solutions to native issues one at a time rather than looking only for umbrella approaches,
  • the role of the federal government in ensuring that traditional aboriginal rights are respected,
  • native employment in Repap and other forestry companies,
  • impacts of recent New Brunswick court decisions awarding aboriginal rights to forestry activity,
  • rationales for extensive use of forest fire suppression in New Brunswick,
  • identifying the appropriate percentage of protected lands,
  • the level of public input and consultation into forest management plans,
  • authority of the N.B. Minister of Natural Resources to require licensees to supply sub-licensees,
  • increased pressure on forestry companies to manage forests ecologically emanating from consumers,
  • whether wood volumes needed for fibre production can be sustained without tree plantation silvaculture,
  • role and appropriate proportion of tree plantation harvesting in forest management approaches,
  • concerns over the use of herbicides in silvaculture activity,
  • limitations on the size of clear cuts to 100 hectares, and
  • corporate attitudes to certification standards.

 

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SENATE SUBCOMMITTEE ON THE BOREAL FOREST
HEARING SUMMARY - November 16, 1998

Ottawa - The Senate Subcommittee on the Boreal Forest met in the late afternoon and evening of Monday, November 16 in Room 705 Victoria Building to hear scientific experts and witnesses from environmental organizations. Subcommittee Chairman Senator Nick Taylor noted that the importance of the subject matter warrants a broader audience than a Senate Subcommittee.

Dr. Richard Thomas of the Alberta Environmental Protection Program presented his extensive findings on use of the boreal forest areas in Alberta and the threats to the forest. He stressed the cumulative impact of human activities. Dr. Thomas told Senators that the rate of deforestation is higher in southern Alberta than in Amazonia. Less than 9 per cent of Alberta's boreal forest can now be described as wilderness. He emphasized the need for federal leadership, tough laws to protect the forest and recognition that forests have a greater value than just as a source of timber and pulp. Senator Erminie Cohen focussed on Canada's international responsibility to preserve the boreal forest in light of the state of boreal forests in Russia and Scandinavia.

Several specific forestry management concerns in Manitoba and Saskatchewan formed the basis of a detailed presentation by Don Sullivan, North American Coordinator for the Taiga Rescue Network, an international organization focussed on saving the boreal forest. Forest Licenses have been granted to a large tract of virgin forest east of Lake Winnipeg that threatens First Nations communities and the whole boreal landscape, particularly through increased access through roads and bridges. They are pursuing legal action to have the Government of Canada intervene under the Navigable Rivers Protection Act and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. Mr. Sullivan also described the threats to the boreal forest presented by forestry company activity on the Saskatchewan - Manitoba border.

Tim Gray, Executive Director of the Wildlands League, a chapter of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society briefed Senators on the ecological, economic and social issues challenging the preservation of the boreal forest. He pointed out the effect of road networks opening up wild areas, increasing threats to boreal forest wildlife species, the decline in timber supply, and reductions in forest employment resulting from technological and corporate change. Mr. Gray stressed the importance of Canada's environmental image in the international arena. He suggested that solutions can be found through completing an ecologically representative protected areas system, legally requiring long-term sustained yield of all forest values and funding of local community control boards. Chairman Senator Nick Taylor also stressed the importance of traditional aboriginal rights in the boreal forest and potential competing interests between federal protection of aboriginal rights and provincial resource use policies.

Dr. David Schindler of the Department of Biology of the University of Alberta described a 20-year intensive study of boreal forest lakes in Manitoba conducted by a University research team. He demonstrated the extremely dim future for the boreal forest and boreal water resources subjected to the effects of climate warming, stratosphere ozone depletion, acid precipitation, and UV radiation. As the climate warms, evaporation increases and climate becomes drier. The boreal landscape is particularly sensitive to climate change. Dr. Schindler told the Subcommittee that the picture is further darkened when the cumulative effects of fire and other human activity such as clear-cutting compound these pressures. He stressed that provinces seem to want control over the resources and the federal government is too ready to cede control. When the provinces get control, they then pass it to the private sector for development. He told Senators that it is time to put the brakes on and have a second look at where we are going.

Senators on the Subcommittee asked questions and raised issues related to:

  • the state of the boreal forest outside of Canada,
  • effectiveness of awareness and education activities and how they translate into action,
  • aboriginal hunting and fishing rights conflicting with provincial and private sector resource use management,
  • pressures on provincial forestry departments to manage the resource for forest harvesting over preservation,
  • possible roles for independent 5 year audits of forest management areas,
  • the effects of global warming on the boreal forest,
  • whether the boreal forest can respond to climate change by migrating north in the face of soil quality and moisture issues,
  • the role of the federal government in ensuring that traditional aboriginal rights are respected,
  • identifying the appropriate percentage of pristine protected lands,
  • possible focus of certification on production rather than on consumption, and
  • environmental organization attitudes to certification standards.

 

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SENATE SUBCOMMITTEE ON THE BOREAL FOREST
HEARING SUMMARY - November 18, 1998

Ottawa - The Senate Subcommittee on the Boreal Forest met on Wednesday, November 18 in the Senate to hear witnesses from the Canadian Nature Federation, Wildlife Habitat Canada and EarthWitness.

Kevin McNamee, Director of the Wildlands Campaign for the Canadian Nature Federation briefed the Subcommittee on national parks policies in the boreal forest. There are presently 9 national parks in Canada's boreal forest, with at least 6 more to be established by the year 2000. Mr. McNamee told Senators of the need to ensure that those 6 new parks are established and that existing boreal forest parks are better protected and managed. He also illustrated how the policies and activities of other federal departments have threatened existing and proposed national parks in addition to the threat posed by logging outside of the parks.

Mr. McNamee told Senators that parks should be managed to preserve the natural fire cycle. Senator Eileen Rossiter raised the issue of fire's role in forest management and in maintaining biodiversity in the boreal forest landscape. Mr. McNamee also recommended a formal ecosystem agreement between federal and provincial governments, increased funding for Parks Canada to identify human-induced threats and strengthened park interpretative programs.

Wildlife Habitat Canada's efforts related to boreal forest habitat were described by Executive Director David Neave. Their Forest Biodiversity Program, Forest Stewardship Recognition Program and their work on Canada's National Forest Strategy and certification programs focuses on national forest landscape management to better define goals for maintaining ecological sustainability. He discussed the impediments to long term policy commitments including a lack of specific objectives for the range of forest values and a lack of a sense of stewardship within the forest community.

Senator Fernand Robichaud stressed the need to undertake comprehensive consultation with local and aboriginal communities to set goals for sustainable forest management, including setting economic objectives. David Neave also identified the unclear identification of who is responsible for sustaining the forest and a lack of recognition of Canada's competitive advantages internationally in maintaining our natural forests as further long-term policy impediments. Subcommittee Chairman Senator Nick Taylor explored the issue of the potential for development of forests on marginal farmland and possible tax policies to encourage such development.

Garth Lenz of EarthWitness, a professional photographer who specializes in environmental photography made an extensive slide presentation to the Subcommittee on boreal forest activities. He presented a vivid illustration of his experiences with a Slavey family in the Liard River country including visual images of aboriginal ways of life, boreal forest settings, pulp mills and industrial effluent, and clear cutting. Mr. Lenz stressed the major role of the boreal forest in counteracting global warming and climate change and the unique value of wilderness to the Canadian sense of identity.

Senators on the Subcommittee asked questions and raised issues related to:

  • First Nations peoples' dependence on the boreal forest for their way of life,
  • aboriginal hunting and fishing rights conflicting with provincial and private sector resource use management,
  • the role of the federal government in ensuring that traditional aboriginal rights are respected,
  • the focus of provincial forestry departments on raising trees for harvest,
  • possible roles for independent 5 year audits of forest management areas,
  • effects of government forest management versus industry forest management with independent audits,
  • the role and effects of fire as a forest management tool,
  • fire as a possible waste of valuable forest fibre and community and industry reactions to fire as a forest management tool,
  • different harvesting techniques as an alternative to fire in managing forests,
  • the extent to which tree plantations can contribute to biodiversity,
  • potential returns and yields of tree plantations on marginal farmlands,
  • the effects of global warming on the boreal forest, and
  • the core values of maintaining the biodiversity status quo in boreal forests.

 

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SENATE SUBCOMMITTEE ON THE BOREAL FOREST
HEARING SUMMARY - November 23, 1998

Ottawa - The Senate Subcommittee on the Boreal Forest met on Monday, November 23 in the Senate to hear witnesses from the Assembly of First Nations, the National Aboriginal Forest Association and the Teslin, Tlinget Tribal Council. Subcommittee Chairman Senator Nick Taylor opened the hearings by pointing out that forests are much more than a source of timber. "We have visited many boreal forest communities throughout Canada and we have heard of the forest's importance for recreation, wildlife, water and, perhaps most importantly, as a home for those who live there."

Mary Jane Jim-Cant, Yukon Regional Vice-Chief of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) told the Subcommittee that the key concerns of First Nations related to forestry are access to forest resources, infringement on aboriginal and treaty rights, capacity building, and initiating a First Nations' forestry strategy. Eighty per cent of all First Nation communities are located in areas of the country where forestry is one of the dominant economic activities. Ms. Jim-Cant expressed the AFN's concern that interim measures on improved access to natural resources recommended by the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples have not been implemented and that the Indian Act does not provide First Nations with control over timber harvesting in the traditional lands to which they have treaty hunting and fishing rights. In addition, the National Forest Strategy arising from the Canada Forest Accord does not adequately deal with the complex issues related to aboriginal treaty rights and forest management. Senator Mabel DeWare raised the issue of the ability of the recommendations of the Royal Commission Report, if they were implemented, to satisfy First Nations concerns about forestry.

Charlene Higgins, Forest Manager for the Schuswap Nation Tribal Council described several international aspects of aboriginal rights in resource management and biological diversity. She pointed out that, although the 1987 Brundtland Report and the 1992 Rio Declaration recognized the roles and rights of indigenous peoples in sustainable forest development, Canada's National Forest Strategy does not adequately do so. Dr. Higgins also discussed the recognition of the value of traditional knowledge and aboriginal participation in the Convention on Biological Diversity. She told Senators that, at the same time, Canada is pushing the development of a Forest Convention that could have the effect of undermining the Biological Diversity Convention. Senator Eugene Whelan pointed out that the complexity of federal provincial jurisdictional issues in Canada often present a disadvantage for Canada on the international stage in dealing with countries that have more focussed authority over resources.

National Aboriginal Forestry Association (NAFA) Executive Director Harry Bombay told the Subcommittee that his association is seeking a balance between traditional and contemporary economic development while ensuring that forest management sustains First Nations rights and lifestyles. NAFA believes that the federal government has a large role to play in forestry, particularly related to aboriginal rights. They are concerned that the federal government is not effectively representing aboriginal rights to use forest resources in the face of provincial jurisdiction over resource management.

Mr. Bombay also described international trade issues, particularly the NAFTA Softwood Lumber Agreement. The quotas under the agreement disadvantage aboriginal enterprises and their partners. He described the circumstances of eight aboriginal forestry companies that are barely surviving and two that have closed their doors as a result of lack of access to Softwood quotas. NAFA is pursuing an exemption from the agreement for First Nations. Senator Taylor inquired about the degree of international attention and pressures First Nations are encouraging through governments, organizations and certification processes. Mr. Bombay also pointed out that there are a number of good examples of aboriginal co-management and joint ventures with industry that are working. Senator Fernand Robichaud stressed that such examples of aboriginal involvement in forestry should act as models on which to build future efforts.

Blanche Warrington, Manager of Renewable Resources and Hugh Taylor, Director of Lands and Resources described for Senators the concerns of the Teslin, Tlinget Tribal Council over the recent Timber Supply Analysis for the Southern Yukon compiled by the federal Department of Indian and Northern Affairs Forest Resources Division. For the traditional territory of the Teslin Tlinget, available Annual Allowable Cut has been set at 89,000 cubic metres for the next ten years, an increase of 246 per cent in projected timber supply. They have negotiated a reduction to 16,000 cubic metres for the 1998/99 season, but are deeply concerned about the future. Senator Willie Adams discussed the effects of various forest harvesting techniques on the incomes that aboriginal peoples derive from traditional pursuits such as hunting and trapping.

Hugh Taylor asked how Canada can boast at the United Nations about being a world leader in sustainable forest management when they continue to use unsustainable management practices in the Yukon, the only jurisdiction where the federal government manages the forest. Ms. Warrington told Senators that tribal elders are adamant that a 1,000 metre buffer be enforced around navigable waters, rather than the stipulated 100 metre buffer. They will not tolerate clear cutting in their traditional territory and old growth forests must be maintained. She also described the successes they have experienced in the Teslin Tlinget model forest in demonstrating selective harvesting and forest management. Subcommittee Deputy Chair Senator Mira Spivak inquired the legal position of the Teslin Tlinget in consultations with Indian Affairs and the mandate and obligations of the federal department in managing territorial resources.

Senators on the Subcommittee asked questions and raised issues related to:

  • federal abdication of responsibility for managing federal forest lands and aboriginal treaty rights,
  • legal obligations and mandate of federal government to manage resource use on territorial lands,
  • Canada's international position in pushing for a Forest Convention,
  • levels of quotas available to aboriginal forest companies under the Softwood Lumber Agreement,
  • First Nations peoples' dependence on the boreal forest for their way of life,
  • status of recommendations of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples related to forestry,
  • aboriginal hunting and fishing rights conflicting with provincial and private sector resource use management,
  • conflicts which exist in aboriginal communities between development and preservation activities,
  • experiences in running a model forest demonstration area,
  • examples of aboriginal involvement in the forestry industry,
  • effects of the possible establishment of a national park in Teslin Tlinget traditional territory,
  • the role and effects of fire as a forest management tool,
  • prospects for better forest management in the Yukon after devolution of power to the territorial government, and
  • the effect of local employment and economic pressures on forest management decisions.

 

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SENATE SUBCOMMITTEE ON THE BOREAL FOREST
HEARING SUMMARY - November 25, 1998

Ottawa - The Senate Subcommittee on the Boreal Forest met on Wednesday, November 25 in the Senate to hear President Tony Belcourt, Legal Advisor Jean Teillet, Fur Representative Bob Stevenson, and Senior Advisor Ed Swain from the Metis Nation of Canada.

Tony Belcourt provided the Subcommittee with a detailed account of the lack of recognition of the Metis Nation by the federal government, provincial governments and the forest industry. The Metis President emphasized that they are formally recognized in Canada's Constitution and affirmed by the Supreme decisions as one of the three Aboriginal Peoples in Canada. However, federal and provincial governments ignore their rights and status, leaving the Metis out of consultations and programs related to the boreal forest. The witnesses referred the 1990 Sparrow and 1997 Delgamuukw decisions in the Supreme Court. Senator Fernand Robichaud observed that recognition of rights does not necessarily translate into change in government policy or practice.

Specifically, the witnesses made the case that the Department of Indian Affairs or the Canadian Forest Service does not protect Metis interests. Nor do the Metis benefit from the federally funded programs such as the National Aboriginal Forestry Association, and from policy recognition for Aboriginal Peoples such as Ontario's Condition 77. They told Senators that when governments and industry refer to consultations with Aboriginal Peoples, they are really referring to consultations with First Nations since the Metis are excluded. Mr. Belcourt described the federal government as neglecting its duty and fiduciary responsibility towards the Metis. He also described the callous disregard of provincial governments for Metis aboriginal and treaty rights. Subcommittee Deputy Chair Senator Mira Spivak asked for further documentation from the Metis detailing the impact of government policies that disadvantage them.

The Metis Nation asked the Subcommittee on the Boreal Forest to make a strong commitment in the Subcommittee report for inclusion of all aboriginal peoples in forest planning, management, and harvesting rights and to make special reference to the inclusion of the Metis.

Senators on the Subcommittee asked questions and raised issues related to:

  • the definition of Aboriginal People and specific reference to the Metis,
  • involvement of the Metis in the wide range of government programs and activities available to First Nations,
  • legal status of Metis rights to hunting, trapping or forestry in provincial jurisdictions,
  • degree of Metis participation in the Ontario Lands For Life process,
  • similarity between Metis and First Nations concerns about the boreal forest,
  • the industry focus of certification and standards processes for forest companies,
  • the impact of forestry on Metis hunting and trapping activity,
  • aboriginal hunting and fishing rights conflicting with provincial and private sector resource use management, and
  • examples of aboriginal, and particularly, Metis involvement in the forestry industry.

 

COMMUNIQUÉ
SENATE SUBCOMMITTEE ON THE BOREAL FOREST
HEARING SUMMARY - December 2, 1998

Ottawa - The Senate Subcommittee on the Boreal Forest met on Wednesday, December 2 in the Senate to hear witnesses from the James Bay Advisory Committee on the Environment. President Claude Langlois, Luc Bouthillier from the Université Laval Faculty of Forestry and Geomatics and Secretary Denis Bernatchez met with Senators.

President of the James Bay Advisory Committee on the Environment, Claude Langlois, informed the Subcommittee of the Advisory Committee's roles, responsibilities and objectives. The Committee is charged with overseeing management of the environmental protection regime for the whole territory established under the 1978 James Bay Northern Quebec Agreement. Four of the Committee members are appointed by the Government of Canada, four by the Government of Quebec, four by the Cree Regional Government and one from the Hunting, Fishing and Trapping Coordinating Committee. The Committee deals with rules, regulations and procedures on land use and the rights of aboriginal peoples in the James Bay region. Mr. Langlois outlined their guiding principles and stressed that forest management is now one of their main concerns. They are developing criterion indicators for sustainable forestry to review the application of land management under the James Bay Agreement. He indicated that information provided by forestry companies is often incomplete. Deputy Chair Senator Mira Spivak emphasized the enormity of the assault on the boreal forest by forestry companies over the past ten years.

An overview of the Committee's approach to ecosystem management and sustainable forestry was provided to Senators by Luc Bouthillier of the Universite de Laval. He told the Subcommittee that the situation in James Bay deals with very northern boreal forest, an ecosystem made up of smaller trees that take much longer to grow. He expressed the concern that the northern forests are being considered mostly as a wood reserve now that southern forests are more depleted. Mr. Bouthillier stressed that boreal forest values are much greater than merely being a wood supply and that the boreal forest forms the identity and means of living for aboriginal peoples like the Cree. He told Senators that, although the Quebec Government is openly revising its forest policy to consider the forest as part of the province's heritage, the focus remains on assuring future wood supply. Other forest values particularly the rights and participation of Aboriginals in determining forest management are not being adequately addressed. Senator Terry Stratton discussed the reasons for limited success of tree plantation activity in the northern boreal forest environment.

Mr. Bouthillier presented a briefing on James Bay Cree forestry concerns on behalf of Diom Romeo Saganash, the Cree Regional Authority member of the Committee who could not attend the Senate Subcommittee hearing. He noted that since forestry was not perceived as an issue in the James Bay Region twenty years ago it is not specifically addressed by the regulations under the James Bay Agreement and that forest legislation and management in Quebec ignores the land use rights granted to the Cree under the Agreement. Application of forest harvesting rules and practices is stricter and industry is subject to greater enforcement in the south than in the north. The presentation stressed the disadvantages that forest exploitation causes for aboriginal peoples and the need for a separate management framework that takes into account the terms of the James Bay Agreement. Senator Fernand Robichaud discussed the threats of modernization and development in aboriginal communities to their traditional way of life.

Senators on the Subcommittee asked questions and raised issues related to:

  • development of a forestry approach for the northern boreal forest different from forest management elsewhere,
  • possible Subcommittee contributions to establishing a new approach to forestry,
  • the need for knowledge and leadership to develop new forestry approaches,
  • why different provinces are slow to react to implementing sustainable forest management regimes,
  • varying degrees of consultation undertaken by forest companies and how meaningful such consultations are,
  • risks inherent in weakening federal legislation such as the Fisheries Act,
  • changing attitudes in forest industry management, such as in private woodlots in New Brunswick,
  • impacts of forest harvesting on trapping and other traditional Cree activity,
  • attitudes of the Cree to working in the forest industry,
  • impacts of forest harvesting as a means of generating wealth and social development among the James Bay Cree,
  • limiting factors for tree planting and plantations in northern regions,
  • rotation and harvesting cycles in the James Bay boreal forest, and
  • the effects of global warming on rates of growth and productivity in the northern ranges of the boreal forest.

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