Policy Monitor Canada » Forestry

Public Input Requested on New NWT Wildlife Act

Admin — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 02:04:51 +0000

Public Input Requested on New NWT Wildlife Act

The Government of the Northwest Territories is seeking input from the public on a proposed new Wildlife Act for the Northwest Territories.

“Our government has been working to develop a new Wildlife Act that reflects Northerners’ values and respect for wildlife, so we can conserve wildlife for present and future generations,” said ENR Minister J. Michael Miltenberger. “The proposed legislation has been developed using the same collaborative working group process used for the development of the Species at Risk (NWT) Act, and the next step is seeking input from members of the public to ensure the legislation meets the needs and views of our residents.”

Public engagement and consultation is an important component of developing new wildlife legislation. The GNWT is ensuring Aboriginal governments and organizations, resident harvesters, and other stakeholders are considered when developing the legislation.

As part of that process, a public engagement and consultation document outlining the major elements of the proposed new Wildlife Act is available at local ENR Offices or by visiting the ENR website at www.enr.gov.nt.ca

“I encourage everyone in the territory with a stake in this process to review the document and provide us with your comments,” said Minister Miltenberger. “Our goal is to introduce a new Wildlife Act for review by the Legislative Assembly during the 2011 winter session, and we want to ensure that all NWT residents have an opportunity to make their voices heard.”

Some of the main elements of the proposed new legislation are:

• Broader Application – The new act will apply to almost all animals that are wild in nature, including insects, but excepting fish.
• Principles – Includes principles similar to those found in land-claim agreements.
• Aboriginal Rights – Respects and supports Aboriginal rights to harvest, possess, barter, trade, gift and be involved in the management of wildlife.
• Cooperative Management – Promotes a collaborative working relationship among all bodies responsible for managing wildlife in the NWT.
• Emergency Actions – Includes the development of a process to guide the implementation of emergency actions taken for conservation purposes.
• Community Involvement – Includes elders and local harvesting committees in developing hunter education and identifying traditional values and practices.
• Aboriginal Harvesters – General hunting licences would no longer be needed. Proof of entitlement to harvest or an Aboriginal harvester card would be sufficient.
• Resident Hunters – People who have lived in the NWT for one year would be eligible for a Resident Hunting Licence.
• Harvest Reporting – All licensed hunters would be required to report their annual harvest.
• Priority for Harvest Allocation – Follow priorities for allocation of harvest established through land claim agreements. Priorities for allocation in areas without a settled land claim agreement would be set out it the legislation.
• Wastage – Prohibitions against wastage would be strengthened and improved.
• Increased Fines and Penalties – Maximum fines would increase to $50,000 for individuals, $100,000 for corporations and $250,000 for commercial offences related to wildlife and wildlife habitat.
• Five Year Review – The Act would be reviewed by the Legislative Assembly in five years to determine if changes or additions are required.

Development of new wildlife legislation supports the GNWT’s Managing This Land strategic initiative and the 16th Legislative Assembly’s goal of realizing an environment that will sustain present and future generations.

For more information, contact:

Judy McLinton
Manager, Public Affairs and Communication
Environment and Natural Resources
Government of the Northwest Territories
Tel: (867) 873-7379
Email: judy_mclinton@gov.nt.ca

B.C. Consults on Zero Net Deforestation

Admin — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 19:41:47 +0000

VICTORIA – The Province is inviting input until July 9 to develop an implementation plan for the Zero Net Deforestation Act passed earlier this year. The act’s main goal is to achieve zero net deforestation in British Columbia by 2015.

Planting trees to convert non-forest lands into forested areas and finding ways to decrease deforestation are part of British Columbia’s Climate Action Plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

First Nations, communities, sector associations, industry and all other British Columbians are asked to submit their comments before July 9 by:

Using an electronic response form at www.for.gov.bc.ca/hfp/znd/feedback.htm.
Sending an email to ZND@gov.bc.ca, or
Mailing a written reply to:

Tom Niemann

Product Innovation and Climate Change Branch

Ministry of Forests and Range

PO Box 9525 Stn Prov Govt

Victoria, B.C. V8W 9C3

A summary of the submissions will be made available this fall.

Deforestation occurs when forests are permanently cleared for a non-forest land use such as building a highway, developing a housing subdivision, or extracting oil and gas or mineral resources. Timber harvesting in sustainably managed forests is not considered deforestation. Forest licensees in B.C. are required by law to reforest.

Visit www.for.gov.bc.ca/hfp/znd for more information about zero net deforestation.

Statement by Federal Minister on Forestry

Admin — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 23:28:00 +0000

Statement by the Honourable Christian Paradis, P.C., M.P. Minister of Natural Resources concerning Canada’s forest industry

Diversification is the key to a prosperous future for Canada’s forest sector. Particularly, the development of biomarkets offers a wealth of possibilities. The forest sector of tomorrow will produce everything from solvents and plastics to heat and fuel.

Since 2006, our Government has been making significant investments to help transform Canada’s forest sector. As a key collaborator in the BioPathways research project, we are helping drive the future of the forest sector by developing new, Canadian biotechnologies. In this way, our Government is looking to tomorrow’s markets today.

The $1-billion Pulp and Paper Green Transformation Program is helping companies become leaders in the production of renewable energy from forest biomass.

With a $292.5-million investment, $170 million of which came through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, we are expanding new domestic and international markets, advancing innovation and helping FPInnovations develop the next breakthrough technologies.

Our Government is working with partners such as the Forest Products Association of Canada and FPInnovations to build a world-class industry that is a driver of growth and a leader in the clean energy economy of tomorrow.

Review of Railway Cost of Capital

Admin — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 19:20:09 +0000

Review of Railway Cost of Capital Methodology

- January 18, 2010
A review of the Canadian Transportation Agency’s (Agency) cost of capital methodology is currently in progress. The review is being conducted in two phases: a study phase and a hearing phase. In the study phase, an independent consultant will examine existing cost of capital methodologies and principles. The consultant will also review the Agency’s current cost of capital methodology and the cost of capital methodologies used by other economic regulatory bodies. When this phase has concluded, there will be a hearing phase during which a panel of Agency Members will consider the consultant’s report and gather evidence from railway companies, shippers and other interested parties to ascertain if there is a potentially superior methodology or methodologies, or improvements that should be made, to the Agency’s current “benchmark” methodology. During the study phase, interested parties will be given the opportunity to provide feedback at specific points in the process as outlined in the Terms of Reference. Submissions should be forwarded to:

Canadian Transportation Agency
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0N9

January 18, 2010 – Final Terms of Reference Distributed to Stakeholders

Correspondence from the Agency Secretary – January 18, 2010
Distribution List
Final Terms of Reference [PDF]

Forest Management Planning:NFLD

Admin — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 15:20:55 +0000

Forest Management Planning Process Begins in Central Region

The Department of Natural Resources will start public discussion on the preparation of the new five-year operating plan for Forest Management Districts 10, 11, 12 and 13 in central Newfoundland with an initial meeting on January 20, 2010.

This first session is open to all individuals and organizations interested in, or affected by, forest management activities in these districts. This includes area residents, community leaders, commercial timber harvesters, domestic wood cutters, outfitters and environmental organizations. The session will be held at 7 p.m. at the Mount Peyton Hotel in Grand Falls-Windsor.

“We undertake this planning process every five years as part of our approach to sustainable forest management in the development of operational plans for forestry activity,” said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency. “We want to engage the public and interest groups at the beginning of this process so we can identify and address any potential conflicts prior to developing the operating plan.”

The five-year plan details forestry activities within operating areas that are consistent with the province’s sustainable forest management strategy and the principle of sustainable development.

The session on January 20, 2010, will explain the planning process. Representatives from various interest groups or any individual can participate on a planning team, which will meet regularly until the final plan is complete. The team will identify and evaluate differing values and work together to address concerns raised during the process.

The planning team must accomplish its task within the boundaries of existing legislation, regulations and policies, with the goal of preparing a document that is mutually acceptable to all planning team members. The planning process is expected to take six to seven months to complete. The plan will then be submitted to the Minister of Environment and Conservation for environmental assessment.

Districts 10, 11, 12 and 13 include the following broad areas: Bishop’s Falls (Sunday Pond and Miguel Lake areas along the Bay d’Espoir Highway); Grand Falls-Windsor (New Bay Lake, Middleton Lake, Lemottes, Paradise Lake and Noel Paul areas); Badger (Badger Lake, North and South Twin Lakes, Exploits River and Joe Glodes Pond areas); Millertown, Buchans Junction and Buchans (Red Indian Lake, Valley Brook, Harpoon Brook, Victoria River, Lloyd’s River and Portage Pond areas).

First Nations Consultation Guides for BC Environmental Assessment

Admin — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 18:31:00 +0000

Proponent Guide for providing First Nation Consultation Information – Non-Treaty First Na tions (formally called Supplemental to Environmental Assessment Office 2009 User Guide – Application Information Requirements and Required First Nations Information) (Jan 2010)

This document provides guidance to proponents on meeting consultation expectations which relate to the potential impacts of the proposed project on aboriginal rights, including title. This document is not intended to be a comprehensive guide on how to consult with First Nations or to replicate materials covered in the Environmental Assessment Office 2009 User Guide. This guide provides specific parameters to proponents on ways to obtain required First Nation information. A separate guide exists for required information regarding Treaty Nations.
Purpose

Proponent Guide for Providing Treaty Nation Consultation Information – Treaty Nations (formally called Supplemental to: Environmental Assessment Office 2009 User Guide – Application Information Requirements and Treaty Nations) (Jan 2010)

This document provides guidance to proponents on meeting consultation expectations which relate to the potential impacts of the proposed project on the treaty rights and interests which arise under the treaty between the First Nation, the Province and Canada. This document is not intended to be a comprehensive guide on how to consult with First Nations, how to interpret First Nation treaties, or to replicate information provided in the Environmental Assessment Office 2009 User Guide. This guide is also not intended to replace or fully articulate the Province’s duties and responsibilities as established under existing treaties. Further, a proponent who is contemplating any project that may impact a First Nation with a treaty should seek to have the potential impacts to the treaty interpreted and explained by the Environmental Assessment Office (EAO).

BC RANCHING TASK FORCE FINAL REPORT

Admin — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 18:01:31 +0000

December 09, 2009

RANCHING TASK FORCE PRESENTS FINAL REPORT TO PROVINCE

VICTORIA – The Ranching Task Force (RTF) presented its final report and recommendations to strengthen the ranching industry in B.C. to Minister of Agriculture and Lands Steve Thomson today.

“I would like to thank the Ranching Task Force for their work on the report,” said Thomson. “Cattle ranching has a long, proud heritage in B.C. and I am optimistic that the future holds much opportunity, particularly as a result of the work the task force has done.”

The RTF was formed at the request of Premier Gordon Campbell to address the regulatory issues hindering the B.C. cattle sector. The task force was charged with identifying regulatory barriers and making recommendations addressing these barriers to assist the industry to thrive, given the current economic climate.

“Ranchers are people who understand adversity, hard work and the need to adapt and innovate,” said Terry Lake, parliamentary secretary to the RTF and MLA for Kamloops-North Thompson. “Regular meetings with industry over the last few months were very effective to discuss ways of creating opportunities and eliminating barriers for ranchers in this province.”

Many of the RTF’s recommendations focus on changes to regulations and policies related to topics such as water access, wildlife management, slaughter waste disposal and infrastructure. The RTF also expresses support for recently announced fencing programs and the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST), which will benefit both ranching and agricultural business in general.

“The task force allowed industry to clearly identify the issues facing the ranching sector today,” said Roland Baumann, president of the B.C. Cattlemen’s Association and RTF co-chair. “The suggested changes should help the Province and ranchers work together to sustain the industry long into the future.”

The complete report outlining the RTF’s final recommendations are available online at www.ranchingtaskforce.gov.bc.ca.

PEI Lawn Care Pesticide Restrictions Announced

Admin — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 20:53:50 +0000

Lawn Care Pesticide Restrictions Announced

Environment, Energy & Forestry

Legislative amendments introduced today, by Environment, Energy and Forestry Minister Richard Brown, will restrict the use and sale of many domestic class lawn care pesticides.

The Pesticides Control (Restriction of Lawn-care Products) Amendment Act will ban the sale and use of domestic class pesticides that are combination products, hose-end products, pesticide concentrates, and spreadable granulars. These groups amount to some 240 end-use pesticide products. In addition, the use of pesticides containing the active ingredient 2,4-D will be restricted to application on golf courses.

Following the scheduled April 1, 2010, implementation of this new legislation, a number of ready-to-use insecticides, herbicides and fungicides will continue to be available for sale and use within PEI. All lawn-care fertilizers will also continue to be available.

“Licensed landscape applicators must now hold a certificate from the department’s Pesticide Regulatory Program. To obtain this certificate, a person must have training in integrated pest management approaches that de-emphasize the use of pesticides as the primary way of dealing with the weeds, fungi or harmful insects,” said Minister Brown. “Government’s aim in bringing in these amendments is to stop the misuse and overuse of powerful lawn care chemicals. I believe this approach will achieve that goal.”

The new act has been closely modelled after similar legislation to be enacted in mid-December in the Province of New Brunswick.

For more information on the restriction on lawn pesticides visit the Environment, Energy and Forestry website www.gov.pe.ca/enveng or the Domestic Pesticides page.

BACKGROUNDER

Changes to the Pesticides Control Act

Pesticides Control (Restriction of Lawn-care Products) Amendment Act

A ban on the sale and use of domestic lawn pesticides

The program will go into effect April 1, 2010. Banned domestic lawn care pesticides will include:

1. Combination products (e.g., fertilizer–herbicide blends)

2. Concentrates requiring dilution before use

3. Hose-end products (also concentrates)

4. Granular products

5. Products containing the active ingredient 2,4-D

As part of this initiative, lawn-care pesticides will not be used on Crown-owned property, with the exclusion of golf courses.

As of April 1, 2010, homeowners may not purchase or apply any of the over 240 pesticides that meet the criteria of the Over-the-Counter Products banned list.

Homeowners may still purchase and apply ready-to-use lawn care pesticides that do not meet the banned criteria.

As of April 10, 2010, retailers will not be permitted to sell the products that meet the criteria of the Over-the-Counter Products banned list.

Lawn Care Companies

A lawn care company applying pesticides must hold a valid Class E (landscape) Pesticide Application Business Licence.

A company holding a Class E Pesticide Application Business Licence must submit, annually, a detailed record of their pesticide use.

Each individual who may apply a pesticide for a lawn care company must hold a valid Class E (landscape) Pesticide Applicator Certificate. This certification includes training in Integrated Pest Management.

The broadcast application of a pesticide by licensed applicators will be discouraged.

2,4-D Banned for Lawn Care

Pesticides containing the active ingredient 2,4-D may no longer be used on lawns. The use of pesticides containing 2,4-D will be restricted to application on commercial golf courses.

Ontario Tax Policy Changes

Admin — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 22:14:22 +0000

November 16, 2009 1:30 PM

McGuinty Government Introduces Legislation To Cut Taxes And Create Jobs

Ontario is introducing new legislation that would increase business investment, create new jobs and raise incomes.

Today, the province introduced The Ontario Tax Plan for More Jobs and Growth Act, 2009 that, if passed, would provide individuals, families and businesses with more than $15 billion in tax cuts over three years.

Along with the proposed Harmonized Sales Tax (HST), 93 per cent of taxpayers would pay less personal income tax, while 90,000 low-income Ontarians would no longer pay any provincial personal income tax. The province is also proposing to almost double the property tax and sales tax credits, putting more money back in the pockets of more Ontarians.

Proposed tax cuts for business would enhance the benefits of the proposed HST by attracting more business investment into Ontario and creating even more jobs.

Beginning July 1, 2010:

The general Corporate Income Tax (CIT) rate would be cut from 14 per cent to 12 per cent and further reduced to 10 per cent over three years.

The CIT rate on manufacturing and processing, mining, logging, farming and fishing would be cut from 12 per cent to 10 per cent.

The small business CIT rate would be cut from 5.5 per cent to 4.5 per cent, and

The small business deduction surtax of 4.25 per cent would be eliminated.

QUICK FACTS

A recent study, Ontario’s Bold Move to Create Jobs and Growth, by Jack Mintz, states that the HST, combined with Ontario’s proposed corporate income tax rate cuts and other recent tax changes, would significantly increase jobs and capital investment, and lead to higher annual incomes for Ontarians.
The Mintz study estimates that within 10 years, 591,000 net new jobs would be created and annual incomes would increase by up to 8.8 per cent.

LEARN MORE

Consultation on the Repeal of the Timber marking Act and Rules

Admin — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:37:40 +0000

November 10, 2009 – January 8, 2010

As part of the Canadian Intellectual Property Office’s (CIPO) commitment to improving the IP administrative framework, CIPO proposes to repeal the Timber Marking Act and its associated Rules. Based on CIPO’s assessment of the legislation in the context of current forest industry practices, CIPO considers that this legislation has become obsolete and offers no benefit to Canadians or to the forestry sector of the Canadian economy. The purpose of this consultation is to seek your views on this proposal. Your attention is directed to the following document, which explains the proposal:

Proposal to Repeal the Timber Marking Act and Timber Marking Rules