Ontario proposes to work with First Nations to administer forests under new framework
A proposed framework to modernize Ontario’s Forest Tenure and Pricing System
Ontario understands it must change the way it administers its timber resources. That is why in August 2009, Minister of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry Michael Gravelle released a paper to stimulate discussion on how the forest tenure and pricing system could be improved and updated to support a revitalized forest industry.
The Province has developed a proposed framework and is inviting the people of Ontario to help create a modernized Ontario tenure and timber pricing system. The framework is characterized by:
- A greater role for market forces in the pricing and allocation of Crown timber. This would:
- Create a cost competitive and accessible supply
- Promote efficient and value-added use of timber
- Be responsive to changing conditions.
- Creation of forest management business entities that:
- Are sustainable and financially self-sufficient
- Have clearly defined roles, responsibilities and accountability
- Operate in a business-like manner
- Are sensitive to regional and local interests
- Foster a greater level of local and Aboriginal community involvement in decisions about the economic management of Crown forests
- Operate on an economically competitive, sustainable and ecologically based management areas.
- An improved revenue model that ensures sustainable forest management would encourage investments in future forests and accommodate economic cycles.
Modernization of this model is critical to the quality of life and stability of rural and northern communities. It is consistent with the thrust of the proposed Growth Plan for Northern Ontario, which looks to a new tenure and pricing system to provide more open access to forest resources for innovation and growth in the forest industry, bioeconomy and other forest-based industries.
It supports the recently announced Open Ontario Plan, which calls on the province to open itself to change and new opportunities to attain the growth and employment we need for our future prosperity.
Our forests can be the foundation of a vibrant and growing green economy that is a source of pride and hope for a prosperous and sustainable future. By modernizing our tenure and pricing system, we can begin to realize this vision.
Read the Proposed Framework Now
- Foreword
- Towards Implementation – Opportunities to Contribute
- Obtaining Copies of this Proposed Framework Paper
- Introduction
- Consultations to Date - Feedback and Discussion
- Fundamentals for Tenure and Pricing Reform
- A Proposed Tenure and Pricing Framework
- 1. Establish New Local Forest Management Corporations
- 2. Moving to More Competitive Markets - Increased Access to Wood Supply
- 3. A New Revenue Model
- Making the Transition
- Glossary
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From The North Bay BayToday.ca
Ontario takes a bold step towards modern forest management
By Kate Adams - BayToday.ca - May 01, 2010
On Friday the Minister of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry Michael Gravelle unveiled proposed changes for a fresh approach to how Ontario's forests are managed.
In North Bay Gravelle's colleague Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and MPP for Nipissing Monique Smith gathered with area stakeholders to release the framework, that is open for consultation, which will help move the industry to balanced sustainable practices that include all stakeholders when managing the forest and forest products.
Gravelle and Smith both says the cornerstone of the framework is the introduction of the Local Forest Management Corporations (LFMCs) component and Northwatch spokesperson Brennain Lloyd says the move is a good first step.
Sessions for the public and stakeholders will be held across the province to discuss the framework:
May 18 – Thunder Bay
May 20 – Dryden
May 26 – Marathon
May 28 – Toronto
June 1 – Hearst
June 3 – Timmins
June 8 – Pembroke
June 10 – North Bay
QUICK FACTS
A parallel series of sessions is planned with First Nations and Aboriginal organizations. The framework contains a proposal for five to 15 new LFMCs that would assume responsibility for management, marketing and sale of wood from Crown forests within their defined area.
This is the most comprehensive overhaul of the Ontario’s wood allocation system in decades. It is designed to position Ontario’s forestry sector as an innovative, global player for the 21st century.