Government of Yukon
News archives
FOR RELEASE #08-267
October 27, 2008
New Forest Resources Act Tabled
WHITEHORSE – Brad Cathers, Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources, tabled the Forest Resources Act in the Legislative Assembly today. The act is the first piece of post-devolution legislation developed in cooperation with the Successor Resource Legislation Working Group.
“The Forest Resources Act reflects the Yukon government’s commitment to building a viable forest industry while preserving Yukon’s environment,” Cathers said. “It is the result of an extensive public consultation process and accommodates the needs of all Yukon forest users.”
The proposed act presents a proactive management approach that supports a modern forest industry. It will enable the government to promote new investment in the forest sector while ensuring public interests are protected.
“Forests are a very important part of the Yukon way of life,” Cathers added. “They are used as a source of heat, food, recreation and income. This act represents Yukon’s forward thinking approach to forest planning, which will ensure that forest use occurs in a sustainable, environmentally responsible manner.”
The proposed act focuses on three pillars:
• Planning—which identifies requirements for Forest Resources Management Plans as outlined in Final Agreements with Yukon First Nations, as well as the integration of forest plans with other resource plans.
• Tenure—enables large and small scale tenures to accommodate and encourage a forest industry appropriate in size and scale to Yukon, and local needs.
• Compliance and enforcement—provides government with modern enforcement tools and administrative procedures.
This new legislation replaces the outdated Timber Regulations under the Territorial Lands Act, which were developed by the Federal government and inherited by Yukon through the Devolution Transfer Agreement.
For more information on Yukon’s forests visit: www.forestry.gov.yk.ca/
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| Contact: | |
| Matthew Grant Cabinet Communications 867-633-7961 matthew.grant@gov.yk.ca |
Mark Roberts Communications, Energy, Mines & Resources 867-667-5307 mark.roberts@gov.yk.ca |