The British North America Acts established the distribution of powers to the parliament and provincial governments once Canada became a dominion in 1867. The forest sector was determined to be a provincial responsibility while the federal government tends to the management of its resources. The Forest lands became primarily owned by provincial and municipal governments with the exceptions of Indigenous and privately owned land. However, federal policies and regulations apply to crown-owned land, which all governments must adhere to. These measures are in place to ensure the conservation, protection, and sustainable growth of forested areas.
The Forest Act designates the Minister of Natural Resources to ensure the sustainable management and protection of Canada’s forest resources through research, public cooperation, and regulatory measures while fostering collaboration with provincial governments and other stakeholders.
The Governor-General may establish Forest Experimental Areas and implement regulations on any crown-owned land if it is deemed beneficial for advancing Canada’s forestry sector.
An example of this was when the amendments to the Timber Regulations were made in 2017, with the Governor General approving the changes on the recommendation of the Minister of Natural Resources.
The Timber Regulations provide a detailed elaboration of the regulations outlined in the Forest Act. It defines key terms and outlines the application process for permits related to the cutting and removal of timber in forest areas. Applicants can be individuals of legal age, corporations, partnerships, or joint ventures. Forestry officers issue permits and enforce regulations. Permits specify the area, amount, and species of timber, and include terms to protect the forest.
Canada’s National park includes extensive forest lands, requiring additional regulations that must be adhered to. The Canada National Parks Act aims to ensure the ecological conservation of the parks and for public leisure for future generations to come.
The federal government has a history of displacing Indigenous communities in order to successfully establish National Parks which were often located on Indigenous land. It was seen as a tactic of colonialism.
This was the case for Stanley Park, it once homed one of the largest Indigenous settlements of the lower mainland known as the Whoi Whoi (X̱wáýx̱way).
The Whoi Whoi (X̱wáýx̱way) settlement before it became Stanley Park
The Whoi Whoi (X̱wáýx̱way) settlement before it became Stanley Park
Here is a startling story of a family from the Whoi Whoi (X̱wáýx̱way) settlement being forcibly displaced from their home. Stanley Park Established
This section will be reviewing the policies and regulations of the three provinces that are the most important to the forest sector of Canada. British Columbia, which generates nearly half of the total lumber of Canada every year. In addition, it has tree species unique to the province and it has helped create over 50,000 jobs in its forestry sector. Ontario is one of the provinces that contains vast forest lands and a considerable amount of unique tree species. Most notably they are progressing in wood utilization, burden reduction, cost competitiveness, Indigenous partnerships, workforce development, and growing market as described in their strategic plan for 2024. Quebec, considering half the province are woodlands (761, 000km²). It consists of a mix of softwood and hardwood lumber which makes it very convenient for harvesting.
British Columbia:
