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Quebec gets failing grade

A report released by the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society and the World Wildlife Fund Canada gave Quebec’s reg…
A report released by the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society and the World Wildlife Fund Canada gave Quebec’s regulatory system a failing grade at protecting the province’s environment from the impacts of industrial logging.

Based on an assessment of 17 indicators, the Quebec forestry system has been found to ebb significantly behind those of Ontario and British Columbia. Forestry policies and practices concerning independent auditing, the establishment of protected areas, the retention of trees during logging for wildlife habitat and the management of ecological impacts of road density were targeted as areas in dire need of improvement.

"The Forest Stewardship Council standard and other jurisdictions in Canada provide compelling examples for Quebec to follow in fixing the many deficiencies in its forest management system," confirmed Chris Henschel, manager of forest certification and policy for the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society. "We can have forestry and conservation at the same time. It just takes creativity and the will to do the right thing," he added.

The report outlines specific recommendations for the province to follow in terms of implementing updated forest management and environmental protection policies. Henschel deems these initiatives imperative in Quebec’s quest to maintain a competitive position in the industry. "The government must make these changes to keep pace with market demands and growing societal concern for the state of public forests," he said. "Quebec’s industry will not remain competitive in the changing marketplace if it is allowed to stagnate while others move ahead to protect the environment."