Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My statement today concerns forest management in the Deh Cho. Mr. Speaker, many residents in my riding are confused by the policies and practices of the GNWT with regard to the issuance of timber cutting permits in Cameron Hills, through seemingly little reliable information about sustainable forest inventory and how it relates to the annual allowable cut as calculated by the forest management division of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development.
Indeed, much of the information seems contradictory in nature. Yet despite these contradictions, many timber cutting permits were issued this winter, and many residents are concerned about the environment. Mr. Speaker, it is essential that the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development increase its focus on community consultation with regard to forest management issues.
These consultations should be meaningful, Mr. Speaker. By that I mean the department should give consideration to including communities in some kind of inclusive decision making with regard to forest management issues.
Mr. Speaker, the Forest Management Act allows for the development of forest management agreements with communities. These agreements, if structured properly, could allow for more meaningful community participation and decision making, as well as ensuring that benefits from forest management activity accrue to the communities in which the activity takes place.
Mr. Speaker, as the Cameron Hills is an area of shared traditional land use between the residents of Kakisa Lake, Hay River Dene Reserve and Fort Providence, I suggest the forest management division pursues a tri-community approach to forest management issues. Perhaps a comprehensive forest management agreement could be developed between the three communities. I further suggest that the forest management division not focus on jurisdictional issues and the retention of powers when considering policies and practices. Instead, it should focus on maximizing community participation in forest management. In doing so, it will help form a more solid base of community support for GNWT involvement in forest management issues as well as other resource management initiatives. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
-- Applause