Chaired by Ms. Nancy Gélinas, Dean of the Faculty of Forestry, Geography and Geomatics of the University Laval and professor-researcher in forest economics, this traveling independent commission will travel to certain regions where boreal or mountain caribou are found, namely the Capitale-Nationale (Charlevoix), Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, Côte-Nord , Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Nord-du-Québec and Gaspésie regions. To complete this mandate, Ms. Gélinas will be accompanied by two commissioners, Mr. Clément D’Astous and Mr. Florent Gagné, who both acted as deputy ministers in several Quebec departments. These commissioners were chosen for their expertise in the areas of sustainable development, namely the environment, the social component and the economy.
The Commission will meet with citizens, Aboriginal communities and stakeholders in the targeted regions. People from other regions who want to address the caribou issue can do so by submitting a brief.
The proposed scenarios are based on the analysis of the Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs and relate, on the one hand, to the possible solutions proposed by the regional operational groups and, on the other hand, to a scenario without addition impact on wood supply.
At the end of the hearings scheduled for winter 2022, a report and recommendations will be sent to the Minister of Forests, Wildlife and Parks and integrated into the future strategy.
Removal of forest areas
In addition, following the announcement concerning the Commission, Minister Dufour announced the withdrawal of nearly 155,000 hectares (1,550 km2) of paleudified forest area from its management for the benefit of caribou. The Minister asked the Chief Forester to remove the affected territories from his calculation of forestry opportunities for 2023-2028.
These paleudified landscapes provide quality habitat for boreal caribou, as evidenced by population monitoring data that show high use of these territories by this species. The process of paludification consists of a gradual accumulation of organic matter caused by the prolonged absence of severe disturbances on soil with low permeability in a landscape dominated by flat topography.
Quote:
“The creation of this independent commission, the first of its kind in Canada, and the protection of caribou-friendly territories demonstrate our government’s commitment to finding concrete and pragmatic solutions for the sustainability of caribou in Quebec. The two proposed scenarios and the upcoming public hearings are a continuation of these efforts and aim to paint a complete and comprehensive picture of the challenges we face in achieving this objective. »
Mr. Pierre Dufour, Minister of Forests, Wildlife and Parks and Minister responsible for the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region and the Nord-du-Québec region
“I was pleased to accept the presidency of this independent commission whose work will be decisive in promoting the sustainability of caribou and the vitality of forest regions. My team and I will make sure to cover all aspects that directly or indirectly affect this iconic species for the public, in order to provide insights and sustainable solutions that will guide the government in developing its strategy and making decisions. . »
Ms. Nancy Gélinas, President of the Commission
Related links:
For more information on the MFFP, its activities and achievements, visit mffp.gouv.qc.ca and his social media feeds:
https://www.facebook.com/ForetsFauneParcs
https://twitter.com/MFFP_Quebec
Source :
Michael Vincent
Director of Communications and
Press officer
Office of the Minister of Forests,
Wildlife and Parks and
minister responsible for the region of
Abitibi-Témiscamingue and the
Nord-du-Québec region
Telephone: 514 231-2251
Information:
Media Relations
Ministry of Forests, Wildlife
and parks
[email protected]
Telephone: 418 521-3875
SOURCE Office of the Minister of Forests, Wildlife and Parks
