Good news regarding the proposed woodlots on Gambier Island! The Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations has decided to take more time before making a decision, getting more input from the people affected directly by the logging. Here is the comment from the Minister: The Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations has decided to decline to accept a winning applicant in the recent tendering of two woodlots on Gambier Island in order for the Province of British Columbia to address community concerns and undertake further consultations with the Squamish Nation consistent with the Supreme Court of Canada’s recent decision in Tsilhqot’in Nation v. BC (Tsilhqot’in decision). On June 26, 2014, several months after the woodlots were tendered but prior to the selection decision, the Supreme Court of Canada delivered its decision in this case which provided greater clarity both on Aboriginal title and the Province’s responsibilities in relation to both established and asserted Aboriginal title. In reviewing the consultation record for the two Woodlot Licence areas, the Minister concluded that more work needs to be done to ensure that the Province properly carries out its constitutional obligations consistent with this new direction, as well as to address the public interest.
Posted on: Wed, 05 Nov 2014 17:10:57 +0000