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The present Vision wants Canada to be the best in the world in sustainable forest management and a global leader in forest sector innovation. The specific Goals are to: 1) Ensure a prosperous and sustainable future for Canada’s entire forest sector; 2) Become a world leader in innovative policies and actions to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change on forests and forest communities.The desired Outcomes related to Forest Sector Transformation are: 1) New ideas, technologies, processes, and markets are developed through the systematic engagement of science and technology organizations in collaborative research and public-private partnerships; 2) Economic value from forest resources is maximized including through the diversification of uses; 3) Products from Canada’s forests are recognized as an environmentally and socially responsible choice for consumers around the world; 4) The provision of environmental goods and services is taken into account in the sustainable management of Canada’s forest resources, including through the development of new markets; 5) Aboriginals participate meaningfully in an innovative forest sector, including use of their insights and expertise; 6) Highly skilled workers contribute to the expansion of knowledge-based forest industries through education and training; 7) Creative public policies are in place that facilitate forest sector transformation.The desired Outcomes related to Climate Change are: 1) Climate change considerations are included in all aspects of the sustainable management of Canada’s forests; 2) The economic value of carbon in trees, forests, and wood products is recognized, harnessed, and managed; 3) Knowledge gaps in the impacts of climate change on forests, industries, and communities are identified and addressed; 3) Policies and institutions provide means for forests, industries, rural and urban communities, and private woodlot owners to adapt to changing conditions and mitigate the effects of climate change; 4) Innovative adaptation and mitigation practices, including those that integrate Aboriginal knowledge, are developed, shared, and implemented; 5) Many forest-reliant communities, including Aboriginal ones, are involved in the development, sharing, and implementation of forest mitigation and adaptation strategies, including those that integrate Aboriginal knowledge; 6) Institutions and creative policies enable innovators and entrepreneurs to take advantage of transformative and sustainable bio-energy opportunities that contribute to broad climate change objectives.With a view to the implementation of this Vision Federal, provincial, and territorial governments will continue to use a variety of arrangements to consult and involve forest sector members and the general public. Examples include advisory committees, land-use planning processes, and task forces on special issues that involve various groups in sustainable forest management and use of forest resources. In particular, the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers (CCFM) shall champion the Vision to generate greater public awareness of forest issues, and communicate the Vision’s goals and outcomes. The CCFM will convey progress on the Vision, including advancement of sustainable forest management in Canada and progress on priority issues. It will also facilitate the consolidation of progress reports from forest sector partners and will ensure coordination with national initiatives and activities of other ministerial councils, and with its own initiatives and strategies. Every three years, in conjunction with the review of the Vision, the CCFM plans to host a national workshop to showcase initiatives that advance the Vision and to help inform the review process. The provinces own and regulate the natural resources within their boundaries, with powers to legislate for the enhancement, conservation, and management of forest resources. Following the negotiation of devolution agreements with the Government of Canada, the Yukon Government has responsibility for lands and natural resources, including forest management, while to date, devolution agreements with the Governments of the Northwest Territories and of Nunavut are limited to forest management. The federal government is responsible for foreign policy, international trade, and federal lands and parks. It also has a lead responsibility for Indians and lands reserved for Indians, as stipulated in the Constitution Act, 1867. Responsibility for environmental affairs, economic development, and science and technology is shared by governments according to their respective jurisdictions.Aboriginals have a role to play in the development and implementation of sustainable forest management in Canada. Until now, Aboriginal involvement in forest products industries has revolved mainly around the provision of labor and harvested wood. In view of recent transformations occurring in the forest sector, Aboriginals are beginning to diversify their approaches to forest-based development, including the development of non-timber forest products and Aboriginal tourism initiatives.The text consists of 10 Chapters as follows: Executive Summary (1); Introduction (2); Vision (3); Commitment to Sustainable Forest Management (4); Priorities of National Importance—Forest Sector Transformation and Climate Change (5); Goals (6); Desired Outcomes Related to Forest Sector Transformation Climate Change (7); Realizing the Vision through Partnerships (8); Assessing and Communicating Progress (9); Conclusion (10).
Implements: Constitution Act, 1982. (1982-04-17)
