(Quebec) The Legault government is talking about another drop in allowable forestry a few weeks before the submission of its caribou protection strategy.
He had limited the wood harvest in 2023 after major fires devastated the Quebec forest.
In an interview with The Canadian Press, the Minister of Natural Resources and Forests, Maïté Blanchette Vézina, recognized that the measure had an impact “on the regional economy”.
The drop in allowable forestry will lead to losses of billions of dollars, declared during question period on Wednesday the interim leader of the Liberal Party of Quebec, Marc Tanguay.
“What this represents is the loss, in two by four, of a sufficient number to build 23,000 housing units, Mme the president. It threatens 2,700 jobs,” he said.
The minister, who set up an interministerial committee, says she is aware of the consequences and promises to “support” the sector as a major reflection on the future of the forest begins.
At the same time, the government will table its highly anticipated woodland caribou protection strategy, which will have another “impact on forestry potential,” recognizes the minister.
The status quo is not possible. Climate change is forcing us to review our ways of doing things in and around the forest.
Maïté Blanchette Vézina
Last fall, the chief forester, Louis Pelletier, wondered “are our management choices appropriate in the face of recurrent fires?” »
He suggested favoring species that are less sensitive to fire or better adapted to regenerating after fires, and to provide patterns in the deployment of crops and infrastructure that are less favorable to fires.
“We can do better to be more efficient. […] I know that people are ready to think about that,” says M.me Blanchette Vézina, who is launching discussion tables on the future of the forest.
Five themes will be addressed: the reconciliation of uses, wood supply, economic development and regional benefits, sustainable forest management and indigenous partnerships.
Quebecers who wish to participate online will be able to do so from February 13 to April 12. A series of regional meetings will culminate on April 11 with a national table.
First Nations and Inuit are invited to participate in all discussion tables.