Quebec accused of catering to logging industry as it reviews how forests are managed [Video]

Quebec’s boreal forest — twice the size of France — is a vast expanse of wilderness rich in biodiversity that can lock up huge amounts of climate-warming carbon dioxide.

It is also an economic driver for dozens of small communities.

With plant closures, job losses and the looming possibility of U.S. tariffs, Quebec’s forestry sector is under strain — and the province is trying to make changes to support it.

But Indigenous leaders and environmental groups worry Quebec’s planned reforms would give logging companies too much power over what areas are allowed to be cut.

Officials from the province’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests met with stakeholders, including First Nations groups, environmental groups and industry groups, behind closed doors this fall to discuss the proposed changes.

Participants were asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement before being shown details of the plan. Several First Nations groups refused to sign the document, and 20 leaders went public with their concerns.

“Quebec has to be transparent …