Why Quebec’s forestry reform is facing backlash from Indigenous groups, conservationists [Video]

Quebec’s sweeping reform of how forests are managed is causing concerns among Indigenous leaders, conservation groups and unions, who warn the changes prioritize logging over long-term health of the ecosystem.

Bill 97, tabled this spring by Minister of Natural Resources and Forests Maïté Blanchette Vézina, proposes to divide the forest into three zones: one that prioritizes conservation, one focused on timber production and a third zone for multiple uses.

At least 30 per cent of Quebec’s forests will fall into that second category, Blanchette Vézina said. 

Speaking at the legislative hearing on Bill 97, which wrapped up this week, Lac-Simon Anishnabe Nation Chief Lucien Wabanonik says he wants to see it scrapped and rewritten from scratch in collaboration with First Nations people.

“They call it triade in French, meaning 30 per cent of the territory will be specifically used by the industry in exclusion of other users. They exclude everyone else,” he said. 

“It’s …