Changes may encourage diversity in B.C.’s forest sector

BRITISH COLUMBIA— Amendments to the Forest Act aim to enhance public trust and ensure public forests are managed to the best interests of all British Columbians.

Forest companies will now need approval from the minister before they dispose of or transfer a tenancy agreement to another party. As a result, the minister will be able to refuse to approve the new arrangement if it is not in the public interest or put conditions on the approval.

Changes to the Forest Act aim to:

• Improve the government’s ability to exert more control over the disposition of Crown tenures
• Ensure public interest is considered in the disposition of Forest Act agreements
• Ensure dispositions and changes of control don’t result in further concentration within the forestry sector and
• Ensure government has the necessary information when needed from companies to inform policy and legislative changes to address emerging forestry issues.