Attention News Editors: Lois Corbett, Executive Director of the Conservation Council of New Brunswick, issued the following statement about today’s filing of a legal action by Mi’kmaq First Nations Chiefs opposing the provincial government’s 2014 Crown Forest Management Strategy. She is available for comment.“The statement of claim filed today clearly explains how the strategy is an infringement of Aboriginal rights and treaties, and states that the forest strategy was implemented without prior consultation with First Nations and is clear violation of the centuries old Peace and Friendship Treaties.”
“We agree with them when they say the forestry strategy will significantly, permanently and negatively impact wildlife and the overall health of New Brunswick’s forest while also harming Mi’maq rights to hunt, fish and gather in the forest.”
“The Mi’kmaq First Nations’ legal challenge gives us reason to be hopeful that the forestry strategy will be stopped and new, more wise legislation will be created that upholds Aboriginal rights and treaties and ensures the protection of our forest for the future.”
The former government in New Brunswick released the controversial Crown Lands Forest Management Strategy in 2014. First Nations, conservationists, scientists, economists, hunters and other forest users, retired civil servants and former government Ministers spoke out against the plan, which allowed a 20% increase in the annual allowable cut of softwood from New Brunswick’s forest. The increase in wood supply for industry will come from lands set aside for conservation, namely old forest, wildlife habitat zones and river buffers. The plan will also increase the allowable size of clearcuts from 75 hectares to 100 hectares.
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To arrange an interview, contact: Corey Robichaud, 506 458-8747
Read the statement of claim from the Mi’kmaq First Nations’ Chiefs here.
Read the affidavit filed by CCNB about the 2014 forestry strategy’s impact on water here.
Read CCNB’s media release, “Wildlife, forestry and conservation groups join with scientists and academics to call for new Crown Lands and Forests Act,” here.
Read what the Auditor General said about New Brunswick’s Crown forest management here.