Review of Forest Tenure Models: Frequently Asked Questions
The following are answers to some commonly asked questions about the Review of
Forest Tenure Models.
What is forest tenure?
Forest tenure is about who manages Crown forests and how companies get access to
wood. In Ontario, the conditions and obligations placed on those who manage Crown
forests and access wood are regulated primarily through:
1. Forest Resource Licences (FRLs)
2. Sustainable Forest Licences (SFLs)
Forest tenure modernization focuses on SFLs.
What is forest tenure modernization?
In 2009 Ontario began the process of modernizing the system that governs who
manages Crown forests and how companies get wood. Forest tenure modernization is
a long-term commitment, carefully considering the interests of local communities, the
forest industry, Aboriginal peoples, and other stakeholders.
The purpose of forest tenure modernization is to support the growth of the forest
industry and job creation. The objectives also include more meaningful involvement of
local and Aboriginal communities in the management of local forests and more access
to wood for more companies, including new entrants to the industry. This supports the
growth of the forestry sector and job creation.
The plan to modernize forest tenure involves the transition to new, more inclusive,
tenure models to govern the business of forestry in Ontario. This includes:
o Local Forest Management Corporations (LFMCs)
o Enhanced Sustainable Forest License Companies (ESFL Companies)
Why is MNRF undertaking a review of forest tenure models?
The Minister has asked MNRF to undertake a review of all new and existing forest
tenure models by 2016 (the “Review of Forest Tenure Models” or, the “Review”). It is
the first time Ontario has formally examined the performance and effectiveness of the
various forest tenure models. The findings from the Review will help the ministry
assess how well the existing and new models are moving towards meeting the
objectives of tenure modernization, and identify opportunities to improve existing and
future models.
We are working collaboratively with a committee of stakeholders, First Nations and
Métis to provide advice to the Minister regarding a review of Ontario’s forest tenure
models, which may assist in the direction of forest tenure modernization after 2016.
What is being reviewed?
MNRF is preparing to review the various Crown forest tenure models in Ontario.
The Review will include different kinds of Ontario’s forest management models (those
existing and under development). These are:
o Forest tenure models that hold or are intended to hold Sustainable Forest
Licences (SFL) (i.e. single entity, shareholder, not for profit, Enhanced SFL)
o Crown Agencies performing forest management and forestry operations (i.e.
Algonquin Forestry Authority, Nawiinginokiima Forest Management
Corporation)
MNRF and the Forest Tenure Modernization Oversight Group will determine the forest
tenure entities to be reviewed and develop the review process. The Review will follow in
2016.
How can a review be completed with only one Local Forest Management
Corporation (LFMC) and without any Enhanced SFLs established?
This Review will:
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provide baseline data on forest management models for future reviews
provide insights for improvements for any future reviews
potentially provide suggestions for improvements for forest tenure modernization
This is an early assessment to determine how the various models meet the goals and
objectives of tenure modernization.
It may provide insight into potential changes to a model’s characteristics going forward.
What involvement will Aboriginal people and our stakeholders have?
Aboriginal people and stakeholders will be involved in a number of ways. The formal
channel is through the Forest Tenure Modernization Oversight Group. Established in
January 2014, the Forest Tenure Modernization Oversight Group has approximately 20
members representing various Aboriginal and stakeholder groups including forest
sector, communities, First Nation and Métis peoples as well as members at large (e.g.
academia) and designated MNRF staff.
The Forest Tenure Modernization Oversight Group is the primary means for Aboriginal
and stakeholder collaboration and engagement in the Review of Ontario’s Forest
Tenure Models Project. It also acts as the Steering Committee for the project.
What is the timeline for the Review of Forest Tenure Models Project?
The Review of Forest Tenure Models Project is an approximately two and a half year
project that is expected to be completed in the early spring of 2017. It is currently in
Phase One where the measures are being developed. Until November 13, 2015 you
have the opportunity to provide feedback on the draft measures [Greg add hyperlink]
with this form [Greg add hyperlink]. Feedback received will be used to finalize the
measures. In 2016, an independent consultant will undertake the Review using the
measures that were collaboratively developed with the Forest Tenure Modernization
Oversight Group.
How will the Review results be used?
After the Review is completed, the Forest Tenure Modernization Oversight Group will
utilize the findings from the Review to prepare a report, which should be delivered to the
Minister by the end of March 2017. The recommendations will contribute to shaping
forest tenure modernization beyond 2017.
What will the role of Aboriginal people be?
There are five members on the Forest Tenure Modernization Oversight Group
representing Aboriginal organizations. These Aboriginal members have a role to share
information and communicate with their constituents regarding the Review. MNRF will
also notify Aboriginal organizations and communities of opportunities to provide input
before and during the Review.