The dialogue emphasized the existing strengths within the Canadian forest context that mark the path towards a constructive IFL/ICL approach including:
- Recognizing that approximately 78% of Intact Forest in Canada are outside forest tenures;
- Current initiatives across Canada related to Species at Risk (SARA) legislation, particularly woodland caribou will further enhance protection of IFL’s;
- The support and guidance of First Nations as equal partners;
- The strong commitment of communities and workers to forestry in Canada
FSC Canada is charting the path forward to develop viable Canadian standards. “There is a strong and unified commitment from participants around the world to ensure a viable and constructive outcome after this summit on IFLs and ICLs. Together with the forest industry, aboriginal communities, trade unions, environmental organizations and governments, we are optimistic that a solution oriented approach in Canada will support the growth of FSC”, said Francois Dufresne, President of FSC Canada.
Ensuring that the implementation of IFL guidelines are pragmatic and achievable in the Canadian context, is essential to maintaining the engagement of the forestry industry. “I was very pleased to participate in the international forum on IFLs and remain confident that ‘a made in Canada’ standard will lead to enhancements to Canada’s status as a world leader in forest management and protection”, said James Lopez, President and CEO of Tembec.