The Quebec government has committed to making revisions to a controversial forestry bill that has led to blockades and escalating tensions in the province.
In a statement on social media, Indigenous Affairs Minister Ian Lafrenière emphasized the importance of amending the forestry reform bill to respect the rights of First Nations. This declaration followed a lengthy six-hour meeting between government officials, First Nations leaders, and representatives from the forest industry.
Lafrenière, along with Natural Resources Minister Maïté Blanchette Vézina, is scheduled to meet with the Assembly of First Nations Quebec–Labrador and Premier François Legault’s office on Wednesday to further address the concerns raised.
The proposed legislation aims to designate specific areas of public land as forestry zones, but Indigenous leaders argue that it encroaches on their rights and sovereignty. The ongoing protests, including blockades, against the bill have caused disruptions in the forestry sector operations.
