The government is scrapping the controversial forestry reform Bill 97, previously pushed by ex-minister Maïté Blanchette Vézina.
Premier François Legault is set to reveal this decision at the Quebec Federation of Municipalities conference in Quebec City on Thursday, as verified by The Canadian Press following an initial report by La Presse.
Bill 97, introduced in April, aimed to grant more authority to the forestry sector. Its key feature was the establishment of “priority forest management zones” to offer industry stability and put reforestation duties in its hands.
The government’s objective was to enhance productivity per hectare and concentrate forestry impacts in these designated zones over time.
However, the reform faced heavy opposition from environmental advocates, Indigenous communities, and scientists. Even the forestry industry itself urged the government to revise the bill.
The legislation was championed by Vézina, the former Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry. Her subsequent exclusion from the cabinet in a recent reshuffle led to her departure from the Coalition Avenir Québec party, citing a breach of trust with Premier Legault, particularly over Bill 97.
Jean-François Simard, now the Member of Parliament for Montmorency, has taken over Vézina’s former position as Minister of Natural Resources and Forests.
