"The Stora act is old and outdated. It may have met the needs of a previous era, but today government is seizing this opportunity to modernize forest legislation to be more sustainable," said Natural Resources Minister Charlie Parker.
"These changes should give forest industry companies and investors increased confidence that our provincial government backs an active industry," Forest Products Association of Nova Scotia Executive Director Steve Talbot said. "With longer licensing agreements, companies will be able to plan for the longer term, continue providing secure jobs and a sustainable industry across the province."
Proposed amendments to the Crown Lands Act would allow NS to enter into long-term licensing agreements with forestry operators across the province. Currently, it can only enter into short-term agreements. The proposed amendments would extend agreements up to 20 years, and allow for renewals. Renewals would be granted if forestry operators met provincial standards and regulations.
