Overview

• The Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador halted talks on July 22, citing the minister’s failure to recognize its members as Indigenous governments
• The proposed bill would divide public forests into conservation, multi-purpose and forestry-priority zones
• Indigenous leaders warn the zoning framework amounts to de facto privatization of public lands
• The Assembly, representing 43 communities, had agreed to consultations after the bill was tabled in April but says the process refused co-management talks
• Natural Resources Minister Maïté Blanchette Vézina said Quebec will draft amendments over the summer and hopes to resume discussions in good faith