Bill 41 - What to Know | Let's Talk Cut Control

2023 Bill 41 and Permit Applications: The Forest Statutes Amendment act was given Royal Assent on November 30, 2023. Some people call this change to the legislation the “Must or May” rules. Basically in the past a decision maker was obligated to approve (must) a cutting permit if the terms of the CP application were consistent with the approved higher level plan such as a Woodlot License Plan or Forest Stewardship Plan. 
The rationale for this change is based on the concern by District Managers that they would like more information in some circumstances prior to permit approval. This could become problematic when unknown conflicts such as Natural Range Barriers, which are not always known.

While most bills come into force on the date of Royal Assent, Bill 41 contains a commencement section that sets a different date for the bill to come into force. Therefore, the effective date of the Bill 41 is still undetermined as a new regulation needs to be developed and brought forward.  In the meantime, the Ministry of Forests will continue to develop supporting materials to implement the change to cutting permits and road permits and prepare for implementation.

If you have any cutting permit or road permit applications that you would like to have approved soon then it is advisable to submit your application before the new regulation to support this 2023 Bill 41 changes. Otherwise you could have a longer process to deal with if there are any technical issues.

If you have any questions, please contact your Regional Woodlot Representative: Coast | South | North

Buckle Up - Let's Talk Cut Control: Cut Control is probably the most complicated piece of legislation to try to explain and work through. I am sure you have all raised an eyebrow while someone explained the ins and outs of cut control. Basically, cut control is the way in which the Province regulates the amount of timber harvested from a forest tenure. A woodlot licensee is responsible for being in compliance with cut control. However, cut control is full of contradictions, so buckle up and keep reading!