Background
The Cree-Québec Forestry Board (CQFB) was created with the implementation of the Agreement Concerning a New Relationship Between the Gouvernement du Québec and the Crees of Québec (Paix des Braves). This historic agreement, signed on February 7, 2002, marked a new era in Québec-Cree relations, giving concrete expression to a common desire to harmoniously manage Northern Québec’s natural resources while respecting the Cree traditional way of life and supporting the development of the territory’s Cree communities.
The Board was created on September 15, 2003 under Chapter 3 (Adapted Forestry Regime) of the Paix des Braves by the parties to the Agreement to promote close consultation of the Crees during the different steps involved in forest activity planning and management, in order to implement the Adapted Forestry Regime.
Mission
The Board is responsible for monitoring, reporting on and assessing the implementation of the Agreement’s forestry component in a sustainable development context, taking the traditional Cree way of life into account and ensuring the Crees’ participation in the forest activity planning and management processes.
The Board makes recommendations to the parties to ensure compliance with the measures and spirit of the Agreement and evolution of the Adapted Forestry Regime.
It is involved in forest management activity planning processes on Agreement territory and participates in the various stages involved in managing and reviewing these activities. It drafts advice on forest plans to the Minister of Forests, Wildlife and Parks. It also has the responsibility to share its proposals, concerns and comments about the legislation, regulations, policies, programs, management guides, practical guides for forestry-related intervention in the field, guidelines, directives and instructions linked to preparing forest management plans.
The Minister of Forestry, Wildlife and Parks must take the Board’s comments and advice into consideration, and inform the Board of his/her position and, if applicable, the main reasons underlying his/her decision.
With regard to the Joint Working Groups present in each of the communities affected by the Adapted Forestry Regime, the Board monitors the implementation of all of the forest management plans on Agreement territory, in terms of their preparation, consultations and monitoring.
Vision
By working in synergy with its partners, the CQFB is committed to play the role of a catalyst in the implementation of the Adapted Forestry Regime of the Agreement. The CQFB hopes that all partners will fully participate in the development of the forest sector, both for the Cree communities and for Québec society as a whole.
To support its mission, the CQFB has formulated a vision statement that will guide its actions in the coming years. This vision reflects the CQFB’s firm commitment to work constructively to meet the needs and expectations of the signatories.
To be recognized as a leader and an inspiring reference for its ability to develop harmonious relations between the stakeholders working on the implementation and monitoring of the Agreement in the territory of the AFR.
Values
To support and strengthen the achievement of its mission and promote its vision, the CQFB bases its actions on four core values. These values guide the behaviours of members and employees as they carry out their roles and responsibilities at the CQFB.
Respect
The members and staff of the CQFB are attentive, open-minded and empathetic, both to each other and to the various partners, thus fostering a work climate conducive to dialogue.
Collaboration
The CQFB encourages its members and staff to work in collaboration with their colleagues and partners. This collaborative work helps support the growth and maintenance of harmonious relationships, while promoting the Board’s visibility.
Expertise
The CQFB draws on the very varied expertise of its members, personnel, representatives of the signatory parties to the Agreement and external experts as needed, while making sure to foster their long-term development.
Transparency
The CQFB uses and disseminates objective, fair and accessible information to all partners. It is proactive and rigorous in the communication of information. This contributes to maintaining the Board’s credibility and public confidence.