The Meaning of GAR February / March 2008. Topics Overview Key Messages GAR at a Glance Making GAR Work Well Why GAR? Why Needed Why Desired Why it Differs

The Meaning of GAR

February / March 2008

Topics

Overview Key Messages GAR at a Glance Making GAR Work Well

Why GAR? Why Needed Why Desired Why it Differs from FPC

About GAR What GAR Enables What GAR Requires What GAR Does Not Expressly Address

Summary

Key Messages

Why GAR?1. GAR needed by government to enable it to take listed actions2. GAR desired by government to provide base-line direction to decision

makers regarding process and criteria (tests) for decisions3. GAR neither new, nor perfect, but improves on FPCAbout GAR4. GAR enables 3 types of decisions: species designations, “land use”

designations & related objectives & “practices” designations5. Government has discretion as to whether or not to take action under GAR6. But, if government decides to take GAR action, it must follow mandatory

process & meet mandatory tests to take that actionMaking GAR Work Well7. Although GAR sets out process & tests, some key issues left for

interpretation8. Law can help with some of these issues, but does not fill in all of the

blanks9. Stages before and after process & tests can be equally important, but

GAR does not expressly address these10. Government has already taken steps to provide guidance on some of

these issues, so question now is what, if anything, more or different is required to achieve common understanding & make GAR work well?

GAR at a Glance

Regulation in effect under FRPA since January 31, 2004 Two primary functions:

Enables government to make specified decisions that affect forest and range practices

Requires government when making such decisions to: follow specified process meet specified tests

Third function is to provide transition rules Continues some FPC decisions as GAR decisions Applies GAR decisions to “FPC based” operations

This presentation focuses on the two primary functions

Making GAR Work Well

This presentation explains how GAR works But, critical to you is making GAR work well Requires:

Getting the most out of what GAR expressly addresses

Dealing effectively with issues relevant to GAR decisions but which GAR does not expressly address

Making GAR Work Well (cont’d)

5 issues to think about today:

1. Using GAR: “to GAR” or “not to GAR”?

2. GAR Process: what would be the most helpful improvement in applying GAR process?

3. GAR Tests: what would be the most helpful improvement in applying GAR tests?

4. GAR Order Options: what options exist for writing GAR orders that achieve desired benefit to value at risk while maximizing agreement holder flexibility?

5. GAR Order Implementation: what approaches exist for writing GAR orders that avoid difficulties implementing the order in plans or in the field?








What GAR DoesExpressly Address









- GAR Process









-GAR Process-GAR Tests









-GAR Process-GAR Tests








What GAR Does Not Expressly Address









-Using GAR









-Using GAR-GAR Order Options









-Using GAR-GAR Order Options

-GAR Order Implementation

Why GAR?

Why GAR is Needed Why GAR is Desired Why GAR Differs from FPC

Why GAR Needed

GAR is required to enable government to take the actions specified in it Fundamental principle of public law that

government action must be supported by legal authority

With two minor exceptions, that legal authority must come from a grant of statutory authority

GAR is the statutory authority for the actions specified in it – its first primary function

Why GAR Desired GAR also desired by Government

After creating administrative authority to make decision, government can fall silent on process to be followed & substantive tests to be applied

Leaves these issues to discretion of administrative decision maker

Common approach in early days of creating administrative powers

Downsides: Sometimes unreasonably imposed responsibility for Policy decisions

on administrators Lacking statutory direction, the process, considerations & decisions

sometimes inconsistent among administrators Courts stepped in with rules to enhance administrative fairness to

those adversely affected by decisions Governments generally (increasingly?) reluctant to leave

these issues entirely to administrators & courts, so often will set out in legislation at least some rules – process & substance – they want followed

GAR does this – its second primary function

Why GAR Differs from FPC

Statutory authority for GAR decisions not invented with FRPA

Much of this authority existed under FPC: e.g. species designations, creation of UWR’s & WHA’s

and objectives & GWM’s for them, all enabled by OPR/OSPR

e.g. resource features & wildlife habitat features made known under OPR/OSPR

But problems with FPC approach: enabling provisions scattered throughout FPC legislation process & criteria in legislation for making these decisions

inconsistent & in some cases inadequate or uncertain in other cases, validity of authority questionable (when

created only by definitions – e.g. VQO’s being established; various items being made known)

Why GAR Differs from FPC In move to FRPA, Government tried to address many of

these issues through GAR: Goal: enhance ease of reference and understanding of

decisions that can be taken and requirements that apply to doing so

GAR does that by listing actions in a consolidated “one-stop shopping” regulation

Goal: ensure proper legal authority given to take action GAR does that by granting authority in substantive provisions

Goal: ensure minimum threshold for process and tests & enhance consistency in approach

GAR does that by setting out process for taking action that is consistent for most actions

GAR does that by setting out tests for taking action that are relatively consistent, where appropriate, among decisions

About GAR

What GAR Enables What decisions What effect

What GAR Requires Process Substantive tests

What GAR Does Not Address

What GAR Enables

GAR enables government to make 3 types of

decisions

What GAR EnablesSpecies at

Risk(GAR s.13(1))

Regionally Important

Wildlife(GAR s.13(2))

Ungulates(GAR s.13(3))


decisions- 3 Species Designations

What GAR Enables

Wildlife Habitat

Areas(GAR s.10(1))

Ungulate Winter Ranges

(GAR s.12(1))

CommunityWatersheds(GAR s.8(1))

Fisheries Sensitive

Watersheds(GAR s.14(1))

Scenic Areas

(GAR s.7(1))

Species at Risk

(GAR s.13(1))




Objective(GAR ss.6(2)7(2),8(2),10(2), 12(2),14(2))


decisions-3 Species Designations

- 6 “Land Use” Designations & related Objectives

LMZ’s(GAR s.6(1))

What GAR Enables

Resource Features(8 types)

(GAR s.5(1))

Wildlife Habitat Features(5 types)

(GAR s.11(1))

Temperature Sensitive Streams

(GAR s.15)

Wildlife Habitat

Areas(GAR s.10(1))


(GAR s.12(1))

CommunityWatersheds(Gar s.8(1))

Fisheries Sensitive


Scenic Areas

(GAR s.7(1))

Species at Risk

(GAR s.13(1))




General Wildlife Measure

(GAR s.9(1) orGAR s.9(2))

Objective(GAR ss.7(2),8(2),10(2), 12(2),14(2))


decisions-3 Species Designations

- 6 “Land Use” Designations & related Objectives

- 4 “Practices” DesignationsLMZ’s

(GAR s.6(1))

What GAR Enables


(GAR s.5(1))


(GAR s.11(1))


(GAR s.15)

Wildlife Habitat

Areas(GAR s.10(1))


(GAR s.12(1))


Fisheries Sensitive


Scenic Areas

(GAR s.7(1))

Species at Risk

(GAR s.13(1))






Objective(GAR ss.7(2),8(2),10(2), 12(2),14(2))

GAR specifies who in government can make these decisions:- By Minister responsible for various Acts- Some Land Use Designations / Objectives split between Ministers- Minister can delegate decision making power

-Decision given to Minister in first instance to enable Minister to give binding direction to delegate

LMZ’s(GAR s.6(1))

GAR Decisions Made to DateDecision Est. # of Selected Decisions Made to Date

LAND USE DESIGNATIONS

Lakeshore management zones ?

Scenic areas ?

Community watersheds > 400

Wildlife habitat areas & associated GWMs Northern Interior

Southern Interior

Coast

11 ( + 18 FPC) = 29

222 ( + 49 FPC) = 271

647 ( + 86 FPC) = 733

Ungulate winter ranges & associated GWMs Northern Interior

Southern Interior

Coast

8 ( + 9 FPC) = 17

14 ( + 0 FPC) = 14

10 ( + 11 FPC) = 21

Species-specified areas & associated GWMs Southern Interior 2 ( + 0 FPC) = 2

Fisheries sensitive watersheds 31 ( about 15 on Coast; 16 Interior)

SPECIES DESIGNATIONS

Species at risk 82 species

Regionally important wildlife 0

Ungulates 8 species

“PRACTICES” DESIGNATIONS

Resource features (8 types) ?

General wildlife measures See above

Wildlife habitat features (5 types) 25 Proposed

Temperature sensitive streams 0

Effect of GAR Decisions on Practices


(GAR s.5(1))


(GAR s.11(1))


(GAR s.15)

Wildlife Habitat

Areas(GAR s.10(1))


(GAR s.12(1))


Fisheries Sensitive


Scenic Areas

(GAR s.7(1))

Species at Risk

(GAR s.13(1))






Objective(GAR ss.6(2), 7(2),8(2),10(2), 12(2),14(2))

FSP’sWLP’s

RUP’s RSP’s

Subject to exceptions,Must have

Result or Strategy(FRPA ss.5(1)(b) & 13(1)(b))

Must be

consistent

Must achieve result, carry out strategy(FRPA s.21(1))

Minister may authorize R/S

Must be

consistent

If graze, cut hay,conduct / maintain range dev.,

must do so in accordance with plan(FRPA s.45(1))

Planning Level Effect

Field Level Effect

LMZ’s(GAR s.6(1))

GAR objectives applicable to Woodlot Licences limited to those for:• FSW’s and• CW’s(WLPPR s.9(2)(a))

GAR Objectives applicable to Range Act agreements limited to those for:• CW’s• WHA’s• UWR’s(RPPR s.12(1))



(GAR s.5(1))


(GAR s.11(1))


(GAR s.15)

Wildlife Habitat

Areas(GAR s.10(1))


(GAR s.12(1))


Fisheries Sensitive


Scenic Areas

(GAR s.7(1))

Species at Risk

(GAR s.13(1))




Practice Requirement:If AP conducting PFA, Must comply with GWM

(FPPR s.69)



Objective(GAR ss.7(2),8(2),10(2), 12(2),14(2))

FSP’sWLP’s

RUP’s RSP’s



Must be

consistent



Must be

consistent



For Woodlots:If carrying out

PFA, must comply with

GWM(WLPPR s.55)

For Range Tenures:Range practice must be consistent with GWM or alternative(RPPR s.36)

LMZ’s(GAR s.6(1))



(GAR s.5(1))


(GAR s.11(1))


(GAR s.15)

Wildlife Habitat

Areas(GAR s.10(1))


(GAR s.12(1))


Fisheries Sensitive


Scenic Areas

(GAR s.7(1))

Species at Risk

(GAR s.13(1))





(FPPR s.69)

Practice Requirement:If AP felling, modifying, removing trees

in RMA of TSS or tributary,Must retain (FPPR s.53)



Objective(GAR ss.7(2),8(2),10(2), 12(2),14(2))

FSP’sWLP’s

RUP’s RSP’s



Must be

consistent



Must be

consistent



LMZ’s(GAR s.6(1))

For Range Tenures:N/A (no authorized felling, modifying or removing of trees)

For Woodlots:Similar concept as FPPR, but applies only in

RMZ(WLPPR s.42)



(GAR s.5(1))


(GAR s.11(1))


(GAR s.15)

Wildlife Habitat

Areas(GAR s.10(1))


(GAR s.12(1))


Fisheries Sensitive


Scenic Areas

(GAR s.7(1))

Species at Risk

(GAR s.13(1))




Practice Requirement:If AP conducting PFA, Must not damage or

render ineffective(FPPR s.70)


(FPPR s.69)


in RMA of TSS or tributary,Must retain

(FPPR s.53)



Objective(GAR ss.7(2),8(2),10(2), 12(2),14(2))

FSP’sWLP’s

RUP’s RSP’s



Must be

consistent



Must be

consistent



LMZ’s(GAR s.6(1))

For Woodlots:For resource feature: if carrying out forest practice, must: • carry out measures in plan re feature; or• if no measure, not damage or render ineffective(WLPPR s.56(1))For wildlife habitat feature, must not damage or render ineffective(WLPPR s.56(2))

For Range Tenure Holders:If carrying out range practice, must not damage or render ineffective(RPPR ss.37&38)

GAR Decisions & Their Effect on Forest & Range Practices


(GAR s.5(1))


(GAR s.11(1))


(GAR s.15)

Wildlife Habitat

Areas(GAR s.10(1))


(GAR s.12(1))


Fisheries Sensitive


Scenic Areas

(GAR s.7(1))

Species at Risk

(GAR s.13(1))




Practice Requirement:If conducting PFA,

Must not damage or render ineffective

(FPPR s.70)


(FPPR s.69)


in RMA of TSS or tributary,Must retain (FPPR s.53)



Objective(GAR ss.6(2), 7(2),8(2),10(2), 12(2),14(2))

FSP’sWLP’s

RUP’s RSP’s



Must be

consistent



Must be

consistent



LMZ’s(GAR s.6(1))

What GAR Requires

Process Substantive tests

Gaps in GAR Process and Tests& General Principles for Addressing Them

GAR has gaps, where it does not expressly set out all of the details of the process or the tests that apply

So, how are these gaps filled? By principles of administrative law Some principles quite specific But two general statements of principle provide the bookends

for guidance on the gaps: “…there is no such thing as absolute and untrammelled

discretion, that is that action can be taken on any ground for any reason that can be suggested to the mind of the administrator…”

“…for far-reaching and frequently complicated administrative schemes, the …approach should be to endeavour within the scope of the legislation to give effect to its provisions so that the administrative agencies …may function effectively…”

Process Required

GAR requires government to follow 3 processes when taking or potentially taking GAR action1. Must provide opportunity for review & comment

2. Must consult

3. Must give notice of order This presentation focuses on first two:

Review/Comment & Consultation

Opportunity for Review & Comment

Two key questions:1. Who is entitled to the opportunity?

2. What must the opportunity consist of?

Who is entitled to opportunity?

GAR obligation limited to holders of agreements under Forest Act / Range Act affected by order If species designation, to organizations minister

considers representative of those agreement holders that may be affected by order

If any other decision, to actual holders of those agreements that will be affected by order

GAR does not limit government to providing only these opportunities

GAR does not speak to government duties re First Nations

What must opportunity consist of ?

Nothing specified in GAR (or in delegation of decision making power)

So there is a gap, & general principles of administrative law will apply

Key issues: Method Information to be provided to agreement holders Time allowed for response Consideration of input from agreement holders Response to agreement holders

Concept of spectrum of opportunity consistent with general administrative law principles, but caution against falling below “required minimum”

What must opportunity consist of ?Method

Decision maker must provide opportunity for formal input

Two basic options: allow written submissions only; or allow oral presentation as well as written submissions

Appropriate option usually depends on significance of decision on the agreement holders that will be affected

As GAR also requires “consultation” of some agreement holders, likely review/comment obligation does not require decision maker to have an in-person meeting with agreement holders

What must opportunity consist of ?Information to be Provided Agreement Holders

Administrative law says amount of information that must be provided can vary depending on situation

Generally: must be sufficient to enable the agreement holder to

participate in the process in a meaningful way falls short of criminal law obligation of full disclosure but “..notice of the substance of the matter will be

necessary …to enable a party to make representations effectively and to answer any case that must be met.”

Applied to GAR, likely means information on 4 points must be provided

What must opportunity consist of ?Information to be Provided Agreement Holders

1. The nature of the decision what kind of GAR decision it is where the decision will apply if it is an objective or GWM, the proposed text

2. Indication re which agreement holders likely to be affected3. Why tests are met

government (not decision maker) must provide its analysis of tests and why it believes they are met

4. Other matters decision maker believes are relevant & will be taken into account in making the decision these are permitted from decision maker, in that role, & can be

helpful must be relevant and can’t conflict with express GAR tests or

administrative law principles decision maker must not consider them binding & conclusive,

without the need to consider other factors

What must opportunity consist of ?Time

Timeline for response must be specified Must be sufficient to allow agreement holder adequate

time to assess & respond to the proposed decision and the government’s assessment of why it meets the GAR tests

Can vary depending on: Importance of agreement holder’s interests Significance of impact of the decision on those interests Complexity of proposal and related impacts Agreement holder’s familiarity with proposal and

impacts Implications of delay

What must opportunity consist of ?Consideration of Input

If submissions are made by an agreement holder, they must be considered by the decision maker

What must opportunity consist of ?Response from Decision Maker

Decision maker does not necessarily have a duty to respond to the agreement holders or give reasons for a decision (cf. decisions re FSP’s, WLP’s, RUP’s and RSP’s – FRPA

expressly requires written reasons for refusing to approve) However, if decision challenged, possible for court to draw

adverse inference if no reasons provided Therefore, providing reasons generally recommended,

especially if agreement holders have asserted tests are not met

Generally not expected to be of a “judicial” standard

Consultation

Like Opportunity for Review & Comment, two key questions:1. Who is entitled to be consulted?

2. What must consultation consist of?

Who is entitled to be consulted ?

GAR obligation limited to holders of agreements under Forest Act / Range Act on whom the order may have a material adverse impact

Obligation exists whether or not holder of agreement identifies that it will be materially impacted

Does not apply to species designations Obligation to consult First Nations (or anyone

else) separate from this express GAR duty

What must consultation consist of ?

Like opportunity for review & comment: nothing specified in GAR

(or in delegation of decision making power) so general principles of administrative law will apply

Key issues are the same: Method Information to be provided to agreement holders Time allowed for response Consideration of input from agreement holders Response to agreement holders

Principles re information, time, consideration of input & response will be similar

“Method” will differ, and so will focus

What must consultation consist of ?(cont’d)

As “consultation” differs from “review and comment”, this implies a different “Method” is required

Considered to be a more interactive requirement: while review / comment could be limited to written

submissions, likely consultation will also require opportunity to make oral submissions

would involve an offer to meet & meeting if offer accepted

What must consultation consist of ?(cont’d)

Guided by following principles re duty to consult: can’t be superficial, done merely for the sake of getting through the

duty must be “a genuine invitation to [agreement holders] to make their

views known” and a “real opportunity for [agreement holders] to take reasonable steps to affect a proposed decision”

but also must balance fairness and efficiency agreement holders must be given a reasonable and adequate time

to make their views known however, a single “hearing” (meeting) will suffice if it enables the

agreement holders to adequately present their views

Duty to consult is on the minister (or DDM), so can’t be fulfilled simply by meetings between government staff & agreement holders – must involve decision maker

Added focus expected to be on existence & degree of material adverse impact on agreement holder(s)

Tests

Government cannot make a decision under GAR (other than “no”) unless GAR tests are met

Key questions are: What tests apply? To whom do the tests apply & how do they

apply to that person? What are the specifics of the tests? What process / methods should be used to

determine whether or not the tests are met?

What tests apply?

2 groups of tests: those in the GAR section under which the

decision is being made (ss.5 to 15); and those in GAR s.2(1)

Government material sometimes describes these as “4” tests 1 test in each of ss.5 to 15 3 tests in s.2(1) but usually more than 1 test in each of ss.5 to

15 All applicable tests must be met to enable the

decision

To whom & how do tests apply?

Tests “apply” to the minister or delegated decision maker In other words, it is the minister or delegated

decision maker that must determine whether or not the tests are met

Agreement holders must be asked for input on the tests, and if such input given it must be considered, but:

obligation remains on the decision maker obligation applies regardless of the amount or

absence of input from agreement holders

To whom & how do tests apply? (cont’d)

“Minister must be satisfied” each test is met It is the minister’s (DDM’s) opinion that is relevant

Not an “objective” / reasonable person test Rather, what the decision maker thinks

However: Does not mean opinion can be reached casually Nor can it be based on personal knowledge

Decision must be based on: evidence put forward to decision maker by government

staff & agreement holders & available to both “evidence [that is] sufficient to satisfy an unprejudiced

mind seeking the truth” that the test is met “balance of probabilities” generally sufficient but, if

decision has serious consequences for agreement holder, could be somewhat higher

What are the specifics of the tests?Tests Specific to Decision For each decision, GAR sets out tests in the

relevant section that must be met (ss.5 to 15) For most decisions, there are two tests or two

parts to the test: A part / test that is common to most decisions A part / test unique to that type of decision

(these are the ones government material sometimes seems to overlook when suggesting there are only 4 GAR tests)

What are the specifics of the tests?Test Common to Most Decisions

“requires special management …not otherwise provided by an enactment”

Application of concept varies somewhat between decisions e.g. for UWR’s, GAR applies concept to establishing both the

UWR & the objective for it cf. for WHA’s, GAR applies concept to objective, but a different

test for the WHA itself cf. for GWM’s, where “special management” part not included

3 aspects to this part of the test [section topic] requires management management required must be special the special management required must not otherwise be

provided by an enactment (enactment means provincial Acts, regulations & decisions under those Acts & regulations – but not limited to practices legislation)

What are the specifics of the tests? Test(s) Unique to Decision Part / test that is unique to decision varies

widely among the decisions (hence “unique”!) These are the tests / parts of the test not

counted in the “4 tests of GAR” Sometimes affects whether or not decision

can be made Other times affects the nature of the decision

that can be made

What are the specifics of the tests? Examples of Tests Specific to Decision Resource Features (MOFR)

5 (2) The minister responsible for the Forest Act may make an order under subsection (1) if the minister is satisfied that the resource feature requires special management not otherwise provided for under this regulation or another enactment.

(3) The identification of a resource feature under subsection (1)(a) may be by category or type, and may be restricted to a specified geographic location, and(b) must be sufficiently specific to enable a person affected by it to identify the resource feature in the ordinary course of carrying out forest practices or range practices.




“Special Management Test”

- common to most decisions




Test “Unique” to Features Decisions – this one affects nature of decision more than whether or not it can

be made

What are the specifics of the tests? Examples of Tests Specific to Decision Fisheries Sensitive Watersheds (MOE)

14 (1) The minister responsible for the Wildlife Act by order may identify as a fisheries sensitive watershed an area of land in a watershed that has significant downstream fisheries values and significant watershed sensitivity if satisfied that the area requires special management to protect fish, that is not otherwise provided for under this regulation or another enactment, by

(a) conserving

(i) the natural hydrological conditions, natural stream bed dynamics and stream channel integrity, and

(ii) the quality, quantity and timing of water flow, or

(b) preventing cumulative hydrological effects that would have a material adverse effect on fish.



(a) conserving




“Special Management Test”

- common to most decisions



(a) conserving




“Special Management Test” –

common to most decisions – but this one has additional

parts to SMT



(a) conserving




Plus Test Unique to this Decision

– in this case, affects whether or not can make

decision, not nature of decision to make

What are the specifics of the tests?Tests Specific to Decision Not attempting to provide further definition to

these tests today But since government analysis (plus

information package) must speak to these tests, requires consideration – perhaps in panel sessions later today substantive meaning process / method for determining whether test

met or not

What are the specifics of the tests?Section 2(1) Tests Apply to every GAR decision Require that:

decision be consistent with established objectives decision not unduly reduce the supply of timber

from BC’s forests benefits to public from decision outweigh any:

material adverse impact on delivered wood costs of any Forest Act agreement holder affected; and

undue constraint on ability of an agreement holder to exercise its rights under the agreement

GAR gives no guidance as to meaning of these tests Will try today to suggest some possibilities – to

trigger discussion in panels

Section 2(1) Tests“Consistent with established Objectives” “consistent” not defined

so courts look to dictionary, “vernacular of profession or industry” or other court decisions:

understood to mean “in harmony”, “in agreement” or “not in conflict” with or “generally headed in the same direction” as

“established objectives” defined in FPPR as: FPC grandparented objectives FPPR objectives Land use objectives (formerly HLP’s, now under Land

Act and Land Use Objectives Regulation) Objectives established under GAR

most likely government analysis must identify whether there are any such objectives relevant to this test & explain why GAR decision is consistent

Section 2(1) Tests“Not Unduly Reduce Supply of Timber” “unduly” not defined

so ordinary dictionary definitions, vernacular of profession/industry & court decisions will be looked to:

“excessive”; “disproportionate”; “unwarranted” but assessed how or compared with what?

discussion / intent @ time of drafting was that it means in excess of: impacts of FPC on timber supply estimated in 1996

FPC Timber Supply Impact Analysis MOE statements under FPC re maximum impacts on

timber supply for specified decisions (e.g. 1% by District)

again, most likely that government analysis must speak to what is meant by “unduly” & why proposed decision does not breach this test

Section 2(1) Tests“Benefits to Public vs. Impact on DWC” test contains 4 concepts that must be

assessed by decision maker: “benefits to public” “outweigh” “material adverse impact” “delivered wood costs”

Section 2(1) Tests“Benefits to Public vs. Impact on DWC” “benefits to public” and “outweigh”

“benefits to public” likely include environmental, social, economic

obvious that conserving environmental values, addressing First Nation rights, etc. generally viewed as beneficial

but, requiring that benefits “outweigh” any adverse impacts requires decision maker to:

make an assessment have a method for doing so

Section 2(1) Tests“Benefits to Public vs. Impact on DWC” “benefits outweigh” (cont’d) What methodology, what degree of precision?

SCC Stone fire decision gives guidance on environmental assessment:

environmental considerations have value in the sense of “…the nature of the wildlife, plants and other organisms protected …, the uniqueness of the ecosystem, the environmental services provided or recreational opportunities afforded …, or the emotional attachment of the public to the …area”

but, can’t apply a value to the environment that is “overly arbitrary and simplistic”

instead, must be “a coherent theory of value, a methodology suitable for assessment and supporting evidence”

suggest similar approach applies to all public benefits

Section 2(1) Tests“Benefits to Public vs. Impact on DWC” “material adverse impact”

“material” not defined likely to be something considered “significant” or

“highly important” - affecting agreement holder’s well-being & perhaps their decision to proceed

“magnitude” not only guide – small increases can be significant

must be assessed in the context of the operation affected, not over the whole of the licence or the whole of the agreement holder’s collective operations

requires comparing what would likely occur in the absence of the decision to what will likely occur in light of the decision

Section 2(1) Tests“Benefits to Public vs. Impact on DWC” “delivered wood costs”

defined in FPPR as “costs associated with accessing and harvesting timber and delivering it to a timber processing facility”

therefore, includes costs of: road construction, maintenance & deactivation felling, yarding or skidding, processing and

loading hauling

might it also include: silviculture? (likely) reduced margins – inability to access species that

are more commercially valuable? (likely not)

Section 2(1) Tests“Benefits to Public vs. Impact on DWC” “delivered wood costs” (cont’d)

Examples of typical drivers of increased costs: inability to locate road in particular area,

preventing access to timber in some cases or forcing roads into more costly locations and longer hauling distances

restrictions on ability to harvest in particular locations, forcing additional development & harvesting in more costly locations

restrictions on size of cutblock & amount / area to be harvested within the block

restrictions on type of equipment that can be used (e.g. helicopter vs. ground based systems)

restrictions on time of year that activity can occur

Section 2(1) Tests“Benefits to Public vs. Undue Constraint”

benefits outweigh undue constraint on ability to exercise rights under agreement “rights” = for forestry tenures, harvest the AAC = for range tenures, AUM / cut quantity of Hay “ability” goes to (for forestry tenures):

ability to find that amount of wood on the ground after taking into account the constraints

ability to take permitted profile (this is where margins issue might be addressed)

ability to build up reasonable level of approvals “undue constraint”

suggests some level of “challenge” OK but could not prevent rights from being exercised issue is where on this spectrum is it OK to fall

What GAR Does Not Expressly Address:

(But You Should(?)) Several stages related to GAR decisions GAR (& this presentation) expressly address

one: Process & Testing Stage At least two others to possibly think about

today & in application of GAR moving forward: one “before” Process & Testing Stage the other “after” stages not mutually exclusive or strictly lineal

“Before”: Threshold Stage “After”: Order Design Stage


Threshold Stage Asks the question: Should a GAR decision be

pursued or not? Among possible considerations:

1. Is there a forest value @ risk that can & should be addressed by government?

2. If so, what options are available to government to manage that risk?

3. Of these options, is GAR potentially the best?

4. If so, can move to Process and Testing Stage


Threshold Stage (cont’d) Asks the question: Should a GAR decision be

pursued or not? (cont’d) Questions for break-out group & panel:

Does it make sense to have a “Threshold Stage” in GAR deliberations?

If so: vs. above list, what additional or better considerations

might be taken into account at this stage? How can this stage be best managed to build

common understanding between government & agreement holders on these issues?


Order Design Stage Asks the question: How should the GAR

order be written? Must be written in manner that:

satisfies GAR tests will produce desired result for forest value addresses implementation issues

Among possible considerations regarding implementation: Is it flexible? Is it realistic? Does it adequately address transition (timing

issue)?


Order Design Stage (cont’d) Possible considerations re

implementation Is it flexible:

Can it be & is it written to enable a choice among the 3 approaches that are part of FRPA direction / structure? Objective R/S Practice requirement Professional reliance

Can it be & is it written to enable flexibility within the option(s) chosen? (e.g. an “objective” that is a method is not an

objective)


Order Design Stage (cont’d) Possible considerations re

implementation (cont’d) Is it realistic:

If objective, can it & is it written so that an approvable, workable and enforceable R/S be readily written for it in plans? If not, need to reconsider wording of objective How can an objective best be written to achieve this?

If RF, WHF, GWM, can it & is it written so that the practice requirement can be practically, efficiently, etc. met in the field? If not, need to reconsider wording of RF, WHF, GWM How can these types of orders best be written to

achieve this?


Order Design Stage (cont’d) Questions for break-out groups and

panel same as for “Threshold Stage”: Does it make sense to have an “Order Design

Stage” in GAR deliberations? If so:

vs. above list, what additional or better considerations might be taken into account at this stage?

How can this stage be best managed to build common understanding between government & agreement holders on these issues?

Summary

Two key purposes of GAR: enables government to make decisions requires government to follow process & ensure tests

are met Decision to use GAR is discretionary but, if used,

process & tests are mandatory There are gaps in details of process and tests that

legal principles help to fill, but only in part Possible to think about GAR process in “stages”, but

GAR expressly addresses only one, leaving unsaid whether, and if so how, to address others

Summary (cont’d)

Government has already provided guidance that may help to fill some of these gaps:

Government Actions Regulation: Policy and Procedures for Government Staff

Assisting (?) Delegated Decision Makers

Today’s break-out groups & panels offer opportunity to explore what, if anything, more is needed to enhance common understanding on these issues

Documents

The Meaning of GAR February / March 2008. Topics Overview Key Messages GAR at a Glance Making GAR Work Well Why GAR? Why Needed Why Desired Why it Differs