Back to Ontario Forest Policy and Legislative Framework

Ontario Forest Policy and Legislative Framework – Module 1

Development of Forestry Policy in Canada and Ontario

This module will define and describe how Ontario developed a system of forest management policies, the course of events that lead to the current policy framework, and where federal policy interacts with provincial. It will also explain how policy has developed to ensure that management is sustainable and people’s rights and responsibilities are respected. Specific policies impacting forest management and forestry resources will be examined.

Module Objectives

By the end of this module the successful candidate will:

  • Understand the history and development of forest and land development policy in Ontario. Understand how we got to where we are.
  • Be able to explain the current state of forest management across Ontario.
  • Be able to define sustainable forest management, especially as to the analyses of sustainability
    for public forests in Ontario.
  • Know the divisions between federal and provincial jurisdictions.
  • Understand how policy is developed, who helps craft it, what tools are used and what forms policy can take.
  • Understand how international agreements and commitments impact forest policy in Ontario.
  • Be able to list federal legislation that impacts provincial forest policy and explain the impact of
    said legislation.
  • Understand the role of professional foresters.

Module Schedule

This course is offered in a completely online format with a continuous (anytime) intake. Modules can be completed at a self-paced schedule. Each module consists of various lessons consisting of a 30-90 minute lecture style recording. Each recording has transcription available. Each lesson will be accompanied by required readings that will be incorporated into the module testing, as well as additional readings that are optional for learners that want to delve deeper into the lesson topics.

See course content below to get started!

Course Content

Getting Started

  • Getting Started

    Welcome to Module 8.1

Lesson 1: Development of Forestry Policy in Ontario

  • Lecture: Development of Forestry Policy in Ontario

    Early forest management and its historical context, Shifts in attitude towards forest management and the development of sustained yield management, Introduction of sustainable development and shift to sustainable forest management

  • Readings

    Canada’s Forests : A History, Policies for Sustainably Managing Canada's Forests : Tenure

  • Lesson 1 Quiz

Lesson 2: Land Ownership and Administration in Canada

  • Lecture: Land Ownership and Administration in Canada

    Land ownership and introduction to tenure and Land-use planning and integrated resource management

  • Reading

    The State of Canada's Forests: Annual Report 2023 and State of Ontario's Natural Resources – Forests 2021

  • Lesson 2 Quiz

Lesson 3: Current Forestry Landscape in Ontario

  • Lecture: Current Forestry Landscape in Ontario

    Forest regions and the managed forest zone, Protected areas in Ontario, Private land and conservation authorities, Federal land and Treaties in Ontario, Socioeconomic impact of the forestry sector

  • Reading

    The State of Canada's Forests: Annual Report 2023 and State of Ontario's Natural Resources – Forests 2021

  • Lesson 3 Quiz

Lesson 4: The Policy Arena

  • Lecture: The Policy Arena

    Role of policy, Division of federal and provincial roles and responsibilities, Process of policy development and change, Influence of international organizations

  • Readings

    How to Read Legislation: A Beginner’s Guide and Health and Safety Legislation in Canada: How to Read Legislation

  • Lesson 4 Quiz

Lesson 5: Relevant Federal Acts and Legislation

  • Lecture: Relevant Federal Acts and Legislation

    Impact of critical federal policies, Other federal policies, Role of international policies and agreements

  • Readings

    The federal role in Canadian forest policy: From territorial landowner to international and intergovernmental coordinating agent and The Distribution of Legislative Powers: An Overview

  • Lesson 5 Quiz

Lesson 6: The Role of Professional Forestry

  • Lecture: The Role of Professional Forestry

    Professional Foresters Act, Responsibilities pertaining to policy knowledge

  • Readings

    OPFA Overview to Professional Practice, Scope of Practice, Code of Ethics and Professional Foresters Act

  • Lesson 6 Quiz