But there is no national, legally enforceable code of forestry. Companies follow guidelines set by various groups and associations, including one developed by the Canadian Standards Association, with no consensus on which should prevail. A national code of practice would be difficult to establish given provincial jurisdiction over forests. But Joe Foy of the Western Canada Wilderness Committee said the allowable cut is far higher than it should be because Canada has no laws to protect endangered species. The federal government has tabled, but not passed, endangered-species legislation.
Critics say the proposed legislation is full of political loopholes.
The only reason we can log at that rate is we don't have endangered species legislation. He said citizens should have the right to bring complaints about forest practices before the courts to let a judge decide, with expert advice, whether they are adequately protecting wildlife. The forest industry employs about 260,000 Canadians and is the country's biggest exporter, but has faced persistent concerns that it is cutting at an unsustainable rate and destroying wildlife habitat. We welcome your feedback. All rights reserved.