Forest and Range Practices Advisory Council (PAC)

Terms of Reference

This terms of reference has been approved by the Minister of Forests (the "minister"). With approval of minister, it may be revised or updated by the Forest and Range Practices Advisory Council (PAC).

General purpose (from Forest and Range Practices Act)

1. To undertake periodic reviews of the requirements that apply to:
   • operational planning and forest practices or range practices under the Act;
   • the regulation and the standards.
2. Make recommendations to the minister on any specific matters relevant to this Act that is referred to the council (PAC) by the minister.

Term

Three years (December 2002 to December 2005), to be reviewed at that time.

Membership and chair

The minister will appoint members including an independent chair. Membership will represent a cross-section of forest and range interests but will be limited to no more than 10 members. Members must consider a broad range of interests that will include organizations and sectors that are not directly represented on PAC. The current chair is the Chief Forester.

Consultation

To help ensure PAC recommendations reflect the public interest, PAC can hold workshops with broader stakeholder representation, meet with various interest groups, develop draft documents for public review, and employ other consultation tools it feels are effective in its deliberations.

Reporting

PAC reports to the minister. The minister may refer some PAC recommendations to cabinet for decision. As a consequence, the minister may advise PAC that some matters are to be addressed in confidence. All decisions made by the minister or cabinet in response to PAC recommendations will be made public.

Liaison

The chair of PAC will meet regularly with the chair of the Forest Practices Board to ensure efforts are coordinated and to avoid duplication.

Agency support

PAC will receive policy and technical support from the Joint Steering Committee and the Joint Management Committee.

Meetings and minutes

PAC will meet at the request of the minister or chair. Minutes from all meetings will be made available to the public and posted on a Web site.

Reports

PAC reports will be made available to the public and posted on a Web site. Reports subject to cabinet confidentiality will be available after a cabinet decision is made. PAC will prepare an annual report that summarizes its activities and accomplishments.

Financial support

Travel costs for members and administrative support will be covered by government.