Land-Use and Development of the Terrritory

Mining Activity

Mining is an impactful industry, and with the Quebec government’s intention to develop critical and strategic minerals, pressure from the industry could increase on the Territory over the next few years. The impacts of abandoned mining sites also influence the use of the area.

Recent Activities:

  • Fall 2019-winter 2020: comments on the development of Quebec’s strategy on critical and strategic minerals
  • Fall 2021-winter 2022: comments on Bill 102 (modifications to the Mining Act for the introduction of a new authorization for impact exploration works)
  • Spring 2023: comments in the context of consultations for the harmonious development of mining activity by the MRNF
  • Winter 2024: internal JBACE workshop
  • Ongoing: analysis of Bill 63 – An Act to amend the Mining Act and other provisions

Forestry

Forestry is a major industry in the Territory. However, forestry activities also put considerable pressure on the resources on which the Crees depend for traditional and cultural activities. In addition, the impacts of climate change, particularly forest fires, are adding to the pressure on the environment.

Recent activities:

  • Winter 2020: submission of the JBACE review of the 2018-2023 Tactical Plans for Integrated Forest Development (“Plans d’aménagement forestier intégré tactique,” or PATP in French)
  • Spring 2022: preparation for the review of the 2023-2028 PAFIT
  • Winter 2023: submission of the JBACE report for the review of the 2023-2028 PAFIT
  • Spring 2024: submission of a brief in the contrext of the Reflection tables on the future of forests of the MRNF

Residual Materials

Residual materials management is a concern in the region given the vast distances between communities in the Territory, and from those to urban centers, create challenges in terms of logistics and infrastructure. The standards and programs in place in southern Quebec must be adapted for the Territory.

Recent activities:

  • Summer 2021-winter 2022: co-chair of the BAPE inquiry and a public hearing on the current status and management of final waste
  • Summer 2021-winter 2022: participation in working groups for the modernization of the deposit and selective collection systems
  • Winter 2022: comments on the draft provincial regulations for the implementation of the modernization of the deposit and selective collection systems
  • Spring 2024: internal JBACE workshop with Cree and federal representatives to receive updates on the parties’ initiatives in the Territory

Land-Use Planning

The Public Land Use Plan (PLUP) is the reference tool for land-use planning and one for the Territory has been under development for several years. When completed, it will be the basis on which other planning tools will be developed, in particular the Regional Plan for Integrated Land and Resource Development (RPILRD, for cat. III land), the Regional Land and Resource Use Plan (RLRUP, for cat. II land) and the Regional Plan for Public Land Development (RPPLD, for cat. II & III land).

Recent Activities:

  • Winter and fall 2017: submission of two notices to the Eeyou Istchee James Bay Regional Government regarding land-use planning tools (PLUP and RPILDR) for the Territory
  • Summer 2018: comments regarding the proposed revised approach to developing PLUPs
  • Winter 2024: brief to the MRNF in the context of consultation on the draft PLUP for the Nord-du-Québec region – Eeyou Istchee James Bay component