Service Delivery and Core Business Areas
Service Delivery
The Board's mandate continues under the Forest and Range Practices Act (FRPA), which enables the Board to focus on the effectiveness of forest practices in achieving objectives, legislated by government, for forest resource values.
Legislation ensures Board independence from licensees and government. While the Board submits reports to the Ministers of Forests and Range (MOFR), Environment, Agriculture and Lands, and Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, its reports are not provided to government for revision or comment in advance of public release. When the Board deals with an audit of or complaint about a government agency, that agency receives the same level of information about the Board's preliminary findings as any other auditee or complaint subject.
The Board's funding is determined directly by Treasury Board, and is distinct from the MOFR budget.
Core Business Areas Overview
The Board's core business areas are:
Conducting and publishing independent public reports on audits and special investigations
The Board provides the public with objective information about the state of forest and range practices, validates sound practices and recommends improvements based upon direct field observation, consultation and research.
Conducting complaint investigations and administrative appeals
The Board provides a venue to address public complaints and concerns regarding forest practices.
Core business areas arise from the Board's legislated mandate. With regard to forest and range planning and practices, FRPA states that the Board:
- must carry out periodic independent audits to determine compliance and the appropriateness of government enforcement
- may carry out special investigations
- may make a special report and comment publicly
- must deal with complaints from the public
- may undertake appeals
Functions are performed by professional staff and contractors under the guidance of an independent Board.
