This regulation adds a key element in the legal framework for audits. The Crown Forest Sustainability Act provides the authority to make regulations governing audits, and includes a related requirement for the completion of 5-year compliance reviews with the terms and conditions of Sustainable Forest Licences. The Independent Forest Audit Process and Protocol will continue to be the key source for detailed direction on the conduct of individual audits.
The regulation outlines: audit purposes, audit frequency, the geographic scope of the audit program and key audit team requirements. The Minister's obligation to establish terms of reference and scheduling for the audits is also set out, along with the requirement to table reports in the Legislative Assembly, to give notice of audits to be conducted, and to give notice of the tabling of audit reports.
The regulation was developed in response to Condition 28 of the Declaration Order regarding MNR's Class Environmental Assessment Approval for Forest Management on Crown Lands in Ontario.
