2002
Forest Resources and Agrifoods

Keith’s efforts have culminated this past year in the joint preparation of an ecosystem-based forest management plan for District 19a in Labrador. This involved a challenging public involvement process where Keith worked overtime with no compensation to address public and aboriginal group needs.

This plan has been acclaimed by experts across Canada as a model of sustainable forest management. The president of the Innu Nation even spoke at a recent United Nations conference in South Africa about the plan and the co-operative process developed between government and the Innu Nation in reaching this milestone. Keith and an Innu representative co-facilitated numerous public consultation sessions to develop the plan, an excellent example of partnership. Aboriginal capacity, jobs and, most importantly, trust are perhaps the greatest benefits of this challenging but rewarding work.

Keith’s work on the front line has been noticed. Partnering to build aboriginal capacity has increased, and benefits are expected to increase. Throughout the process Keith has demonstrated creativity, flexibility and a desire to resolve issues. Great attributes indeed and a great credit to the public service of the province.