Third Party: Murray McLean
APPEAL NO. 2011-FOR-005

This appeal was initiated by the Board to take issue with a penalty determination against a woodlot licensee for failing to achieve “free to grow” obligations. The reasons given for not levying a penalty were inadequate because they did not discuss why the contravention was found to be trifling and whether or not it was in the public interest to levy a penalty, even though the contravention was considered significant and deliberate. The Board withdrew its appeal after the government agreed to distribute guidance to decision-makers on the importance of giving reasons for decision.

Appeal withdrawn.