March 2026
MNR Permit Reform Initiative: NOTO supports the Ministry’s proposal to create a registry-based system for low-risk Crown land activities and encourages the Ministry to expand it to include permits and approvals commonly used by RBT operators likeType B outpost camps, recurring land use permit renewals, shorelands activities (like docks and boat storage), and other administrative solutions. In our submission, we are clear that we do not support cancelling the boat cache program, which is vital to operators and fisheries protection.
Proposal on Black Bear Management: MNR put forward a consultation on the proposed changes to Black Bear Management. There are still some areas of concern that were identified by bear operators that we echoed in our submission. This initial consultation period ended January 5th, 2026.
Submission Specific to Forestry: NOTO provided a formal submission as part of the public consultations for the various proposal regarding the forestry guides, identifying priority areas of concern and highlighting action items we support. Our messaging focused on the importance of proper planning and consultations to ensure the tourism sector values on the land base are protected. We also called for the cancellation of aerial pesticide spraying programs.
- You can view NOTO’s submission by clicking here.
Moose Outfitter Survey Results: Thank you to the nearly 90 moose outfitters who took the time to participate in this survey. NOTO members can view the survey results by clicking here. NOTO shared this report with Minister Harris as well as the Chair of the Big Game Management Advisory Committee along with our list of recommendations for improvements to Moose management. We will be following up with the Minister’s office in the coming weeks to have a discussion any answer any questions about the findings and our recommendations.
ERO Submission on Water Sourcing for Alamos Gold Inc., Near Dubreuilville
NOTO has sent in a submission to the Ministry highlighting concerns. You can read our submission by clicking here. The proposed water taking sites within the Dog Lake, Missinabi River, Magpie and Manitowik Lake watersheds can be viewed in the updated proposal.
- Review the proposal and add your comments here: https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/026-0015
Flight Duty Times: NOTO is currently leading national members of the Coalition of Northern Air Services and Stakeholders (CNASS) through a letter writing campaign to urge Minister MacKinnon to implement the Regulatory Sandbox immediately. See the proposed Regulatory Sandbox overview HERE.
This Regulatory Sandbox has been developed with input from CNASS and other aviation sector organizations. We encourage individual air service operators to write their own letters. CNASS’ letter can be seen HERE.
TSSA Liquid Fuels Handling Code Review: NOTO Staff continue to sit on TSSA’s Technical Working Group to review existing codes and make recommendations. We anticipate that the revised code will go to public consultation this summer.