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Half of Ontario’s Northern Boreal Forest Protected By Landmark Legislation

Critical Woodland Caribou Habitat Protected; More Work to be Done Regarding First Nation Treaty Rights
September 23rd, 2010

ForestEthics and other leading environmental groups commend the Ontario government for passing legislation today that follows through on Premier Dalton McGuinty’s vision to protect at least 225,000 square kilometres of Ontario’s northern Boreal forest.

The amended Far North Planning and Protection Act (Bill 191) was introduced in June 2009 to conserve the last remaining intact woodland caribou habitats in Ontario’s Far Northern Boreal, which is also one of the world's most important carbon storehouses.

Today, Premier McGuinty delivered on the promise to protect at least half of Ontario’s northern Boreal forest, while balancing the protection with economic development initiatives. The legislation also includes agreements for First Nations to lead community land-use planning within their traditional territories.

ForestEthics supports this landmark legislation. We urge the provincial government to continue to engage with First Nations to address the issues that may impact treaty rights and ensure that the goal of conserving endangered woodland caribou habitat meets with success.

Thank Premier McGuinty for protecting Ontario's Far North >>

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