Northern Boreal Initiative - Ontario Gets Flawed Legislation
In July 2008, the McGuinty government announced its intention to enter into a formal partnership with First Nation Communities in Ontario’s northern boreal region to initiate much needed economic development while preserving the unique ecology of the northern boreal forest.
Fifty percent of Ontario’s northern boreal region would be permanently protected while the other fifty percent would be opened to sustainable development. This announcement received praise by many human rights and environmental organizations.
But supporters of the Northern Boreal Initiative ignored outstanding questions that should have defined the basic principles of the Northern Boreal Initiative and its legislation.
In June 2009, the Ontario government introduced Bill 191, Far North Act, 2009 - the Act that legislates the Northern Boreal Initiative. The legislation undermines the rights of First Nation Communities to control industrial development on their traditional lands and fails to describe how it intends to protect half of the northern boreal forest.
Fundamental questions remain unanswered:
- How can destroying 50% of pristine land – one of the largest intact boreal forest regions in the world – protect the remaining boreal ecology?
- How was this 50% protection determined? Is it enough to retain vital ecological function?
- Mining, Forestry, Oil and Gas and Hydro Electric are the major industries most interested in developing the northern boreal. How can these industries operate in a sustainable manner given their history of pollution and habitat destruction?
- Is the Ontario government willing to share control and decision making authority with First Nation Communities?
- How will areas be assessed for conservation value, development?
Please help us defend one of the largest intact boreal forest regions in the world - Ontario’s northern boreal forest.
Read More:
Action Alert: The cries of The Lorax have never been more urgent
Toronto Star: Ontario Gets Flawed Bill – August 2, 2009
Far North Ontario, Ministry of Natural Resources
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