In July 2008, Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty announced a world-leading commitment to conservation-focused land-use planning for Ontario's Great Boreal Forest, including protection for more than 50% of the area. To make this bold commitment a reality, we need a strong Boreal legislation that:

1. Creates a well-resourced joint Planning Board to allow First Nations and the Province to work together and share implementation of planning.

2. Details how Ontario will work in partnership with First Nations to determine the location, use and management of the 50% or more of the region that the Premier has committed to protect as conservation lands.

3. Sets out how community plans will be developed and integrated with regional objectives.

4. Describes how communities will realize long-term benefits from development and their role in management.

5. Provides a clear role for a Science Advisory Committee, including objectives for how it will inform land-use planning.

6. Sets clear rules for the development of roads, corridors and industrial activity outside of protected areas.

 The Ontario’s Boreal Futures Coalition includes CPAWS Wildlands League, Ecojustice, Environmental Defence, Environment North, Forest Ethics and Ontario Nature. The Coalition is working to support establishment of new conservation-focused land-use planning legislation for the far northern boreal region of Ontario. We are working closely with First Nations, scientists and government to ensure that this new legislative framework realizes the Premier's commitment to protecting 50% or more of the region, better protecting species such as caribou, wolverine and sturgeon where development does occur, and First Nation control in the planning processes.

You can contact us at info@borealopportunity.ca

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