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.

Stay in touch. Subscribe to our e-newsletter:

Email Address:

News flash - Ontario introduces Far North Planning and Protection Act

The Boreal Futures Campaign welcomes the introduction of legislation that would enshrine Premier Dalton McGuinty’s commitment to protect at least 225,000 square kilometres of the northern boreal forest. The Far North Planning and Protection Act, if passed, could help Ontario fight climate change, protect ecosystems and ensure First Nations have control over land-use decisions as they plan for cultural renewal and future economic prosperity.

Follow the official hearings on the Act on our Boreal Opportunity blog

Click here for media release and backgrounder (pdf file)

Groups applaud release of consensus report from Far North Advisory Council

Premier asks Prime Minister to respect UN Rights Declaration

In December 2009, Premier McGuinty wrote Prime Minister Stephen Harper asking him to revisit his position on the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. As many of you are aware, in 2006 Canada reversed its long held position and opposed the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. We commend the Premier for taking this step and urge all governments to reflect the Declaration in its laws. This is the international standard that we support and believe it should be reflected in all initiatives including in Ontario's Boreal Forest. To learn more about the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, please visit www.iwgia.org/sw248.asp.

Ontario's Great Northern Boreal Forest provides the last best chance anywhere on the planet to plan for the needs of nature and communities before major development occurs. Conserving this ecologically intact region will provide a strong foundation for healthy communities and new opportunities for the First Nations that have stewarded this land for generations upon generation. It is also our chance to protect one of the world's greatest carbon storehouses – an important tool for controlling climate change – and an important refuge for endangered species such as caribou and wolverine that have all but disappeared from more developed areas. The Ontario Government is now committed to protecting at least 50% of this region and ensuring its long-term ecological health while creating new opportunities for First Nations for whom these forests, lakesand rivers provides both spiritual and physical sustenance. But we must quickly turn Premier Dalton McGuinty's promise of conservation focused planning into action. Click here to find out more.