In a landmark announcement, the Ontario government says that it will protect at least half (22.5 million hectares) of Ontario's Boreal Forest in the Far North from industrial development. Ontario's Boreal Forest (encompassing nearly 45% of the province) is home to hundreds of wildlife species including the threatened Woodland Caribou, wolverine, billions of migrating birds, and Lake Sturgeon. It is also one of the world's largest terrestrial carbon storehouses and this announcement will help offset the impacts of climate change by protecting the carbon-rich Boreal peatland.

The province says that a network of connected protected areas will be determined through an innovative Land Use Planning initiative developed with First Nations over the next 10-15 years. The announcement includes a commitment to work with First Nations to ensure their consent is given before any industrial projects go forward and resource benefit sharing.

For more information visit the CPAWS website.