Support For Far North Legislation

"The Chiefs that I represent support community-based land use planning. We will continue to work with the MNR in a partnership approach. We need to develop a process to resource this important project."
   - Frank McKay, Council Chair, Windigo First Nations Council "We want to continue with our community-based land use planning process. It balances traditional uses and knowledge of the land with new economic opportunities for our youth, while protecting the land."

   - Glen Whiskeyjack, Chief, New Slate Falls First Nation

"Pikangikum First Nation led the dialogue in a community-based planning process for the Whitefeather Forest in partnership with the Government of Ontario. In 2006, we were pleased to jointly approve the "Keeping the Land" community-based land use strategy with MNR. Community-based planning is a new way for us to work together with the MNR. Pikangikum is now at a stage of achieving a new forestry opportunity and a partnership in protected area planning. Our partnership is being guided by our Elders and their knowledge."
   - Gordon Peters, Chief, Pikangikum First Nation

"The work everyone is doing on the Far North makes it a globally significant project. We have to get this right. The Far North Science Panel is looking to First Nation communities to contribute to the science together so that in 20 years time we are proud of the economic development progress and conservation principles put into practice."
   - Dr. David Pearson, Department of Earth Sciences, Laurentian University and Chair of the Far North Science Panel

"WWF strongly supports the Premier's Far North vision of protecting at least 50 per cent of Ontario's globally important boreal region, coupled with new economic prosperity for the people who live there--all led by community land use planning."
   - Monte Hummel, President Emeritus, WWF-Canada

"We welcome the introduction of this new bill as an important step towards achieving a sustainable future in the northern Boreal region. Finding a balance has never been more important, and the Ontario government is demonstrating real leadership in bringing forward legislation to achieve that goal. We look forward to supporting Ontario and First Nations governments as they design and implement a planning process that will give communities the ability to determine how the imperatives of environmental protection and economic prosperity will happen in the Far North."
   - Larry Innes, Executive Director, Canadian Boreal Initiative

"On behalf of Ontario Mining Association members, we favour an open and transparent approach in which information is shared. Adding greater certainty to the process in a timely fashion assists in business related and investment and employment decisions. We look forward to working with Minister Cansfield and her staff to help advance the Far North land use planning process.
   - Chris Hodgson, President, Ontario Mining Association

"Today's legislation promises to protect more than 50 billion of tonnes of carbon in the Boreal, delivered through planning led by First Nations. This is the first time in Canada, and quite possibly the world, where a government is creating a law that protects carbon as one of the outcomes.

It is astonishing that the very communities most affected by climate change may be sitting on the Fort Knox of carbon for the world. That's why we must invest in First Nations planning not only for their prosperity; but as if our life depended on it, because it does."
   - Janet Sumner, Executive Director, Wildlands League

"We have worked with the MNR to address our industries' needs and concerns of the Far North Initiative. We are optimistic that the collection of geological data and other types of science data, needed for this project to be successful, will assist the explorers and developers of the Far North's mineral wealth."
   - Garry Clark, Executive Director, Ontario Prospectors Association

"The Far North holds significant renewable energy potential and opportunities for Aboriginal community prosperity. This legislation should help enable the realization of these complementary objectives."
   - Paul Norris, President, Ontario Waterpower Association

"Northern Ontario Tourist Outfitters Association supports land use planning in the Far North - the process ensures intelligent development and intelligent protection. It is vital to the success that communities themselves be full participants in community-based land use planning."
   - Doug Reynolds, Executive Director, Northern Ontario Tourist Outfitters Association

"The wetlands and coastal habitats of Northern Ontario provide critical breeding habitat for thousands of North America's waterfowl while the area's extensive peat lands store vast amounts of carbon, and provide other critical ecosystem services. Taking steps now to support the needs of local communities and protect the ecological integrity of these globally significant landscapes demonstrates a strong commitment to future generations of wildlife and people."
   - Jamie Fortune, Director of Regional Operations, Ducks Unlimited Canada