QUEBEC CITY, August 22, 2022 /CNW/ – The governments of Canada and Quebec would like to inform the public that progress has been made in discussions regarding the management, protection and recovery of boreal caribou. Both governments can say today that they are confident of reaching an agreement on the management, protection and recovery of woodland caribou in Quebec.
The boreal caribou has been designated as a threatened species under from Canada Species at Risk Act since 2003, and also vulnerable in Quebec under the province Act respecting threatened or vulnerable species since 2005.
The government of Quebec, with the financial support of the federal government and in collaboration with the Aboriginal nations who have an interest in the boreal forest and the Gaspésie caribou, wishes to take significant additional measures that will have tangible benefits for all local caribou populations. . The objective is to strive for long-term self-sufficiency for all caribou populations, by applying measures and timelines adapted to each of these populations. Measures will be put in place to reduce the rate of disturbance of the habitat used by boreal caribou and Gaspésie caribou, in order to reach 65% of undisturbed habitat in each of their ranges, according to measures and deadlines adapted to each population. To achieve this, Quebec intends to use the tools at its disposal to protect caribou habitat, in particular legally protected wildlife habitats, biological refuges, administrative protection and the decommissioning of forest roads.
Discussions continue between the two governments on how the Government of Canada will financially support the plan and the transitional measures to be taken by Quebec in order to minimize the socio-economic impacts that could result from an increase in protection measures for caribou and their habitat.
The governments of Canada and Quebec We are confident that these negotiations will lead to an agreement between the parties that will allow us to work for the long-term self-sufficiency of caribou populations and to maintain them in their habitat in order to support their recovery.
To demonstrate its commitment to the process and serious concern for caribou conservation, Quebec is currently implementing short-term measures totaling nearly $12 million. The government of Canada will provide $6$0.1 million for the implementation of these measures, including funding to support leaders of Indigenous nations in caribou conservation.
Lately, Quebec takes this opportunity to reiterate its commitment to publish the final version of its boreal and mountain caribou strategy and to announce that this strategy will be made public by the end of June 2023.
Quotation
“Our recent discussions have progressed and we will continue our work to reach a long-term agreement for the protection of caribou. The caribou is a national symbol, but it is under threat and its herds are in decline. The only way to save the caribou is to work together with all levels of government and Indigenous peoples, the first stewards of the land. Our efforts today will have positive effects on caribou. We will monitor our progress to ensure we meet the goals necessary to re-establish healthy caribou herds. These threads come like Canada prepares to welcome the world to COP15 conference in Montreal in December. Our leadership in protecting diversity has never been more important. »
– The Honorable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
“The significant progress of the discussions demonstrates a shared commitment to maintaining, protecting and restoring caribou populations. As the discussions continue, the Ministry of Forests, Wildlife and Parks continues to be proactive, as evidenced by the many projects on the ground. These are concrete actions with significant results that will be reflected in the boreal and mountain caribou strategy expected next year. »
– Mr. Pierre DufourMinister of Forests, Wildlife and Parks and Minister responsible for the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region and the Nord-du-Québec region
Related links
Environment and Climate Change Canada Twitter Page
Environment and Climate Change Canada Facebook Page
Ministry of Forests, Wildlife and Parks‘Twitter Page
Ministry of Forests, Wildlife and Parks‘ Facebook Page
SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada
For further information: Media Contacts: Kaitlin Power, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, 819-230-1557, [email protected]; Media Relations, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 819-938-3338 or 1-844-836-7799 (toll free), [email protected]; Michel Vincent, Director of Communications and Press Attaché, Office of the Minister of Forests, Wildlife and Parks and Minister responsible for the Abitibi-Témiscamingue and Nord-du-Québec regions, 514-231-2251; Media relations, Ministry of Forests, Wildlife and Parks, 418-521-3875, [email protected]
