April 14, 2008
It is known and accepted that Canada’s boreal forest is of exceptional importance not only to Canadians, but to the entire world. Spanning an enormous area, nearly half of Canada’s landmass, the boreal is the world’s largest terrestrial carbon storage system and combater of climate warming.
Manitoba’s boreal forest on the east side of Lake Winnipeg is part of the most un-fragmented stand of boreal forest in the world. As Manitobans, we are fortunate to be in a position to protect an intact functioning ecosystem while creating robust local economies.
The provincial government should be commended for their commitment to east side protection and growth of a cultural and eco-tourism industry that would benefit local First Nations. A healthy future for Manitoba relies on protecting our diverse ecosystems in concert with sustainable development initiatives for the people most dependent upon them.