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MANITOBA HONOURED BY PRESENTATION OF 2009 BOREAL AWARD: ROBINSON
December 2nd, 2009Source: Manitoba News Release
Award Recognizes Dedication of Province To Protecting, Sustaining Boreal Forest
Manitoba is extremely honoured to receive a 2009 Boreal Award in recognition of the province’s efforts, in co-operation with First Nations, to protect and sustain Canada’s boreal forest, Deputy Premier Eric Robinson, minister of Aboriginal and northern affairs, said today.
“Since 1999, Manitoba has permanently protected 871,000 hectares of land in parks, wildlife management areas and ecological reserves,” Robinson said. “We are committed to expanding on this by adding more protected areas. On behalf of the province, former premier Gary Doer and Premier Greg Selinger, it is a distinct honour to accept the Boreal Award in recognition of this important conservation work.”
The award was presented by the Canadian Boreal Initiative (CBI) yesterday at a ceremony in Ottawa. CBI works with First Nations, conservation organizations, industry and other interested parties to link science, policy and conservation initiatives across Canada’s Boreal Forest.
CBI’s Boreal Leadership Council selects Boreal Award winners to recognize “far-reaching vision, outstanding leadership and collaborative initiatives to protect and sustain Canada’s boreal forest.”
In honouring Manitoba with the award, CBI recognized “The Government of Manitoba who have championed the proposed Pimachiowin Aki World Heritage Site, announced a $10-million trust fund to support the leading First Nations and put in place legislation for First Nations land planning and management of their traditional territories.”
Doer was nominated for a 2009 award by Poplar River First Nation and the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society when he was still serving as premier. CBI presented the award to the Province of Manitoba in recognition of Doer’s work and Selinger’s ongoing commitment to conservation and sustainability of the boreal forest.
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