NDP MPP Gilles Bisson says the McGuinty Liberal plan to conserve half of Ontario’s boreal forest is nothing more than a hollow announcement.

“New Democrats support conservation of the boreal forest, however, this announcement is short on details and long on promises. The McGuinty Liberals have created a lot of uncertainty in the North, which is already facing economic hardship. We have to ensure there is a balance between environmental conservation and sustainable development,” said Bisson.

New Democrats have long led the charge on environmental conservation, sustainable development, and revenue sharing with First Nations.

In 1994, Howard Hampton introduced the landmark bill Crown Forest Sustainability Act, which represented a new vision for forest management in Ontario. It protected Ontario’s precious ecological diversity, established strong compliance mechanisms and stiffer penalties for those who didn’t follow the rules, and made significant improvements in the management and protection of our forests.

“The details in this plan are scant at best. A proper plan would protect our environment and give First Nations real revenue sharing. Dalton McGuinty’s plan comes up short on both these counts,” said Bisson.