Landmark decision--conserving Canadian lands.

Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) expressed its strong support for the Government of Canada's announcement to protect over ten million hectares of land in the boreal forest. This is one of the largest land conservation initiatives in Canadian history. The industry also commends the federal government, the GNWT, and communities for having co-operated so constructively on this important commitment.

"This announcement acknowledges the important need to recognize and act on the conservation challenges facing Canada's boreal forest. It is exactly why the members of FPAC co-signed with the Canadian Boreal Initiative (CBI), a 2006 commitment to ensure planning for the conservation of ecological and cultural values, and respect for Aboriginal rights in resource development decisions, prior to new forest tenures being allocated in the boreal," said Avrim Lazar, FPAC president and CEO.

"FPAC and its members have a strong and productive track record of working constructively with conservation groups, governments, and others on projects related to advancing sustainable forest management and environmental stewardship. We are committed to help shape a sustainable vision and reality for the boreal forest," concluded Lazar.

FPAC is the voice of Canada's wood, pulp, and paper producers nationally and internationally in government, trade, and environmental affairs. Canada's forest industry is an $80 billion dollar per year industry that represents three percent of Canada's GDP. The industry is one of Canada's largest employers, operating in over 320 Canadian communities and providing nearly 900,000 direct and indirect jobs across the country.

Forest Products Association of Canada