NEWS: Manitoba honoured by presentation of 2009 Boreal Award

December  2, 2009
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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