Save Nothern Kébec/Nunavik

To: Vice prime Minister Nathalie Normandeau

We the undersigned ask that no such project be put forward in Nothern K%uFFFDbec.
We ask to stop the hunting of Caribous and of all wildlife in Nunavik, furher more we ask that all mining operation be stop immediatly and that all materials use for mining be remove from the land.
We the undersigned ask that all dump sites bean clean of all detritus in these sites.
We the undersigned ask that tourist activities be monitered with the upmost urgency.
We ask that no trash is left behind by these tourist or they will face criminal charges.
Please act accordenly
Michel Polnicky

Northern K%uFFFDbec: a Vast Territory to be Discovered

 

Northern K%uFFFDbec is a vast, rich and diversified region covering more than one million square kilometres  in other words, an area twice as big as France and six times as big as the New England states combined. It accounts for 72% of K%uFFFDbec total territory.

Its sheer immensity can be difficult to comprehend without some concrete comparisons. For example, Blanc-Sablon and Ivujivik are respectively K%uFFFDbec easternmost and northernmost localities. Blanc-Sablon is located nearly 1,400 km from Montr%uFFFDal  further away than Chicago but not quite as far as Atlanta. Ivujivik, for its part, is located 2,000 km from Montr%uFFFDal or the same distance as Orlando, in Florida.

Occupation spanning a millennium

The Aboriginal communities have managed to preserve cultures based on traditions and lifestyles that are adjusted to the Northern K%uFFFDbec environment. They are attached to their heritage, and to a history that in some cases spans more than a millennium.

The Inuit of K%uFFFDbec have occupied the territory of Nunavik for more than 4,000 years. The first recorded meeting between the Europeans and the Inuit took place in 1610, near Ivujivik, and Jacques Cartier planted a cross in Blanc-Sablon, in the name of the King of France, in 1534 the same year Canada was first discovered.

The Inuit, Cree, Innu and Naskapi people share Northern K%uFFFDbec with a non-Aboriginal population that settled in the area and formed communities principally to develop its natural resources.

In the area bordering baie d'Hudson (Hudson Bay) and Baie-James, for example, five municipalities were founded as a result of forestry, mining and hydraulic resource development. The North Shore coastal communities, for their part, were originally created by families who settled in the region to fish, mostly during the 19th century.

Exceptional natural potential

Northern K%uFFFDbec potential for mining, energy, forestry, ecotourism and wildlife development is truly exceptional.

A WEALTH OF MINING POTENTIAL

Mining exploration activities account for a significant portion of Northern K%uFFFDbec economy. In 2007, almost 60% of the investments made in K%uFFFDbec in the mineral exploration and mining sectors were in Northern K%uFFFDbec. This area is responsible for a significant percentage of K%uFFFDbec's gold production and all its nickel, cobalt, platinum, iron and ilmenite ore production. In addition, Northern K%uFFFDbec has considerable potential for diamond mining.

ENERGY RESOURCES

Northern K%uFFFDbec already produces more than three-quarters of K%uFFFDbec electricity, mainly through the La Grande and Manicouagan generating facilities. However, it also has some significant hydraulic and wind resources that have not yet been exploited. The potential is vast, like the area itself.

FORESTS

Forests are also present in Northern K%uFFFDbec. They are two principal vegetation zones in Northern K%uFFFDbec, namely the boreal zone to the south and the arctic zone to the north. Because the Northern ecosystem is both rich and fragile, logging in the boreal forest is strictly regulated in order to ensure sustainable forest management.

The boreal forest is by far K%uFFFDbec largest vegetation zone, covering a strip more than 1,000 km wide between the 48th and 58th parallels.

Wood is harvested in nearly 60% of the continuous boreal forest  in other words, over an area of 320,000 km2. Harvesting of the continuous boreal forest north of the 49th parallel generates some 11.7 million cubic metres of wood each year, or nearly 53% of K%uFFFDbec's total production.These activities support nearly 15,000 jobs, of which 5,600 are in the forests and 9,300 in primary wood processing mills.

TOURISM

An excellent way of seeing Northern K%uFFFDbec. With its wilderness, breathtaking landscapes, wildlife and plant life, Northern K%uFFFDbec has developed a flourishing tourist industry.

The possibilities for development are tremendous, due to the large number of attractions and sites of interest that will bring tourists from K%uFFFDbec and elsewhere in the world in search of new and unusual destinations.

It is in Northern K%uFFFDbec, for example, that the conditions for observing the Northern Lights are at their best. In addition, the area relief, its magnificent rivers and vast lakes, and its essentially wilderness nature combine to provide an impressive backdrop for excursions and tours that are attracting growing numbers of ''visitors''.

Another major focus of interest are encounters with the Northern populations and the area various Aboriginal nations. These communities have rich cultures and have preserved lifestyles that are respectful of their traditions. They have adjusted remarkably to some of the harshest weather conditions in the world.

In the North and Baie-James regions, the hydro-electric generating stations have offered guided tours for many years. Facilities such as Manic-5 and Robert-Bourassa are veritable cathedrals of the modern era, and attract tourists from both K%uFFFDbec  and abroad.

Northern K%uFFFDbec is a paradise for the new adventure tourism and ecotourism sectors that are developing rapidly throughout the world.

WILDLIFE RESOURCES

Northern K%uFFFDbec wildlife resources are exceptional. The area boasts the world largest herd of migrating caribou. In Nunavik, the caribou population is estimated at approximately one million beasts, with nearly 400,000 along the river George and 600,000 along river aux Feuilles. The region fishing potential is also significant, and spans a variety of species.

Hunting and fishing in Northern K%uFFFDbec provide an outstanding experience that is very popular among international clients. The caribou hunting and fishing outfitters are the principal gateways to Northern regions for foreign visitors.

But hunting and fishing are not the only ways of exploring Northern K%uFFFDbec wildlife. In recent years, non-harvesting wildlife activities, such as outdoor wildlife observation, have grown in popularity. These activities should continue to develop quickly with the creation of new national parks that will be among the largest anywhere in K%uFFFDbec.

A vision of the future for the North

The K%uFFFDbec Government is ''aware'' of the high natural and economic potential of Northern K%uFFFDbec, and ''wishes to encourage an integrated'', sustainable approach to development by involving the communities concerned and acting with ''due respect for their lifestyles and needs''. The 2009-2010 Budget Speech, by ''encouraging resource access'', renewable energy and sustainable development, constitutes the ''first'' step towards this major project.