Québec’s Plan To Protect Its Northern Environment

Among the features of Québec's twenty-five-year master plan for the development of its northern territory (the Plan Nord ), released on May 9, 2011, is the objective of setting aside no less than 50% of the land mass concerned for non-industrial purposes by 2035, in order to protect its environment and safeguard its biodiversity. The total area concerned measures a gigantic 600,000 sq. km. On August 12, the Québec Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks, Pierre Arcand, unveiled a Working Paper and launched a public consultation process designed to permit the gradual attainment of that objective, beginning in the next few years.

The Working Paper is called "The government's commitment to dedicate 50% of the territory of the Plan Nord to protecting the environment, safeguarding biodiversity and developing the natural heritage, as well as to various types of development that do not rely on industrial activities". The document is posted on the