Canada Initiates Emergency Order to Protect Three Most At-Risk Quebec Caribou

Jun 19, 2024, 09:04 PM

The Government of Canada has initiated the process of making an emergency order to protect Quebec's three most at-risk boreal caribou populations. This action comes after years of promises from Quebec to address caribou conservation, with little progress made. Federal Environment Minister has used his power under the Species at Risk Act to compel Quebec to take action. An independent commission estimated that protecting all woodland caribou herds in Quebec could result in the loss of 840 jobs, while the provincial government claims that 30,000 jobs are at risk. Currently, 11 of 13 caribou populations are at risk of extinction. The move highlights the tension between environmental conservation efforts and economic concerns in the region.