CPAWS commends the Manitoba government for their commitments to a World Heritage Site and associated First Nation land protection requests on the east side of Lake Winnipeg. Now it's time for our government to make its words a reality on the ground. Please send a letter to Premier Selinger to let him know how you feel about the urgent need for his government to fulfill its promises on large scale conservation on Manitoba's east side.

Upholding the region's ecological integrity is critical to maintaining traditional activities for local communities as well as emerging sustainable economic opportunities such as eco and cultural tourism -- two of the fastest-growing industries in the world. Keeping Manitoba's east side forests healthy and whole is also paramount to the survival of the area's majestic and threatened Woodland caribou.

The east side of Lake Winnipeg is part of the world's largest section of Boreal forest. By securing huge swaths of the Boreal from industrial developments, we protect the ecological services we all require. The Boreal forest is Earth's largest source of fresh water, and the northern lungs of the planet. It also stores tons of carbon, which helps slow down climate change.