PUBLIC HEARINGS IN UMIUJAQ AND KUUJJUARAPIK-WHAPMAGOOSTUI

Québec, June 4, 2008 – Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks Ms. Line Beauchamp reminds interested parties that public hearings will be held on June 16–17, 2008 in Umiujaq and on June 18-19 in Kuujjuarapik-Whapmagoostui concerning the creation of the Parc National des Lacs-Guillaume-Delisle-et-à-l'Eau-Claire in Nunavik.

“As part of our commitment to better protect the vast natural spaces in the North with the participation of the Inuit and Cree peoples, I invite all interested persons, and especially the populations and organizations of these communities, to express their opinions on the creation of this new Nunavik park which is to be the biggest National Park in Québec,” the Minister declared. “This is another demonstration of the fact that the protection of our lakes and rivers is a priority for our government,” added Ms. Beauchamp.

Persons and organizations interested in participating in the public consultation process should make their intentions known and submit a brief setting out their points of view prior to June 9, 2008. Briefs may be submitted by e-mail to tasikimi@mddep.gouv.qc.ca or by regular mail to the following address:

Projet de parc national des Lacs-Guillaume-Delisle-et-à-l'Eau-Claire
Direction du patrimoine écologique et des parcs
Ministère du Développement durable, de l’Environnement et des Parcs
675, boulevard René-Lévesque Est, 4e étage, boîte 21
Québec (Québec) G1R 5V7

 

Inuit and Cree citizens that wish to offer their comments and opinions verbally without submitting a brief are welcome to appear before the hearings at the following times and places:

Pursuant to the Parks Act, Minister Line Beauchamp is pleased to announce that she has mandated Mr. Johnny N. Adams to hold these public hearings in order to gather the comments of the population about the creation of this new park in Nunavik. Mr. Adams has held key positions over the years within the Inuit nation, notably as Mayor of Kuujjuaq from 1991 to 1997 and subsequently as President of the Kativik Regional Government until 2005. In 2007, he also presided over the public hearings on the creation of Kuururjuaq National Park.

The biggest National Park in Québec

The proposed area for the new Parc National des Lacs-Guillaume-Delisle-et-à-l'Eau-Claire covers 15,549 square kilometres, which would make it the biggest National Park in Québec. The territory extends from the east coast of Hudson Bay eastward for around 230 kilometres. The water coverage of the lakes and rivers of this territory is impressive, as much in number as in area. Lake Guillaume-Delisle is completely located on the western side of the territory and is bounded by stunning cliffs that rise to some 400 metres in height. Some 700 square kilometres in size, Lake Guillaume-Delisle is connected to Hudson Bay by a narrow channel used by Belugas and seals. Some 100 kilometres further east is Lake Eau Claire whose area of 1,226 square kilometres makes it the second largest natural lake in Québec

Documentation about the creation of the Lacs-Guillaume-Delisle-et-à-l'Eau-Claire National Park and information on how to participate in the public hearings may be found on the MDDEP Website.
 

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