The municipality of Sacré-Cœur in Haute-Côte-Nord is working together with the federal environment minister and his draft emergency decree on the protection of forest caribou to ensure its survival.
Rachel Fournier, from Montreal, has lived in Sacre-Coeur for three years with her partner, who works at the Boisago Forestry Cooperative.
The couple erected a symbolic sign on their land that read “Family Threatened with Disappearance.”
The poster features a photo of Environment Minister Steven Guilbault and lists him as the real estate agent to contact.
“If the factory closes, we don’t know what will happen to us,” Rachel Fournier said
Boisako fears that if the central government accepts the mandate proposed by the minister, more than 50% of the forest will be lost. A reduction of up to 20% can already have significant effects on an operator’s profitability.
“600 jobs are threatened, not just in Sacré-Coeur, but in Haute-Côte-Nord,” laments Boisaco CEO Steeve St-Gelais.
No answer
As calls for a meeting with the minister went unanswered, the community speculated about the coup.
“It was inspired by real estate agents,” said promoter Julie LaBille. It’s a snub, but we also loved the stunning image.
The traders surveyed and the general public are concerned.
“We’re waiting for the minister,” said Kaden Hovington, co-owner of Hovington’s Grocery.
Boisaco recognizes the importance of protecting woodland caribou, but calls on Minister Gilfield to consider the human aspect.
“If the mandate passes, many families will face a heartbreaking choice,” said Rachel Fournier. Either we move or we stay here.
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