Quebec’s Caribou Crisis: Protecting Endangered Species vs. Economic Devastation

The future of caribou in Quebec hangs in the balance as a federal decree aimed at protecting the endangered species faces fierce opposition from local businesses, who fear economic devastation. The proposed decree, aimed at safeguarding caribou populations in three regions of Quebec, would restrict forestry activities in areas crucial to the livelihoods of many residents. While the decree enjoys the support of the Assembly of First Nations Quebec-Labrador, who deem it essential for the caribou’s survival, the mayor of Sacré-Coeur, Lise Boulianne, argues that such a measure would cripple the local economy, jeopardizing the future of her community. The forestry industry, a vital pillar of the region’s economy, stands to lose hundreds of jobs and millions in annual revenue if the decree is implemented, according to industry representatives. Quebec’s government, while acknowledging the need for caribou protection, has expressed concerns about the potential economic repercussions of the federal decree, preferring to rely on its own strategies for safeguarding the species.