Montreal, October 27, 2017 – The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS Quebec) is pleased with the statements made today at the inauguration of Tursujuq National Park, the largest protected area in eastern North America. A positive and encouraging announcement With this announcement, the Quebec government has demonstrated its commitment to preserve Quebec’s exceptional cultural and natural heritage, maintain traditional lifestyles and diversify the region’s economy. CPAWS Quebec is delighted to see the Quebec government recognize the value of protected areas and continue its course to achieve 17% protection of land and freshwater by 2020. “We welcome this positive announcement and the role the Prime Minister has played in advancing protected areas in Quebec,” said Alain Branchaud, Executive Director of CPAWS Quebec. “There is a lot of work to be done by 2020, but the good news is that the government has enough proposals in hand to reach 17% of protected areas across the province. With the political will, we will get there!” A vast ecosystem of protected wilderness Covering more than 26,000 km2, Tursujuq National Park is Quebec’s largest national park, and one of the largest terrestrial protected areas in the world. This huge territory is a crossroads of cultures, home to historic Cree and Inuit cultural sites, as well as exceptional natural treasures. The Nastapoka River, located near Hudson Bay, is home to a population of harbor seals living exclusively in freshwater. This unique seal population – which is made up of fewer than 100 individuals – has a chance to prosper thanks to the protection afforded by Tursujuq Park. “We would like to acknowledge the exemplary collective work of the Cree and Inuit communities, the Kativik Regional Government (KRG) and the Government of Quebec to protect this natural jewel of northern Quebec. CPAWS Quebec is proud to have contributed to the creation of this park,” added Alain Branchaud. 30 – Information: Charlene Daubenfeld Communications, CPAWS Quebec [email protected]    Office: 514-278-7627 #221 Cell: 514-378-3880 www.snapqc.org