Marine area bigger than Lake Superior could soon be protected off Ontario’s shores

A vast marine area home to beluga whales and threatened polar bears off Ontario’s northern shores is a step closer to protected status.

Officials with the federal government and nine First Nations say they have cleared a hurdle on the path to protecting a large stretch of southern Hudson Bay and western James Bay as a national marine conservation area.

After studying the feasibility of the project – covering an area bigger than Lake Superior – representatives for both Ottawa and the First Nations say they support the idea and are moving ahead to negotiations.

Grand Chief Leo Friday of the Mushkegowuk Council called it a welcome first step toward fulfilling a treaty promise with First Nations to recognize them as the stewards of their traditional lands and waters.