• Collaborate with scientists, First Nation and Métis communities to map and permanently protect interconnected network of conservation lands across the Far North
• Support local land-use planning for First Nation communities that precedes development decisions
• Work with northern communities and resource industries to create a broad plan for sustainable development, including resource benefit sharing with First Nations communities for projects that receive community consent
• Review the Mining Act, introduce legislation in the upcoming session and put in place new mining rules in 2009 that respect First Nations rights and ensure new mining development in the Far North will require early consultation and accommodation with local Aboriginal communities.

First Nations leaders in Ontario praised the government's approach. "This is good news for the people of Nishnawbe Aski, as it will require that First Nations be fully involved in resource development in our traditional territory," said Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) Grand Chief Stan Beardy.

Scientists and Canadian environmental groups expressed their strong support for Premier Dalton McGuinty's science-based leadership. Janet Sumner, Executive Director of CPAWS Wildlands League said, "Today's announcement fulfills the Premier's promise to protect the Boreal Forest by doing Land Use Planning before large scale industrial development."