In 2003 Quebec set a goal to protect 8 percent of the province, the latest addition brings the total 8.12 percent or 135,326 square kilometers. Quebec has committed to adding another four percent province-wide and to protect at least half of northern Quebec as part of Plan Nord.

"Just five years ago, Quebec was behind in protecting its natural heritage. Now it's on its way to becoming a world leader," said Mathew Jacobson of the Pew Environmental Group. "With each new conservation addition, Quebec emerges further as a global model for sustainable economic development and land conservation."

Environmental groups applauded the move to protect one of the largest intact forest and wetland ecosystems remaining on earth. Canada's Boreal Forest stores 186 billion tones of carbon and provides nesting grounds for billions of songbirds and waterfowl.

"Manitobans have been waiting for years for their government to take steps like Quebec is taking. Our boreal forest regions urgently need new protected areas," commented Gaile Whelan Enns of Manitoba Wildlands.