The proposed exemption ignores Ontario Environmental Commissioner Gord Miller's warning that "woodland caribou is at risk of being extirpated in Ontario by the end of this century." Only 20,000 woodland caribou remain in Ontario and their territory has shrunk by 50 per cent.

"This proposed exemption from the Endangered Species Act is a complete reversal for Premier McGuinty who solemnly promised to protect Ontario's threatened caribou," said Catharine Grant, Greenpeace forest campaigner.

"I have a responsibility to try and find some balance," retorted Ontario Natural Resources Minister Linda Jeffrey. "I've got to do two things - I need to protect woodland caribou and ensure a successful northern economy."

"Rather than shielding industry, the government should be providing the leadership necessary to save species and spur a vibrant economic future in the north," said Rachel Plotkin, Policy Analyst for the David Suzuki Foundation.

Manitoba's woodland caribou are also threatened and also listed under Manitoba's Endangered Species Act. Manitoba Wildlands Director Gaile Whelan-Enns warned, "Manitoba must not do what the McGuinty Government is doing. We expect the Manitoba Government to avoid any exemptions, and protect Woodland Caribou and their habitat."