We've launched six employment programs for Ontario's young people, creating more than 2,300 jobs in 2001 to help deliver Ontario's Living Legacy . And we recently announced the protection of 11 natural areas in southern Ontario through the Natural Areas Protection Program, a key component of Living Legacy. As we approach our peak camping, fishing and hunting seasons, it is worth noting that fish and wildlife are a very important part of Living Legacy. As Minister of Natural Resources, I know how important these activities are, not only to our own residents but also to visitors to the province. Ontario is blessed with a tremendous variety and abundance of fish and wildlife.
Careful regulation ensures that hunting and fishing are carried out in a sound and sustainable way.
Hunters and anglers are also actively involved in work to protect and enhance fish and wildlife habitat, in partnership with my ministry. That is being achieved through the key component of Living Legacy - the Ontario Forest Accord. The accord is a precedent-setting approach by the government, the forest industry and the environmental community to work together in establishing new protected areas while considering the needs of the forest industry for a sustainable wood supply. The board's recent interim report highlighted agreement on a mechanism for sharing the forest resource into the future. The board expressed confidence that there will be room for growth in new parkland, room for growth in wood supply for industry and room for growth in jobs for Ontarians.