Resolutions

Ontario Nature member groups are invited to submit resolutions for consideration at the 2007-08 Annual General Meeting.

The consideration and adoption of resolutions at an AGM allow issues of importance to clubs to be addressed at the provincial level, gives issues the weight of the full organization, and can be helpful in public communications and submissions to decision-makers.

In order to be considered at the AGM, resolutions must conform to the following specifications:

1. be consistent with the Ontario Nature mission (as described on the "About Ontario Nature" page on our web site: www.ontarionature.org/home/aboutFON.html);
2. be no more than one page in length and in a format that gives brief background in sentences beginning with "Whereas . . ." and that provides the substance of the resolution, which should consist of a direction to government or an agency on a particular policy initiative or issue, in a sentence beginning with "Now therefore Ontario Nature calls upon [the appropriate Minister or agency] to . . ." (to see a sample resolution, visit www.ontarionature.org/resolution);
3. be proposed and seconded by two Ontario Nature members, one of whom is present at the AGM to speak to the resolution; and
4. be submitted in writing to the Ontario Nature office, by post to 366 Adelaide Street West, Suite 201, Toronto, ON M5V 1R9 or email to clarem@ontarionature.org no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 9, 2008.

The Ontario Nature Board (or its designate) has the final decision regarding whether or not a resolution is submitted to the membership for consideration at the AGM. Resolutions will not be accepted from the floor. At the discretion of the Chair, any resolution may be put to a vote or withdrawn at any time during the debate.

Sample resolution

WHEREAS northern Ontario’s boreal forest region (north of the 51st parallel) contributes to the largest expanse of intact boreal forest left on the globe;

AND WHEREAS the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines is consulting on a proposed Mineral Development Strategy;

AND WHEREAS the proposed Mineral Development Strategy proposes expanding mineral exploration and development in northern Ontario in priority to other interests;

NOW THEREFORE Ontario Nature-Federation of Ontario Naturalists calls upon the Government of Ontario to institute a comprehensive land use planning process for northern Ontario that considers the potential for mineral development in balance with other interests such as a network of protected areas, the needs of threatened or endangered species, and wilderness-based ecotourism.