Scientists consider the caribou an “umbrella species,” meaning that protecting it also shields others in its habitat. …In Quebec, home to “the three most at-risk Boreal Caribou populations in Canada,” political inaction gets in the way of the species’ recovery. If Quebec continues to stall, Ottawa can and should step in. …Boreal caribou have been listed as threatened under the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA) since 2003. Minister Steven Guilbeault found in January, 2023, that “almost all boreal caribou critical habitat located on non-federal lands in Quebec is not effectively protected”. …The government did not act on his recommendation, preferring a “collaborative” approach. …In September, Mr. Guilbeaultoffered hundreds of millions of dollars to help Quebec achieve protection. Yet, the stalemate persists. If Quebec is unhappy with Ottawa’s intrusion, it has a solution: take the action that has been promised for years. [to access the full story a Globe and Mail subscription is required]