Articles

By Leigh Edgar

Once a leader in the fight against climate change, the government of Canada is now lagging behind other developed nations in its efforts to meaningfully address greenhouse gas emissions. And instead of trying to improve its own record, Canada wants to point the finger at other nations instead.
 

Canada boasts an impressive maritime heritage. With the world’s longest coastline bordering on three oceans, it’s easy to see how important the marine environment is to our way of life. Nearly a third of all Canadians live within reach of the coast. Oceans contribute to our economy, our recreation and our identity. Oceans are important sources of food and cultural experiences and they provide an array of goods and services that we benefit from everyday, regardless of where we live.
 

By Leigh Edgar

Extinction isn't exclusive to species on remote tropical islands, or in the lush rainforests of South America. You might be surprised to learn that we’ve lost species in our own country. While the rates and causes of extinction in developed countries differ from those in developing countries, nations like Canada certainly aren't immune to species loss. Species that have gone extinct in Canada largely fell victim to a time when land was being conquered for human settlement, natural resources were being overharvested, and few – if any – conservation laws existed.

Pushing to amend Canada’s Navigable Waters Protection Act to strengthen and conserve environmental protection of Canadian waters.  

News from CWF including past partnerships, promotions and scholarships.  

Shrinking and late-forming ice is forcing the polar bears of Churchill, Man., to adopt drastic hunting measures. “There’s nothing much to eat along the Hudson Bay coast in the fall other than other bears,” says biologist Ian Stirling, a retired Environment Canada scientist and leading expert on polar bears.

Even though it’s still making headlines, it shouldn’t be news to anyone — kids today are spending too much time inside and not enough time in nature. A recent U.K. study conducted by the National Trust showed that of the 1,651 children surveyed, only half could tell the difference between a bee and a wasp but 90 per cent could identify Yoda. This study focused on U.K. children, but would Canadian kids fare any better? If we can be compared to our neighbours to the south — who have studied this growing disconnect in detail — the answer is no.  

CWF encourages Canadians to add their voices to the call for allocation of carbon market revenues to conservation. 

By April Overall

A tribute to Canada’s floral godmother

An $11,800 grant from the Canadian Wildlife Federation to the BC Wildlife Federation’s Wetlandkeepers program helps ensure a future for British Columbia’s wetlands. 

Picture a beautiful day with sparking sun, cloudless sky and a warm breeze – perfect for a walk in a nearby park. You slip outside and breathe in the fresh air, lightly perfumed from neighbouring gardens. The only sounds are the crunch of gravel beneath your feet and the song of local birds in the treetops. You slowly meander your way through the park when suddenly you see something moving just off the path. At first you think it’s a small cat, but upon closer examination you realize it’s not. You stop and watch mutely as the critter wanders out onto the path. It’s a muskrat! You remain still and silent as the little mammal creeps over the walkway and into the surrounding foliage. After a moment or two, you continue on your stroll, smiling to yourself and watching for any other signs of animal life. 

From ballet slipper pink to bright blue, the vivid colours of spring are all around us. Stop and take a look!

In spring 2008, the Canadian Wildlife Federation provided $7,500 in funding to Regina researchers to develop a conservation strategy for the threatened eastern yellow-bellied racer.