OTTAWA, March 23, 2017 – The Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF) welcomes the federal government’s investment in ocean protection, freshwater conservation and aquatic invasive species management in the new budget. However, CWF continues to urge governments to address and prioritize conservation issues for the health, economic, social and spiritual well-being of Canadians.
Quotes from Rick Bates, CEO of the Canadian Wildlife Federation
"CWF is pleased to see the federal government follow-through on its previously announced investment in the Oceans Protection Plan. The $1.5 billion over the next five years will help better protect Canada’s oceans, coasts and marine animals."
"Freshwater areas provide critical habitat for a wide range of Canadian wildlife and multiple benefits to Canadians, but increasing threats to these areas are jeopardizing the long-term use of these natural areas. The government’s commitment of $70.5 million over five years is a step forward."
"Aquatic invasive species are a growing threat to native species and natural systems that are the basis of critical ecological functions and many of our industries. The $43.8 million over the next five years will help minimize the impacts of invasive species like Asian carp and zebra mussels."
"It’s vitally important for Canada to minimize the risks to our marine wildlife and to invest in protection of our freshwater."
CWF continues to encourage governments to address critical issues such as:
- Reducing impacts on biodiversity as part of the next agriculture policy framework, expected in 2018
- Significantly increasing investments in freshwater conservation
- Supporting programs that prioritize managing wildlife and protecting habitat as an important mechanism for adapting to climate change
Background
- Canada has six million square kilometres of ocean, two-thirds as much ocean as land, and the longest coastline in the world.
- There are more than 33 species of whale, 11 species of seals and sea lions, and four species of turtles found in Canada’s oceans. However, 17 of these animals are listed under the Species at Risk Act (SARA), and several others are designated At-Risk by COSEWIC, the scientific authority for species at risk.
- Canada has seven per cent of the world’s freshwater.
- There are more than 60 species of freshwater fish listed under the Canada Species at Risk Act.
About the Canadian Wildlife Federation:
The Canadian Wildlife Federation is a national, not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to fostering awareness and appreciation of our natural world. By spreading knowledge of human impacts on the environment, carrying out research, developing and delivering education programs, promoting the sustainable use of natural resources, recommending changes to policy and co-operating with like-minded partners, CWF encourages a future in which Canadians can live in harmony with nature. For more information visit CanadianWildlifeFederation.ca.
For more information, please contact:
- Pamela Logan, Director of Communications, pamelal@cwf-fcf.org, 613-222-1405
- Heather Robison, Media and Community Relations Officer, heatherr@cwf-fcf.org, 1-306-540-5302
