Feb. 27, 2018, OTTAWA - The Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF) applauds the federal government’s historic new investment of $1.3 billion to advance conservation in Canada and an additional $1 billion to support our environmental laws.
“The government’s commitment to work in partnership with all sectors through the new Nature Fund and other initiatives in this budget is a great step forward,” said Rick Bates, CWF CEO. “This collaborative approach will ensure optimal results for conservation.”
This important federal commitment to conservation needs to be complemented by long-term strategies for sustainable fisheries and habitat stewardship outside of protected areas including environmentally sustainable agriculture.
CWF is a leader on improving protections for Canada’s whales and is pleased to see $167.4M in federal support to better protect and recover endangered whales.
One of CWF’s budget recommendations was to increase investment in fish habitat protection and restoration. With the proposed amendments to the Fisheries Act and the $284M for implementing the new Act, the government is sending a clear message that protecting fish and fish habitat is a priority.
“With substantial contributions to protecting land, inland waters, oceans and endangered whales now secured in the new federal budget, CWF is looking forward to working with the federal government to target this funding to achieve effective conservation for species at risk, fish habitat, and marine mammals,” added Bates.
The Canadian Wildlife Federation is part of the Green Budget Coalition, a group of 19 leading Canadian environmental and conservation organizations that provided strategic and budgetary recommendations to the federal government.
About the Canadian Wildlife Federation
The Canadian Wildlife Federation is dedicated to fostering awareness and appreciation of our natural world. By spreading knowledge of human impacts on the environment, conducting research, taking action to conserve habitat and wildlife, recommending legislative and policy changes, and co-operating with like-minded partners, CWF encourages a future in which Canadians can live in harmony with nature. Visit CanadianWildlifeFederation.ca for more information.
-30-
For all other inquires:
Pam Logan,
Director of Communications
613-222-1405
pamelal@cwf-fcf.org
Heather Robison,
Media Relations Officer
(306) 550-6340
heatherr@cwf-fcf.org
