The Government of Canada takes action to protect species at risk

OTTAWA, Feb. 27, 2017 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is committed to protecting species and biodiversity in Canada, and it has recently added 11 new species to the list of species at risk, under the Species at Risk Act. The species to be protected under the Act were published in the Canada Gazette, Part II, on February 22, 2017.

The Government of Canada is committed to enhancing the protection of Canada's species at risk by responding quickly to the advice of scientists. Following the listing of wildlife species under the Species at Risk Act, the government will start work on species-at-risk recovery planning, working closely with provinces, territories, Indigenous communities, and stakeholders. It is anticipated that additional species will be added to the list in the months to come.

Quote

"Our government is acting to protect and recover species at risk in a timely manner using conservation measures based on sound science. Acknowledging species that are at risk can only improve their chances of survival and recovery."
– Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change

Quick facts

• The Government of Canada passed the Species at Risk Act in 2002 to provide a legal framework for wildlife-species management, protection, and recovery.
• Currently, there are over 530 species protected under the Act.
• COSEWIC is an independent body of scientific experts that assess the status of wildlife species in Canada, and it is made up of experts from federal, provincial, and territorial governments, universities, and non-government organizations.

Associated links

Order Amending Schedule 1 to the Species at Risk Act

Amendments involving 18 species under the Species at Risk Act

Environment and Climate Change Canada's Twitter page

Environment and Natural Resources in Canada's Facebook page

SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada

For further information: Caitlin Workman, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, 819-938-9436; Media Relations, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 819-938-3338 or 1-844-836-7799 (toll free)

Related Links

http://www.ec.gc.ca