SUPPORT FOR ONTARIO'S PROPOSED ENDANGERED SPECIES LEGISLATION

For Immediate Release
March 20, 2007

SUPPORT FOR ONTARIO'S PROPOSED ENDANGERED SPECIES LEGISLATION
Backgrounder

“Conservation Ontario commends the Government of Ontario for undertaking a review of the Endangered Species Act which will result in improved protection for species at risk.  The Province led a very inclusive consultation process during the review and the Conservation Authorities were pleased to participate.” 
Richard Hibma, Chair of Conservation Ontario.

“The new Endangered Species Act is a significant step forward for Ontarians and the natural heritage we all value so highly.  This new legislation will provide an inclusive, science-based and effective framework within which to balance different environmental and economic priorities.”
Dr. Rick Smith, Executive Director, Environmental Defence

“Our panel recommended a science-based, proactive approach to the protection and recovery of species at risk and we are pleased that our advice has been accepted.  The new program will ensure that the needs of species are the first priority in listing, habitat protection and recovery.”  
Justina C. Ray, Ph.D., Director, Wildlife Conservation Society Canada and Adjunct Professor, University of Toronto’s Faculty of Forestry.

“This new legislation brings Ontario’s protection for endangered plants and animals into the 21st century.  The package of incentives and programs will ensure that private landowners, who are responsible for the majority of rare habitats, are valued partners in the delivery of endangered species protection.” 
Wendy Francis, Director of Conservation and Science, Ontario Nature

“We are delighted that the Ontario government's new species at risk legislation proposed today includes greater recognition and support for the essential role private land stewardship plays in protecting and restoring important natural habitats such as wetlands.”   
Ron Maher, Manager Provincial Operations (Ontario), Ducks Unlimited Canada

“We congratulate the government for acting on its commitment to update and expand Ontario's existing species at risk legislation.  If passed, this milestone legislation will provide support to private landowners and conservation groups for stewardship activities and provide stronger protection for our native species at risk to help ensure they have the habitat they need to thrive.”
James Duncan, Acting Regional Vice President, Ontario, of the Nature Conservancy of Canada

“OSSGA is pleased that the new Endangered Species Act provides mechanisms that will permit balanced decisions around the responsible extraction of essential materials, while at the same time deliver overall benefits for endangered and threatened species.”
Ken Lucyshyn, Chairman of the Board, Ontario Stone, Sand & Gravel Association

“Forward-looking jurisdictions around the world have set a standard for endangered species legislation that includes habitat protection measures and Ontario's revised Endangered Species Act (ESA) meets this standard.  WWF-Canada works with leading industry partners and we believe the ESA supports collaborative conservation efforts to protect biodiversity, such as through Forest Stewardship Council certification.”  
Tony Iacobelli, Director, Forest and Freshwater program, WWF-Canada

“This endangered species legislation is compatible with corporate social responsibility and is a cornerstone for any progressive society hoping to halt extinction of species including the spotted turtle and woodland caribou.  Protecting endangered species through effective legislation is the last line of defense and is only necessary if we have failed to ensure the survival of species through more proactive measures such as adequate land use planning or socially responsible industrial management regimes such as the international Forest Stewardship Certification for forestry.”
Janet Sumner, Executive Director, CPAWS Wildlands League

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