MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT STRENGTHENS PROTECTION FOR ONTARIO'S SPECIES AT RISK

For Immediate Release
May 17, 2007

MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT STRENGTHENS PROTECTION FOR ONTARIO'S SPECIES AT RISK
New Legislation Is Among The Strongest In North America

TORONTO — Ontario is now a North American leader in species at risk protection and recovery with the passage of The Endangered Species Act, 2007, Natural Resources Minister David Ramsay said today.

“This act represents a milestone in the protection and recovery of species at risk in Ontario and establishes a benchmark for the rest of the world,” said Ramsay. “This legislation also ensures that future generations of Ontarians will benefit from a healthier and diverse natural environment.”

More effective legislation is just one component of the government’s comprehensive three-part approach to species at risk protection that also includes programs and policies to implement the new legislation, and greater support for public stewardship initiatives.

“The new act takes a stewardship-first approach to protection of species and their habitats,” said Ramsay.  “We will back up our commitment to this approach with funding of $18 million over four years to support public stewardship activities protecting essential habitat and green space.”

The Ministry of Natural Resources is working with its conservation partners to develop the stewardship program. Initiatives eligible for stewardship funding may include outreach and education projects, habitat enhancement and recovery, youth employment and research activities, and support for landowner efforts to protect species and habitat.

Ontario is home to more than 30,000 species – all important to the biological, social and economic vitality of the province.  At present, more than 175 of these species are identified as being at risk, which means they may disappear from the province if their rate of decline continues.

The new legislation is just one way the McGuinty government is protecting Ontario’s natural heritage.  Other initiatives include:

• Launching Ontario’s Biodiversity Strategy
• Protecting 1.8 million acres of greenspace in the Greenbelt, providing a safe habitat for 66 species at risk
• Working with an alliance of organizations through the Natural Spaces program to develop the tools, incentives and on-the-ground activities that will encourage and support private landowners in conserving natural areas on their land.

For More Information

Anne-Marie Flanagan
Minister’s Office
416-327-0654

Jolanta Kowalski
Communications Services Branch
416-314-2106

General Enquiries

Natural Resources Information Centre
1-800-667-1940
TTY 1-866-686-6072 (Hearing Impaired)