December 26, 2014 – Gatineau, Quebec
The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Minister for the Arctic Council, today highlighted the accomplishments achieved under the National Conservation Plan.
The National Conservation Plan, which was a commitment made in the 2013 Speech from the Throne, is one of the many initiatives the Government has undertaken to protect Canada’s natural heritage for the benefit of future generations. It provides a more coordinated approach to conservation efforts across the country with an emphasis on enabling Canadians to conserve and restore lands and waters in and around their communities, and making it easier for citizens living in cities to connect with nature.
Since it was announced by Prime Minister Harper in May 2014, progress under the National Conservation Plan has been substantial. The Government has worked closely with stakeholders across the country to launch the National Wetland Conservation Fund and the expanded Habitat Stewardship Program.
The Government has expanded, strengthened and renewed its national and international partnerships to conserve the Gulf of Maine ecosystem. To better protect and restore the Great Lakes, Minister Aglukkaq announced the new Canada–Ontario Agreement on Great Lakes Water Quality and Ecosystem Health.
To connect Canadians to nature, the Government selected ten National Wildlife Areas where investments will be made to improve public access to infrastructure, creating trails, and supporting low-impact uses. In addition, with our support to Earth Rangers, more kids are learning about wildlife and what they can do to help conserve it.
The Government has also formally created Canada’s 44th national park. Nááts’ihch’oh National Park Reserve is one of the finest and most extensive system of protected areas in the world. Combined with the Government’s significant expansion in 2009 of Nahanni National Park Reserve, the creation of Nááts’ihch’oh National Park Reserve ensures the protection of the South Nahanni River watershed and habitat for mountain woodland caribou, grizzly bears, Dall’s sheep, mountain goats and Trumpeter swans.
For more information on the National Conservation Plan, please visit the National Conservation Plan.
Ted Laking
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of the Environment
819-997-1441
Media Relations
Environment Canada
819-934-8008
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