Support Adding the Polar Bear to the Species At Risk List: Send Your Letter Now!

Last week we shared the news that Canada's Environment Minister, Peter Kent, has proposed adding the polar bear to the Species at Risk list. Thousands of Nature Canada supporters have sent letters and signed petitions to the federal government demanding action to protect the polar bear, as global warming destroys the bears' habitat and scientists raise warnings about the future of the species.

There is a 30-day comment period to voice support for the Environment Minister's proposal, and we've prepared a sample letter that you can send. Here it is.

The deadline for adding your comments is August 1, 2011. So make sure Minister Kent knows you support adding the polar bear to Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act as a species of special concern. Every letter counts!

Celebrate Canada's National Parks

Paddlers in the Bay of Fundy in Fundy National Park. Photo: Camille

This Saturday, July 16 is Parks Day in Canada - and there's a lot to celebrate this year!

2011 marks the 100th year of Parks Canada, the oldest national parks agency in the world. Over the past century, Parks Canada has worked to establish one of the most extensive and best-managed parks systems found on earth. As a result, national parks form part of the Canadian identity - we beam with pride at the natural beauty conserved within Canada's parks system.

Of course, there's always room for improvement. This Parks Day, ask the government to continue their great work in establishing a national parks system. Send a letter to Environment Minister Peter Kent asking him to create a national park in each of the 39 natural regions in Canada. You will be adding your voice to the call to continue the tradition of protecting pristine wilderness for current and future generations of Canadians.

This weekend, join us in celebrating Parks Canada's centennial by visiting a national park for FREE. On July 16, Parks Canada will be opening its doors free of charge.

Check out our 10 Things to Do in a Day to plan your trip. And if you or someone you know is a Grade 8 student, Parks Canada is giving away a free pass to visit a national park or national historic site any time this year! Go to MyParksPass.ca to get your pass.

When you get back from your trip, why not share your photos by adding them to the Nature Canada Flickr Pool - help everyone enjoy Canada's natural beauty!

Welcome Peter Kent, Minister of the Environment

Nature Canada congratulates Peter Kent on his appointment as Canada's new Minister of the Environment. We welcome Mr. Kent to a portfolio that offers many opportunities for success in 2011.

The first opportunity will be to build on Jim Prentice's legacy and maintain the momentum towards completing Canada's systems of terrestrial and marine parks and protected areas. Mr. Kent will be able to draw on his experience as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (Americas) to follow through on Canada's commitment to tri-lateral cooperation with the United States and Mexico on continental wilderness conservation. Examples of immediate do-able steps include working with the Dehcho and Tlicho Dene to formally establish the Edehzhie National Wildlife Area in the Northwest Territories, and working with the Oikigtani Inuit Association to negotiate boundaries for Lancaster Sound National Marine Conservation Area.

Secondly, the Minister will need to work with the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans to improve and accelerate the federal government's performance in implementing protection for Canada's ever-more-numerous species at risk. To date Canada has recognized over 600 species as being at risk of extinction, but has approved an action plan for recovery for only one species. The Minister should act quickly to ensure that the Government of Canada finally adopts a much-delayed suite of policies guiding implementation of the act.

Thirdly, the new Minister will face the challenge of convincing his cabinet colleagues to end the federal government's inaction on climate change. This will require a tidal shift to policies that effectively reduce Canada's greenhouse gas emissions. Related policies are also needed to rein in the many environmental impacts of the tar sands, and avert the looming environmental disasters associated with unconventional oil and gas development.

Finally, in the context of the UN decade for biodiversity and the international year of the forest, we at Nature Canada hope to work with the Minister and both Environment Canada and Parks Canada on the development of an ambitious national conservation plan.

We look forward to meeting with Mr. Kent and helping Canada seize the nature conservation opportunities that we are so fortunate to have.