OTTAWA,
ON -- August 22, 2008 -- Canada's Environment
Minister John Baird, and Nunavut Tunngavik
Inc. Acting President, James Eetoolook,
today announced the establishment of three
new National Wildlife Areas on and around
Baffin Island, protecting local species
and habitat including the bowhead whale.
The Inuit Impact and
Benefit Agreement for National Wildlife
Areas and Migratory Bird Sanctuaries in
the Nunavut Settlement Area, was negotiated
between the Government of Canada, Nunavut
Tunngavik Inc., three Regional Inuit Associations
and the Nangmautaq Hunters and Trappers
organization. The agreement allows for the
creation of three new National Wildlife
Areas on and around Baffin Island to protect
local species and habitat. Under the agreement,
Canada's Government is committing $8.3 million.
"Prime Minister
Harper and our Government are delivering
real results that will benefit not only
our environment in the Arctic, but the people
who live there," said Minister Baird.
"This is a real demonstration of our
commitment to protect our species and their
incredible habitat in the North."
The Niginganiq (nee
geen ga nik) National Wildlife Area (Isabella
Bay) is internationally recognized for providing
key bowhead whale habitat, and the Akpait
(ak pa eet) and Qaqulluit (ka koo loo eet)
National Wildlife Areas near Qikiqtarjuaq
(kick-ih-TAR-jew-ack) (Broughton Island)
are known for housing significant populations
of seabirds including one of Canada's largest
Thick-billed Murre colonies and Canada's
largest colony of Northern Fulmars. These
areas also provide habitat for a number
of marine animals including walruses, seals
and polar bears.
"The establishment
of new National Wildlife Areas around Clyde
River and Qikiqtarjuaq will increase the
ecotourism value of the region," says
Minister Chuck Strahl, Canada's Minister
of Indian and Northern Affairs. "This
will provide economic opportunities and
enable residents to develop environmentally
sustainable tourism businesses and create
jobs."
"Inuit began negotiations
for the three National Wildlife Areas in
addition to the two already established,
and eight Migratory Bird Sanctuaries in
Nunavut in 2001. Today's historic signing
with Minister Baird brings that work, along
with the efforts to create the Niginganiq
Wildlife Area, an internationally recognized
bowhead whale sanctuary near Clyde River,
to an end, and makes our years of struggles
worthwhile. This is a big day for Inuit,"
said Eetoolook. "The funding that comes
along with this agreement will result in
long-lasting economic benefits for Inuit
in the affected areas."
"Protecting the
bowhead whales of Niginganiq has been a
26 year marathon effort", said Mike
Russill, CEO of WWF-Canada. "We are
grateful to the people of Clyde River for
their patience and persistence, and we thank
the Government of Canada and Minister Baird
for their dedication and commitment in pushing
this finally over the finish line".
The federal Government
is firmly committed to the protection, improvement
and conservation of our country's natural
legacy. Environment Canada works in collaboration
with other federal departments, provinces
and territories, Aboriginal organizations,
non-governmental organizations and the public
to preserve Canada's environment and conserve
its precious natural heritage for present
and future generations.
Environment Canada
Media Relations
+ More
Canada's Government
Supports Local Community Organization Delivering
Real Action on the Environment
LONDON, ON -- August
23, 2008 -- Canada's Environment Minister
John Baird announced an investment of $278,462
to the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority
for The Thames River Aquatic Ecosystem Stewardship
Initiative under the Habitat Stewardship
Program.
"Our Government
is committed to protecting and preserving
our natural environment," said Minister
Baird. "I fully support grassroots
community initiatives like these that deliver
real results for Canadians by improving
our environment."
This year alone, the
Government has invested $12.1 million in
communities across Canada through the Habitat
Stewardship Program. The Program contributes
to the recovery of endangered, threatened
and other species at risk while also preventing
species from becoming a conservation concern.
The Thames River Aquatic
Ecosystem Stewardship Initiative will improve
water quality and aquatic habitat by offering
incentives to private rural landowners to
use recognized best management practices
for clean water. The program will also involve
community and school groups, as well aid
in the creation of public awareness activities,
including a reptile education program. Funding
will also help ensure a safe and maintained
habitat for spiny soft-shell turtles and
queen snakes.
The Habitat Stewardship
Program is a partnership-based conservation
initiative managed by Environment Canada,
Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Parks Canada.
It is a major component of the federal government's
program to implement the Species at Risk
Act.
Please refer to the adjoining backgrounder
for more details regarding the Habitat Stewardship
Program.
Chris Day
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
