More protection for endangered animals will make Ontario a leader: advocates

Canadian Press

Published: Friday, March 23, 2007

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TORONTO (CP) - Ontario will lead Canada in saving endangered animals if provincial legislation to protect species at risk introduced Tuesday becomes law, environmental groups say.

The proposed legislation expands the number of protected animals in Ontario and allows scientists to determine which new species should be added each year. If it becomes law, the province will spend $18 million over four years to increase protection for the habitat of threatened animals and to engage the support of private landowners - many of whom find themselves responsible for protecting endangered animals.

"If this law is passed in its current form, it will be the best endangered species law in the country," said Rick Smith, executive director of Environmental Defence.

"And there is an urgency to getting it passed - 75 per cent of species in Ontario are declining right across the board. We're losing those incredible animals and plants that make this an interesting place to live."

A lot has changed since the Endangered Species Act was introduced 36 years ago, said Natural Resources Minister David Ramsay.

"Climate change, population growth and urbanization have taken a toll on our natural environment," Ramsay said.

"This government is setting a gold standard for species protection and recovery that we believe will be an example for other jurisdictions right around the world."

Ontario is home to 175 different species like the peregrine falcon and woodland caribou that are now considered at risk, said Ramsay, who added that under the new legislation, up to six new species could be added to the list each year.

While some farmers are concerned the legislation will cost them a chunk of their annual income in lost crops if they encounter an endangered animal or plant, environmental groups were thrilled with the bill and want it passed as soon as possible.

The legislation covers all the bases, Smith said. It has a plan to replenish dwindling species and helps protect the environment they depend upon to survive, he said.

"That just makes sense - it doesn't do any good to protect individual creatures if you completely obliterate everything that surrounds them," he added.

Robert Wright, counsel with the Sierra Legal Defence Fund, called the legislation "a terrific step forward."

"This would be a big improvement and the faster it gets in, the better we'll be, he said.

But Paul Mistele, vice-president of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, is worried about the impact the legislation might have for his members. Without some kind of adequate compensation, Mistele said farmers might be less inclined to voluntarily co-operate with endangered species protection.

"We're going to be taking a hard look at that," he said.

Ron Maher, provincial manager with Ducks Unlimited, said recognizing the role of private landowners is a good start. But he said the $18 million budgeted for the new law may not be enough to ensure co-operation.