Safeguarding Wildlife

The north is often symbolized by caribou. School children even know of the massive herds made up of thousands of barren ground caribou migrating across the open tundra. The caribou is one of those iconic species, featured prominently on Canada’s 25-cent coin.

Grizzly bears hold a special place in our hearts and conjure up images of rugged and unspoiled wilderness. But conflict with humans and habitat encroachment has left many populations of this iconic giant on the brink of extinction.

Wild Pacific salmon – Sockeye, Coho, Chinook, Chum and Pink – are the lifeblood of the West Coast, supporting Orcas, Grizzlies, other wildlife, forests, First Nations, coastal communities and tourism. Wild salmon are in trouble.

Canada is envied around the world for its natural beauty and people look to our country for environmental leadership and vision. Yet, our federal government does so little to protect it. If we want Canada's future to include wilderness and wildlife, we must plan for that vision, wisely and carefully.

In Canada, the endangered northern spotted owl is found only in the southwestern corner of British Columbia. This handsome medium sized owl, with its unusual dark-brown eyes, relies on old-growth forests to roost, nest and forage.

Did you know BC has no endangered species legislation? Most people are unaware that although BC has the greatest biodiversity in the country, we are one of only two provinces in Canada – the other being Alberta – that has no stand-alone law to protect endangered wildlife.

BC is renowned for its tremendous ecological wealth and variety of wildlife.  From Vancouver Island marmots, spotted owls, western bluebirds and grizzly bears we have the greatest biodiversity in all of Canada.