PDF 12MB - Garry Oak Ecosystems Recovery Team
PDF 12MB - Garry Oak Ecosystems Recovery Team
PDF 12MB - Garry Oak Ecosystems Recovery Team
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
PETITION FOR BC ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT<br />
To: Premier Glen Clark and Members of Cabinet<br />
BC Ministry of Environment statistics show that BC currently has 68 species of animals and 224 species of<br />
plants that are endangered or threatened. An additional 451 species are classified as vulnerable, and the<br />
numbers are increasing.<br />
It is already too late for the passenger pigeon and the Dragon Lake Whitefish - they are now extinct. Other<br />
species like the sage grouse and the yellow-billed cuckoo are no longer found in British Columbia. Our rich<br />
biological heritage is at risk.<br />
Unlike four other provinces (Ontario, Manitoba, Quebec and New Brunswick), BC has no Endangered<br />
Species Act. Yet last year, BCs Environment Minister signed the National Accordfor the Protection of<br />
Species At Risk in Canada. A key component of the National Accord is the commitment to pass<br />
complementary federal and provincial endangered species legislation. The federal government has tabled its<br />
legislation, the Canada Endangered Species Protection Act, and it is now time for BC to follow suit.<br />
Existing'provincial initiatives like the BC Wildlife Act, the Forest Practices Code and the Protected Areas<br />
Strategy do NOT adequately address the requirements of the National Accord. Separate, comprehensive<br />
BC endangered species legislation is required. We respectfully request that the BC Government honour its<br />
commitments under the National Accord and pass a BC Endangered Species Act.<br />
British Columbia's heritage deserves no less.<br />
Signed:<br />
Print Name Print Address and Postal Code Signature