Baird must reverse conservation funding cuts, says Green Party

OTTAWA – The Green Party is demanding a clear statement from Environment Minister John Baird on plans to slash the budget of Environment Canada and cancel or severely curtail some of the department's crucial wildlife programs.

"Decades of progress in wildlife monitoring and protection will be in jeopardy if these savage budget cuts are implemented," said the party's federal leader Elizabeth May. "Mr. Baird must move immediately to reverse this decision and restore funding to these vital conservation initiatives."

The CBC reported today that the Canadian Wildlife Service has had its budget frozen for the rest of the fiscal year. As a result, the Environment Monitoring and Assessment Network has had its budget cut by 80 per cent, the budget of the Migratory Bird Program has been halved and funding for the National Wildlife Areas program, which protects important habitat for wildlife and birds, has been cut off completely.

"At a time when species and entire ecosystems are under increasing pressure from the impacts of global warming, it is more important than ever that we maintain and enhance efforts to monitor and protect Canadian wildlife," said Ms. May.

"This must not become another either-or decision based on departmental budget priorities. The protection of Canada's priceless natural heritage is non-negotiable."