Montreal - The Green Party of Canada (GPC) adds its voice to Montreal environmentalists and birders demanding that Federal Environment Minister, Catherine McKenna, use Canada’s Species at Risk Act to protect Montreal’s population of the Least Bittern, an endangered wetland bird and Canada’s smallest heron.
“The GPC stands with all those who are fighting to save the last remaining jewels of bio-diversity on the Island of Montreal. The Montreal population of endangered Least Bittern and other rare birds needs to be protected. I am calling on the federal government to do its job.” declared Elizabeth May, leader of the GPC.
Despite this endangered species, the Environment Ministry of Quebec issued a Certificate of Authorization in 2013 based on what are now proven inaccurate 2012 environmental evaluations, in order to allow further development of Technoparc Saint-Laurent in the marsh.
"The province does not seem to understand either that endangered species in urban environments need help. If government of Quebec does not want to protect the Least Bittern, then the federal government must step in," added Daniel Green, deputy leader of the GPC.
“Quebec environmental laws have given the environment equal rights in order to protect our well-being and our children’s future. The Ministry has yet to understand its own laws and because of government pressures, has systematically approved more than 90% of the demands to destroy wetlands. Since no frog, bird or snake will ever make a political contribution, our governments have quit protecting our environment.” declared mentions Me Ricardo Hrtschan, attorney and former mayor.
Least Bitterns were first observed here in May 2016 during nesting season in the St-Laurent Marsh. At least three young with 'downy' feathers were seen and local birders estimate a population of at least six individuals, which would be unique for the island of Montreal. It is estimated that there are only 1500 Least Bitterns left in Canada.
The St-Laurent Marsh is situated in the Technoparc– a bio-pharma high-tech industrial park in the Montreal borough of St-Laurent, just north of Montreal’s Pierre-Elliot-Trudeau International Airport.
Joël Coutu, a well respected local ornithologist said, "Many rare species of birds use this marsh like a giant birdfeeder and nest in various habitats nearby. Some nest in trees, some nest in shrubs, some nest on the ground. Construction will suffocate this marsh, leaving only ducks and geese. "
A team of eight experienced birders have confirmed the presence of the Least Bittern in the marsh in early July. Environment Canada has been informed of this new essential habitat area for this endangered species in accordance with Canada’s the Species at Risk Act.
The St-Laurent Marsh is considered the biggest 'wetland' species nesting area on the Island of Montreal. It has the largest nesting/colony of Green Heron in Quebec and impressive numbers of Black-crowned night Heron's, Soras, Rails, Grebes and Green-winged Teals. There have also been sightings of fish in the ponds comprising the marsh.
All this biodiversity is threatened by the development of the future Hubert Reeves Éco-campus of the Technoparc de Montreal. Loss of wetland on Technoparc land will inevitably lead to more grassy areas, potentially attracting Canada geese, Mallards and Gulls, all species that threaten airplane security at the nearby airport.
Lisa Mintz of the groups Sauvons la falaise, Les Amis du Parc Meadowbrook and the Green Coalition stated, “We are very concerned about the lack of consideration for wetlands and endangered species being perpetrated in the name of astrophysicist and environmentalist Hubert Reeves.”
The Species at Risk Act provides for action by the federal government to protect essential habitats of an endangered species in the absence of adequate provincial protection.
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For more information or for interviews, please communicate with
Robin Marty, attaché de presse
Parti Vert du Canada
514.652.3669
robin.marty@greenparty.ca
Lisa Mintz-
Sauvons la falaise- Amis du Parc Meadowbrook - Coalition Verte
438.877.2470
l-mintz@hotmail.com