Endangered Species Legislation Introduced

An endangered species act has been introduced in the Nova Scotia legislature by Natural Resources Minister Kennie MacAskill.

"After extensive consultation with the public, environmental groups, industry and government, an act has evolved that provides the tools necessary to protect species at risk," said Mr. MacAskill.

The proposed legislation has five key elements:

• provision for legal designation and listing of species at risk
• establishment of a species-at-risk conservation fund and a species-at-risk working group
• ban on the killing, disturbing, selling or trading of endangered and threatened species
• provision for development of endangered species recovery plans
• protection of core habitats for endangered and threatened species

Introduction of the act helps fulfil Nova Scotia's commitment for legislation under the National Accord for the Protection of Species at Risk. The new bill is the result of draft legislation that was put forth in 1996 for public discussion and consultation.

"Most importantly, it addresses a large gap in existing wildlife legislation and places Nova Scotia among the leaders in Canada for development of this type of legislation," said Mr. MacAskill.

There are currently 38 plant and animal species in Nova Scotia and 307 in Canada that are considered at risk.

<b>Text of Endangered Species Act (Bill No. 65)</b>