Speech

On behalf of the Government of Canada, I would like to extend my congratulations and best wishes to the Nature Conservancy of Canada on its 50th anniversary.

Over the past half century, the Nature Conservancy of Canada has been a tireless defender of this country’s natural heritage. You’ve harnessed the concern and compassion of individual Canadians… the goodwill and generosity of landowners… and the confidence and commitment of governments, donors and other partners.

As a result, more than one million hectares of ecologically significant land has been preserved for all time and its intrinsic value conserved for the species that depend on the land and habitat, as well as for current and future generations of Canadians to enjoy.

You have been a central player in developing and implementing the Natural Areas Conservation Program. And working with you and groups like Ducks Unlimited Canada we are achieving real and tangible results.

When the Government of Canada invested $225 million in the Natural Areas Conservation Program, we expected to protect about 200,000 hectares. However, under your management, the Program has surpassed all expectations. As of last June, it had protected more than 338,000 hectares, including habitat for 126 species at risk.

We have done some good work together. Moving forward, we are committed to work with you in continuing to develop innovative approaches to conservation and in building a National Conservation Plan.

Best wishes to John Lounds, and everyone at the Nature Conservancy of Canada for this well-deserved Gala evening… and for the years ahead.