Environment minister Christine Stewart has vowed the federal government will reintroduce endangered species legislation in the new year.
She told the House of Commons that federal officials continue to work with provinces and other interested groups to develop an agreement “which will put in place an effective and meaningful safety net for all endangered species.”
Legislation in the last Parliament died when the House was dissolved and an election called.
Some farm representatives criticized that legislation for its reliance on mandatory rules and lack of emphasis on voluntary actions by landowners whose property could harbor an endangered species habitat. There also were complaints that farmers deprived of use of their land should receive better compensation.
Stewart gave no details of the legislation she plans to introduce.
At a recent federal-provincial environment ministers’ meeting in Victoria, there was agreement that a monitoring program will be established and a wildlife status report will be issued in 2000.
Stewart said during the past decade, $27 million has been spent on endangered species recovery plans.
