Meeting of Ministers responsible for Forests, Wildlife, Endangered Species and Fisheries and Aquaculture and the Canadian Endangered Species Conservation Council

Lac Delage, Quebec, Sept. 18, 2003 – Recognizing that infectious wildlife diseases can have significant economic, environmental and social costs, federal, provincial and territorial Wildlife, Forests, and Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers agreed today on the need for a more coordinated approach to managing wildlife diseases in Canada.

“Wildlife diseases have implications not only for human and wildlife health, but also for food safety, trade and travel, wildlife conservation and environmental protection,” said federal Environment Minister David Anderson, who chaired the meeting.

Ministers received a presentation on West Nile Virus from Dr. Frank Plummer, Scientific Director of Health Canada’s National Microbiology Lab. While it is perceived primarily as a threat to human health, West Nile Virus can be transmitted by a wide variety of mosquito species. It is also known to infect birds and other vertebrates including horses and reptiles. “The continued spread of West Nile Virus across Canada illustrates the need to better understand wildlife diseases,” said Minister Anderson. “Aside from their human health implications, they can have a detrimental effect on many species, including those at risk. With better coordination, we should be able to better inform the public on wildlife diseases management,” he said.

The emergence of new viruses in Canada is symptomatic of a larger environmental and economic issue, invasive alien species. Species such as zebra mussels and Asian longhorn beetles are becoming a major threat to ecosystems and are costing millions of dollars to the Canadian economy.

In reviewing progress under the Canadian Biodiversity Strategy, Ministers approved a discussion paper that lays the foundation for a national invasive alien species plan that is expected to be ready for approval in 2004.

Ministers also reviewed progress on improving the biodiversity science, information management, and status and trends reporting capacity that would enhance the ability to predict the impact of threats such as invasive alien species and develop early and coordinated responses. Ministers welcomed a report that highlights examples of biodiversity stewardship being undertaken in all regions to implement Canada’s Stewardship Agenda and other provincial and territorial initiatives. They also agreed on the need to increase communications with the Canadian public on the initiatives currently being undertaken to protect biodiversity in Canada.

The Canadian Endangered Species Conservation Council (CESCC) also met in Lac Delage. Ministers provided updates on the status of legislation and other measures to protect wildlife in their jurisdictions. Minister Anderson indicated that the new federal Species at Risk Act will be implemented in full collaboration with other jurisdictions. “Protecting species at risk is urgent, and we are moving expeditiously to implement the new legislation,” he said.

Ministers approved a two-year pilot project for a proposed national ranking system for prioritizing recovery efforts. It is anticipated that the system would help jurisdictions make decisions on how to direct their recovery efforts so that they benefit those species most in need of conservation action.

Ministers approved COSEWIC’s annual report, and the RENEW Annual report, which provides information on the status of recovery planning and implementation in Canada.

“The protection of species at risk is a shared responsibility,” said Minister Anderson. “I’m pleased with the commitment of all jurisdictions to continue working together on all of the issues that we discussed today. This will ensure that we avoid duplication, and increase the cost effectiveness of our programs and initiatives so that we do not lose species,” he said.

The 2004 Ministerial meeting will be hosted by Yukon, and will be held in Whitehorse.

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For more information, please contact:

Kelly Morgan
Director of Communications
Office of Canada's Minister of the Environment
(819) 997-1441