Government of Yukon
Archives
FOR RELEASE #08-106
May 6, 2008
Yukon Government to Consult on Species at Risk Act
WHITEHORSE – The Yukon government is asking Yukoners to comment on the proposed Species at Risk Act, Environment Minister Dennis Fentie announced today.
“This legislation delivers on a long-standing government commitment to establish effective legislative protection for species at risk,” Fentie said. “It is consistent with similar legislation elsewhere in Canada while recognizing the unique circumstances of Yukon.”
The consultation period begins today and will end July 11. The draft legislation and a discussion guide will be posted online; paper versions will be mailed out to stakeholders. Pursuant to the Consultation Protocol, the Government of Yukon will formally consult with First Nation governments on the draft Species at Risk legislation.
Once passed, the Yukon legislation would replace the current federal species at risk law that now applies in the territory. The Yukon law would apply to almost all lands in Yukon, including private and settlement lands. Lands administered by the federal government, such as national parks, would continue to be subject to federal law.
The proposed act builds on the existing management approach of dealing with specific herds or populations. A species deemed ‘at risk’ in elsewhere in Canada would not necessarily be ‘at risk’ in Yukon and vice versa. For example, while wood bison are considered a threatened species in Canada, the Yukon population is very healthy and able to support a managed harvest.
Unlike the federal law now in place, the proposed act recognizes Yukon First Nation final agreements and also allows for more public participation in the process for determining if a species is at risk and what protection measures should be put in place.
-30-
For more information, visit:
http://www.environmentyukon.gov.yk.ca/speciesatrisk.php
| Contact: | |
| Roxanne Vallevand Cabinet Communications (867) 633-7949 roxanne.vallevand@gov.yk.ca | Nancy Campbell Environment Communications (867) 456-6794 nancy.campbell@gov.yk.ca |