Modification of the effective date of the emergency order for the protection of the Western Chorus Frog

GATINEAU, QC, July 11, 2016 /CNW/ - The Minister of Environment and Climate Change, the Honourable Catherine McKenna, announced a modification of the effective date of the emergency order for the protection of the Western Chorus Frog (population of the Great Lakes / St Lawrence and the Canadian Shield).

This order came into force on Friday, July 8. This decision comes in response to activities observed in the area covered by the order, which could hinder the effectiveness and intent of the emergency order announced on June 22. These activities had the potential to jeopardize the firm engagement taken by the Government of Canada to protect the Western Chorus Frog. To prevent further habitat disturbance, the effective date of the order has been moved up.

Quotes

"Our Government respects its commitment towards Canadians in protecting species at risk by following the advice of our scientists, and acting quickly to help threatened or endangered species."

"The protection of species at risk is a shared responsibility and all Canadians have a role to play to ensure the health and vitality of our ecosystems."

– The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change

Quick facts

• On June 22, the Governor in Council took an emergency order for the protection of the Western Chorus Frog (Great Lakes / St. Lawrence - Canadian Shield population) pursuant to the Species at Risk Act. The primary purpose of the order is to prevent the loss or degradation of the habitat the Western Chorus Frog needs to grow and reproduce. The order applies in the municipalities of La Prairie, Candiac and Saint-Philippe, Quebec.
• Western Chorus Frog populations in Montérégie have declined significantly in the last few decades. The greatest loss of habitat in this region occurred in La Prairie, where nearly 60% of its suitable habitat was lost between 1992 and 2013. In addition, habitat in suburban areas of southwestern Quebec is being destroyed so quickly that populations are in danger of extirpation by 2030.

Associated link

Emergency Order for the Protection of the Western Chorus Frog (Great Lakes / St. Lawrence - Canadian Shield Population)http://nouvelles.gc.ca/web/article-fr.do?nid=1089109

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SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada

Caitlin Workman, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, 819-938-9436; Media Relations, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 819-938-3338 or 1-844-836-7799 (toll free)