Environment Minister David Anderson had no apologies for shunning a strict approach like that of the U.S., which automatically bans development in habitat of an endangered creature. There is inevitably a major political role in this because of the delicacy . . This is enabling legislation . . . to build on co-operative approaches with landowners, with provincial governments, to encourage stewardship and to encourage protection of endangered habitat. Stewart Elgie of the Sierra Legal Defence Fund said the bill has carrots for protecting habitat, but no stick to prevent habitat destruction. It's the equivalent of saying we only need safe-driving programs and not speed limits on our highways.
Environmentalists hope to introduce revisions.
Anderson said he's open to changes that improve the bill. Bloc Quebecois Bernard Bigras said the bill is federal interference in provincial jurisdiction. Quebec has had a law for 11 years and we think the provincial laws should be respected. We welcome your feedback. All rights reserved.