Scientists tells us that the major reason for species loss is the destruction of habitat. The relationship is clear - no habitat, no species. Therefore, the government's strategy, and the new SARA legislation, will address habitat issues directly. One, we will build on our partnerships with provinces and territories through the Accord for the Protection of Species at Risk. The Accord, created in 1996, commits all governments to establishing complementary programs and legislation to protect species at risk throughout Canada.
Partnerships are essential because no one government can protect species by acting alone.
Two, we will promote stewardship and incentive programs to assist private landowners, land users, citizens, Aboriginal peoples and conservation organizations to protect species and their habitats. We want to encourage responsible behaviour by individuals and organizations at the local level through voluntary means as much as possible. Responsible stewardship must become the logical and easy choice for all. Finally, we will introduce a new federal Species at Risk Act to give us the legal tools to implement this strategy, including the tools to protect species and their critical habitats from destruction. As I mentioned, stewardship and incentive programs are essential to this strategy.