This led to development of the Accord for the Protection of Species at Risk. In October 1996, wildlife ministers agreed in principle to the Accord and committed to a national approach to protect species at risk. In 1998, farmers, ranchers, environmental organizations, conservation groups, communities and individuals took part in two national workshops sponsored by wildlife directors to discuss how to implement the Accord. The Accord outlines commitments to designate species at risk, protect their habitats and develop recovery plans. By endorsing its terms, governments acknowledge that no single jurisdiction can effectively protect species at risk.
Partnerships are crucial.
Governments have agreed to play a leadership role by developing complementary legislation, regulations, policies and programs to identify and protect threatened and endangered species and their critical habitats. Under the Accord, federal, provincial and territorial governments agreed to co-ordinate activities by creating the Canadian Endangered Species Conservation Council. The Council is made up of federal ministers of Environment, Fisheries and Oceans, and Heritage and the provincial and territorial ministers with responsibilities for wildlife species. The Council's mandate is to provide national leadership for the protection of species at risk. It has specific responsibilities for identifying and recovering species at risk and co-ordinating action among all parties.