Mashi Cho. . In southern Canada, species are being squeezed out of areas where they once flourished. We have a unique opportunity in the north to be pro-active in looking after wildlife and its habitat. Please join me in celebrating National Wildlife Week during April 4-10, 1999. This year's theme, Home is Where There's Habitat , reminds us that without sufficient food, water, shelter and space wildlife simply cannot survive.
Many wildlife species travel great distances through a variety of habitats.
For example, grizzly bears wander hundreds of kilometres looking for food while caribou travel vast distances during the annual migration. Even though wildlife species may not reside permanently in an area of development, their needs must be considered in planning any development. With increased interest in the resource development potential of the NWT, including oil, gas and minerals, it is increasingly important for us to remain good stewards of our wildlife and their habitat. The Protected Areas Strategy will help us maintain wildlife habitat by protecting wilderness and important traditional harvesting areas. As we enter our first year as the new NWT, we want to celebrate our wildlife and their habitats.