Fisheries committee  Generally, we don't have all the science we need. That's why we advocate for the precautionary approach and also a commitment to adaptive management and learning around the issues that we are either concerned about or that conservation measures are being applied to. There hasn't

Fisheries committee  They're changes in oceanographic conditions. These are things we haven't studied because we haven't experienced them before. To get relevant data you need a time series of data to be credible. It's about investing in that continued learning and being precautionary in the interim.

Fisheries committee  Thank you very much. My name is Bill Wareham. I am with the David Suzuki Foundation. I've been working in the non-profit environmental sector for about 30 years, primarily in western Canada, and I've been with the Suzuki Foundation for about 14 years now. On behalf of the Suzuk

Environment committee  As an example, you can regulate the riparian habitat conservation on waterways within private lands, or you can regulate against draining of wetlands—those kinds of things. So it's zoning and habitat conservation measures that—

Environment committee  No, I think one of the key elements is engaging the broad suite of people who need to be involved in the realization of those conservation goals, including provincial governments, non-governmental organizations of many different stripes and different interests, and in some cases

Environment committee  I'd like to take a shot at that. At a social-psychological level here in Canada there's an air of fear that somehow we won't maintain our economic wealth, prosperity, and activity in the country if we protect too much land, in that it will reduce the opportunity for industry to

Environment committee  Perhaps I could speak to that.

Environment committee  The concept as it's best applied, in my view, is that you look at the scales of habitat from a natural to an unnatural...and I'll take the Fraser delta on the west coast as an example. We have a large area in the Fraser delta that is agricultural land; it's mixed with green space

Environment committee  Sure, I'd be happy to do that. The requirement for meeting timelines on recovery plans is really essential. We're seeing an ongoing delay and lag in performance on that front. We're also seeing a tendency towards not listing species that are recommended by the Committee on the S

Environment committee  It's Bill Wareham here. I could take a shot at that. In regard to migratory birds particularly, this is where the government needs to play a large role in working with other jurisdictions at a national level. There are some initiatives like that, which are based on collaboration

Environment committee  I'll provide a couple of examples. In the context of transforming habitats, there are limits to transformation. You get to the point where you no longer have the function. I'll use the example my being born and raised in Winnipeg, and growing up in Manitoba and the prairies. The

Environment committee  I'd be happy to address that question. Thank you very much. The overarching frame, I think, is that we need to look at the natural habitat classifications we have across the country and make sure that we protect very significant components of those habitats. We know that climate

Environment committee  Yes, what we're seeing overall at a global level is that with the land development we are applying to agriculture, forestry, and other things, there is a transition to a different ecological state. Certain species thrive in that change, but the overall diversity is declining. So

Environment committee  I'll just do a quick run through the recommendations. The first is to engage the full range of conservation NGOs and public stakeholders, which includes on-the-ground work, and policy and regulatory work. The second is to commit to the biodiversity convention targets and develo

Environment committee  No problem, I appreciate the opportunity. I live in Gibsons, British Columbia, and I'm used to commuting to Vancouver at six in the morning anyway. So it's a normal day here, but nice to see you all. I also provided a written document for you, which outlines some of the backgrou