moved for leave to introduce Bill C-295, an act respecting the protection of wildlife species in Canada from extirpation or extinction.
Mr. Speaker, in briefly introducing the bill I will say that it is intended as such to protect wildlife species in Canada from extirpation and extinction.
Nine years ago in Rio, Canada signed the international convention on biological diversity. The bill reflects Canada's commitment and takes into account reports that in Canada 364 species are at risk of extinction and that habitat loss is the number one cause.
If the bill becomes law it would make the scientific list of species at risk the legal list. It would make it an offence to harm, disturb or kill endangered species or their habitat. It would ensure that provinces implement equivalent legislation through the bill, thus providing mandatory habitat protection to all endangered species in Canada.
The bill is intended to serve as a benchmark for Bill C-5, the legislation introduced recently by the government.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)