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Canadian Coalition for Endangered Species

There are at least 631 animal species in danger of extinction in Canada, as estimated in November 2010 by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. According to the Sierra Club of Canada, though, this could be a conservative approximation that only partially represents the animals at risk across the country, a number the Sierra Club estimates could reach up to 8,000 species. This dire situation has given birth to several endangered wildlife committees and coalitions, culminating in the formation of the Canadian Endangered Species Coalition.

Forerunners and Formative Factors
- In the late 20th century, government officials began taking steps to preserve Canadian wildlife and natural habitats. Canada was the first industrial nation to ratify the Convention on Biodiversity as set forth by the United Nations in 1992. This committed the country to developing legislation in the interest of protecting threatened wildlife populations, a commitment which resulted in the formation of the Canadian Biodiversity Strategy. However, when the Strategy delayed specific legislation and concrete action on behalf of endangered species, the Canadian Endangered Species Coalition came together to ensure that the commitment to preservation would be kept.
Members
- The Coalition took shape in 1994, at the hands of six of the leading environmental non-governmental organizations in Canada. These included the Canadian Nature Federation, the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, L'Union Quebecoise Pour La Conservation de la Nature, the Sierra Club of Canada, the Sierra Legal Defense Fund and World Wildlife Fund Canada. While the "big six" provide the backbone of the Coalition, it is also supported by over 100 auxiliary groups throughout Canada.
Goals
- All members of the Coalition share a vision of strong, nationwide action on behalf of Canada's endangered populations. They believe that this will be advanced specifically through government legislation that goes above and beyond the current government involvement. This legislation would ideally include a listing of Canadian species and ecosystems at risk, a recovery plan accompanied by specific timelines and strict penalties to prevent these species and ecosystems from being threatened.
Assisting the Coalition
- The Sierra Club of Canada, one of the six founders of the Coalition, encourages Canadian citizens to write the politicians in their district to voice support for the nation's endangered species. Urge lawmakers to protect at-risk biospheres and to gauge the impact of building developments on native species before pursuing such projects. By being respectful and aware of the environment you inhabit, you can help to prevent the extinction of Canadian wildlife.

Animals & Science