Canadians Want More Conservation

By Boreal Songbird Initiative

NOVEMBER 22, 2017 | BOREAL SONGBIRD INITIATIVE

RELEASE: Canadians Want to Protect at Least 17% of Canada by 2020

Ottawa: November 22, 2017 As Canada develops its plan to meet the conservation target of protecting at least 17% of lands by 2020, the results of a recent survey show that the vast majority of Canadians supports this goal and wants the country to become a leader in creating parks and protected areas.

The survey, conducted by Earnscliffe Strategy Group for the Schad Foundation and the Boreal Songbird Initiative, found:

Resounding Support for Expanding Protected Areas: 87% of Canadians agree Canada should expand protected lands to at least 17 per cent by 2020. Approval was strong among supporters of all three leading national political parties: 93% of Liberals; 92% of NDP; and 80% of CPC.
Broad Backing for Federal Investment to Meet this Goal: 79% of Canadians favour increased federal funds to create new parks and protected areas.
Strong Majority Supports Indigenous-Led Conservation: 74% of Canadians support Indigenous communities creating and managing Indigenous protected and conserved areas.

Survey respondents expressed a desire for Canada to take a stronger leadership role on conservation. Sixty-two per cent think it is unacceptable that Canada has a lower percentage of conserved land than any of the other G7 nations. Canada has protected about 10% of its lands so far.