Ottawa – The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) welcomes today’s announcement that an additional 135 scientists will be hired by Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard. “We are pleased that the current government is following through on its commitment to return to science-based decision-making and do what is needed to meet and substantially exceed the commitment to conserve 10% of our ocean estate by 2020,” said Éric Hébert-Daly, National Executive Director of CPAWS. “This investment is important in supporting the identification, design and management of new marine protected areas in Canada. CPAWS will continue to work with the Minister and his team on this ambitious agenda,” said Sabine Jessen, National Director of CPAWS’ Ocean Program. “This restoration of fisheries and ocean science capacity is critical to achieving the much larger scale conservation needed to conserve healthy ecosystems in the face of increased human activity and climate change.” “While this is good news, there’s still a lot more that needs to be done,” adds Hébert-Daly, “including a similar investment in science-based planning and management for terrestrial protected areas.” Creating an interconnected network of protected land and ocean areas is urgently needed if Canada is to meet its international climate change and conservation targets, halt biodiversity loss, and maintain healthy ecosystems that can support people and wildlife for future generations. Minister Tootoo identified collaboration and partnerships as key elements of the government’s approach. CPAWS welcomes the opportunity to work with Minister Tootoo and his officials, as well as Environment and Climate Change Minister Catherine McKenna, to advance ocean and terrestrial conservation in Canada. -30- For media interviews, contact: Sabine Jessen Director, Oceans Program [email protected], (604) 657-2813 Karen Turner Director, Communications & Development kturner@localhost, (613) 569-7226, x232