Canada’s new environment minister, David Anderson, has outlined a tough proposal that would criminalize the destruction of habitat for endangered species. Canada currently has no law protecting endangered species, and an endangered species bill introduced by the Liberal Party in 1996 was harshly criticized by more than 600 Canadian scientists because it only protected habitat on federal land. Anderson’s proposed legislation may meet significant opposition from Natural Resources Minister Ralph Goodale and other cabinet members because it would not compensate citizens who are required to protect species on private land. While opposed to compensating landowners, Anderson says he’s open to the idea of cash incentives for those who voluntarily protect endangered species.
