Environmental Conservation & Sustainability in the Great White North

If someone asks what you love about Canada, one of the top answers is likely to be the abundance of natural beauty it has to offer. With more than 550 lakes, 347 million hectares of forest, 3 neighboring oceans, over 80,000 species of animals, and 48 national parks to explore, Canada is renowned for the bounty of natural resources it has to offer. All these treasures make Canada a place worth living, and a place worth protecting, so if you are considering moving to Canada, it may be interesting and useful to know some of the efforts that are taking place at national level to protect the environment in Canada. As World Nature Conservation Day is this coming Wednesday, we thought we would take some time this week to share with you some facts and information about nature conservation and sustainable practices here in Canada, as well as some options for incorporating these practices into your life when you arrive in Canada.

• Canada is a member of the UN, which adopted 17 ambitious sustainable development goals in 2015 that will require significant changes to our societies, economies and relationship with the planet
• Canada has a network of National Parks that span across many Canadian ecosystems. These parks are protected by law for citizens to respectfully enjoy, and to preserve for future generations.
• Canada has a national climate plan called A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy, which commits to innovation and strengthening efforts to build a healthy environment, with a goal to reach a net-zero emissions future by the year 2050.
• The federal government is committed to reducing single-use plastic waste, like straws, shopping bags and food containers, while transitioning to reusable, recyclable, or compostable alternatives.
• Universities in Ontario are doing their part for the environment, with uOttawa standing out for sustainable transportation and green engineering, and both uOttawa and Glendon Campus making the Green Metric Ranking.
• Many people rely on animal products as a food source, and hunting and fishing is a way of life for many Canadians. It is important that Canadians keep these food sources plentiful for future generations to enjoy, and to preserve the food chain. In Canada, there are provincial and federal laws that protect endangered species and encourage sustainable hunting and fisheries

While these are just a few examples of what this country is doing to protect the environment on home soil, Canada is seen as an international leader which is investing billions of dollars in the global fight to prevent climate change. Visit the government of Canada website to learn more about work in and preservation of the environment and natural resources in Canada.