Environment Timeline

Canada Wildlife Act

Jan 1, 1974

This act allows the acquisition of land by the federal government to create National Wildlife Areas. Marine areas can also be protected.

Banff National Park

Jan 1, 1978

Canada's first national park is established. Banff was created as a wilderness recreation park and a vacation spa

Canadian Environmental Protection Act

Jan 1, 1988

CEPA is several acts concerning environemntal standards, protection, and penalties. It deals mostly with pollution regulations.

Wildlife Policy

Jan 1, 1990

The Wildlife Policy was a new way to look at conservation. It emphasized the maintenance and restoration of biodiversity.

Canadian Biodiversity Convention Advisory Group

Jan 1, 1991

This group is made up of non-government organizations that provide advice to the federal govenment on biodiversity issues.

National Forest Strategy

Jan 1, 1992

Laid out a plan to complete the ecological map of forests and established a forest industry. Developed indicators of a sustainable forest environment.

Migratory Birds Convention Act

Jan 1, 1994

This act prevents hunting migratory birds and allows the governement to protect birds from habitat destruction and over hunting.

Bill C-65

Jan 1, 1996

This bill was introduced to protect Canada's endangered species. It did not pass.

National Accord for the Protection of Species at Risk

Jan 1, 1996

The government has to implement legislation and programs to help endangered species and their habitats.

Species at Risk Act

Jan 1, 2000

This act was created to directly protect species at risk and their habitats. Responsibility would fall onto the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, the Minister of Heritage, and Environment Canada