Several First Nations and aboriginal groups are asking the federal government to take over management of endangered caribou herds on provincial land in Alberta.
They say the province hasn’t met Ottawa’s deadline for coming up with a plan to save threatened herds.
READ MORE: $32M Cenovus project aims to help threatened caribou near Alberta oilsands
The Cold Lake First Nations, the David Suzuki Foundation, the Alberta Wilderness Association and Ecojustice want federal Environment Minister Catherine McKenna to step in.
The groups have sent McKenna a letter asking her to use the Species At Risk Act to protect five caribou herds and their ranges on Alberta Crown land.
READ MORE: Lawsuit launched against Catherine McKenna over woodland caribou protection
The minister has the power to recommend cabinet employ a safety- net order if she finds that a province is not doing enough to protect an at-risk species.
Alberta and the other provinces were to release recovery plans last month, but none of them did.
Only three of Alberta’s 12 caribou herds are considered to have stable populations.
READ MORE: Plans for Alberta caribou maternity ward criticized by scientific paper
Scientists say habitat degradation from energy and forestry development is behind the problem.
- 2021 heat dome fuelled by climate change, intensified wildfire risk: study
- B.C. introduces legislation recognizing Haida Gwaii Indigenous title
- Whale experts confident B.C. orca calf will survive, find family if rescue plan succeeds
- Plastic production cap still contentious as Ottawa set to host treaty talks
Comments