CWF Joins Canadian and U.S. Environmental Leaders at Historic Enviro-Summit

June 4, 2009

Joint-Declaration Outlines Collaboration on Climate Negotiations, Dirty Fuels and Arctic Protection

Rick Bates, Executive Director of the Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF) is in Washington today following meetings with environmental leaders from across North America at a historic enviro-summit. For the first time, CEOs from 30 environmental groups based in Canada and the United States have agreed to work together to address key environmental problems threatening both countries. Their collaboration parallels the emerging threats that intertwine Canadian and American economic and environmental health, including the impacts of climate change, tar sands oil production and Arctic development. The groups will also work in partnership during the international climate negotiations in Copenhagen later this year.“This summit represents an important step in working with our counterparts in Canada and the United States to address economic and environmental issues that have no borders,” says Bates. “The impact of these issues makes no distinction between Canada and the United States, and neither should the solution. By collectively shaping environmental and economic policy, we are paving the way for a future that respects both humans and habitat.”

“The United States and Canada, with their closely linked financial markets and shared natural resources, must work together to create 21st-century clean energy economies that will put people back to work and benefit our environment,” says Frances Beinecke, President of the Natural Resources Defense Council.

Download the joint-declaration »

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About Canadian Wildlife Federation
CWF is dedicated to fostering awareness and appreciation of our natural world. By spreading knowledge of human impacts on the environment, sponsoring research, promoting the sustainable use of natural resources, recommending policy changes, and cooperating with like-minded partners, CWF encourages a future in which Canadians may live in harmony with nature. Visit cwf-fcf.org for more information and to support wildlife conservation.

Contact
Louise Hanlon
Canadian Wildlife Federation
613-599-9594
louiseh@cwf-fcf.org

Canadian groups involved:
Rick Bates, Executive Director, Canadian Wildlife Federation
Graham Saul, Executive Director, Climate Action Network Canada
Éric Hébert-Daly, National Executive Director, CPAWS
Rick Smith – Executive Director, Environmental Defence
Sidney Ribaux – Co-founder & General Coordinator, Équiterre
Bruce Cox – Executive Director, Greenpeace Canada
Marlo Raynolds – Executive Director, Pembina Institute
Bob Oliver – Executive Director, Pollution Probe
Stephen Hazell – Executive Director, Sierra Club Canada