Canadian Wildlife Federation
Encyclopedia
The Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF) is Canada
’s largest nonprofit organization
which is committed to protecting the plants, animals and habitats of Canada . The CWF is a non-governmental organization
, however it remains closely tied with the Government of Canada
in order to establish environmental legislation and national awareness for the environment. Being a non-governmental organization, CWF encourages other Canadians to assist the organization by donating their time, money and effort .
The Canadian Wildlife Federation hosts many successful environmental events each year. Over 300,000 members and supporters put on events such as the National Wildlife Week, which always falls on the week of April 10th to celebrate the birthday of the late Jack Miner
, the founder of the Canadian conservation movement . Other events include, Rivers to Oceans Week and a Tall Ships Event held at various times during the year . The organization strives to achieve a brighter future for Canada’s wildlife by working with children and teenagers in order to teach them at a young age how to conserve our wildlife .
In 1977, the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada
(COSEWIC) was created, which produced the first list of endangered species at risk and is still being updated today.
The Canadian Wildlife Federation is devoted to teaching others to appreciate the natural world in order to ensure a lasting legacy of healthy wildlife and a stress-free habitat.
To meet these goals, the Canadian Wildlife Federation:
The Canadian Wildlife Federation aims to inform Canadians about wildlife by spreading the word using media such as posters, magazines, newsletters, WebPages and community events. By doing this, CWF hopes to inspire other Canadians to donate and support the organization in order to run the programs that teach Canadians about wildlife. Finally, CWF aims to educate and increase awareness on problems concerning Canadian wildlife and how Canadians can aid in the preservation of natural environments and animal welfare.
In 2011, the CWF took steps to reduce the organization’s carbon footprint including, weighing their mail to avoid over-mailing, less travel and more centralized meetings, installing solar units and recycling. The purpose of this was to assess their carbon footprint, to raise additional money with less investment and to reduce the foundation’s environmental impact.
is defined by the Ministry of Natural Resources (Ontario)
as the management of species in order to sustain population diversity and good species health, in addition to maintaining populations and habitats . The focuses of the Federation include migratory bird conservation, wildlife disease and general wildlife management. In the case of migratory birds, efforts are geared towards maintaining the status of the species (at risk, endangered, etc.), increasing habitat protection, performing research, data analysis and monitoring hunting regulations. The Ministry of Natural Resources also aids the Wildlife Federation in the management of wildlife diseases. The Ministry’s roles include assisting in the early detection of diseases in order to prevent spreading, assess the potential complications the disease could have on human populations and lastly, to conserve the species.
program focuses primarily on habitat creation and restoration in both rural and urban communities as well as encouraging stewardship for private landowners.
Research and creating awareness among the public is focused on four main areas:
The key areas focused on include:
Over fishing is a major area of interest as it is crucial to maintain ample food for marine life that relies on these areas for winter grounds or having their young.
The Canadian Wildlife Federation implemented an Endangered Species Program to aid in the conservation of threatened species throughout Canada. Extensive research is performed to identify the reason behind the decrease in wildlife population, and the most appropriate method that can be used to ensure the population will increase. The Ministry of Natural Resources and the CWF (along with other organizations) combine their knowledge in order to have unanimous conservation methods between organizations. Other projects include reintroducing threatened species back into their natural habitat to increase population diversity. The CWF also aims to influence government regulations regarding endangered species in order to promote longevity of the species .
is a global issue that researchers believe will have serious, negative consequences in the future, but its current effect on wildlife is apparent. The adaptations that many species have undergone to adjust to the varying climate include shifting their migratory ranges, migrating earlier or later than usual, and changing hibernation patterns.
The CWF focuses on three areas of climate change:
Wildlife Federation to promote its Wetland-keepers program, established by the organization to perform research and evaluate threats to the wetlands. In British Columbia, up to 85% of the wetlands have disappeared in certain regions. Wetlands store floodwaters, reduce erosion patterns, maintain stream flows, absorb pollutants and increase groundwater levels. The Wetland-keepers support and provide researchers with essential knowledge and tools to address further issues and take conservation action early, before the wetlands are gone forever .
is a critically endangered turtle species on both a national and international level. The Canadian Wildlife Federation recently donated $16,000 to a foundation called the Canadian Sea Turtle Network in order to determine what threats are posed by fishing gear in the Nova Scotia area. Other areas of research include: investigating nesting areas and preventing beach development in conservation areas, as this increases the risk of humans hunting the eggs and decreases the survival rate of the offspring.
Infestation of pollution and waste in ocean waters poses a threat to the health and well-being of sea turtles as they can mistake it for food. The most dangerous threat affecting Leatherback Sea Turtles are forgotten fishing gear, or “ghost nets”. Money from the federation has helped the Network create the largest overall collection of leatherback sea turtle data in Canada .
Project CHIRP! also encourages their supporters to purchase Birds and Beans coffee which is a coffee brand that is both eco-friendly and isn't produced with the same toxins as coffee from plantations.
(Eastern Yellow-Belly Racer). Interest in the species spiked in 1991 when they were declared with Special Concern and in 2004, their status was upgraded to threatened when a large part of their habitat was destroyed. Their habitat is of great importance because they can only be found in two small areas in Saskatchewan . As a result, if any more of their habitat was destroyed, the species would be at an even greater risk.
Dave Powell - President
On June 18, 2011 it was announced by the CWF that they had elected its current president Mr. Dave Powell. Powell has been an executive on the board for the Canadian Wildlife Federation for the past 8 years, and his dedication has led him to be chosen as the President of the board. Powell has shown his commitment to wildlife conservation throughout three decades involvement with other conservation organizations including the CWF . One of Powell's main goals is encouraging youth to take part in their environment and start getting them more involved in a world they will soon inherit.
Lloyd Lintott - Vice President
Lloyd Lintott is the 1st Vice President for the Canadian Wildlife Federation (the 2nd being Bob Morris). Lintott is a claims manager for an insurance agency who shares a love for both nature and the environment. His involvement with the environment is shown in the way he teaches his children to appreciate the natural beauty of the world. Lintott hopes that one day his children will share their love for the Earth like their father and that they will take part in conserving it. Lintott has also been heavily involved in the acquisition of habitat lands.
John Ford- Treasurer
John Ford is the treasurer for the CWF. As a former elementary school teacher, he is involved in a lot of youth initiatives that encourages youths to get involved with the environment. He is very active in conservation projects surrounding Chinook Salmon, Rainbow Trout, and Brown Trout.
s play a crucial role in the CWF’s involvement and preservation of wildlife in Canada. The CWF accepts many types of donations including a monthly donation, which is a regular commitment to donate a certain amount of money each month. Other donation types include: one time, in memoriam, In-honour and bequest, which can be sent through the CWF’s website.
, Parks Canada
, Royal Botanical Gardens (Ontario) and Atlas of Canada
. The many partners of the CWF provide financial support and aid with resources to help protect wildlife. The financial support and resources that these partners offer help to increase awareness and stewardship of wildlife preservation in Canada.
The Canadian Wildlife Federation has recently teamed up with MasterCard
Canada, to create MBNA. MBNA is a premium MasterCard, and once applied for, MasterCard will make a donation to the CWF. This program has been in effect for more than 10 years and MasterCard holders have raised over $330,000 for the organization in everyday purchases to support education and conservation programs.
The Canadian Wildlife Federation works with Boomerang Tools. Boomerang Tools is a Canadian tool company that focuses on reducing, reusing and recycling. They have developed an Ecological Program, where old tools are recycled for credit and sent to a local metal recycling plant. All proceeds from the tool-recycling program are donated to the CWF to conduct projects and research.
In 2010, the Canadian Wildlife Federation organized the first annual “Walk for Wildlife” . This walk runs during ‘’’National Wildlife Week’’’ (April 10- 16). The purpose of this walk is to raise awareness about sustainable forest management and conservation of habitats for Canadian wildlife. The walk runs across Canada, where communities host local events. All of this can be made possible because of the many partners and sponsors of the CWF.
In 2009, The Canadian Wildlife Federation received $15.2 million in donations and $1.4 million in revenue to total $16.6 million for the year. The CWF spent $10.3 million on wildlife aid programs. For the year 2009, the CWF spent 63% of its total yearly revenue on aid programs; which is 5% higher than the number in 2008 .
In 2010, the Canadian Wildlife Federation received $13.7 million in donations and $1.4 million in revenue to total $15.1 million for the year. $8.3 million was spent on wildlife aid programs. For the year 2010, the CWF spent 55% of its total revenue on actual aid programs. This number is 8% lower than in 2009 and 3% lower than in 2008; however the amount of revenue received in 2010 was higher than in 2008 .
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
’s largest nonprofit organization
Nonprofit organization
Nonprofit organization is neither a legal nor technical definition but generally refers to an organization that uses surplus revenues to achieve its goals, rather than distributing them as profit or dividends...
which is committed to protecting the plants, animals and habitats of Canada . The CWF is a non-governmental organization
Non-governmental organization
A non-governmental organization is a legally constituted organization created by natural or legal persons that operates independently from any government. The term originated from the United Nations , and is normally used to refer to organizations that do not form part of the government and are...
, however it remains closely tied with the Government of Canada
Government of Canada
The Government of Canada, formally Her Majesty's Government, is the system whereby the federation of Canada is administered by a common authority; in Canadian English, the term can mean either the collective set of institutions or specifically the Queen-in-Council...
in order to establish environmental legislation and national awareness for the environment. Being a non-governmental organization, CWF encourages other Canadians to assist the organization by donating their time, money and effort .
The Canadian Wildlife Federation hosts many successful environmental events each year. Over 300,000 members and supporters put on events such as the National Wildlife Week, which always falls on the week of April 10th to celebrate the birthday of the late Jack Miner
Jack Miner
John Thomas Miner, OBE , or "Wild Goose Jack," was a Canadian conservationist called by some the "father" of North American conservationism.-Biography:...
, the founder of the Canadian conservation movement . Other events include, Rivers to Oceans Week and a Tall Ships Event held at various times during the year . The organization strives to achieve a brighter future for Canada’s wildlife by working with children and teenagers in order to teach them at a young age how to conserve our wildlife .
History and Mission
The Canadian Wildlife Federation was founded in 1961 and chartered in 1962. Membership was restricted to the ten provincial wildlife federations until the early 1970’s when the CWF allowed individual Canadians to become members.In 1977, the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada
Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada
The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada ; French: Le Comité sur la situation des espèces en péril au Canada, is an independent committee of wildlife experts and scientists whose "raison d’être is to identify species at risk" in Canada...
(COSEWIC) was created, which produced the first list of endangered species at risk and is still being updated today.
The Canadian Wildlife Federation is devoted to teaching others to appreciate the natural world in order to ensure a lasting legacy of healthy wildlife and a stress-free habitat.
To meet these goals, the Canadian Wildlife Federation:
- Informs and educates other Canadians on wildlife and natural habitats;
- Promotes responsible human actions and conservation; and
- Represents wildlife on conservation issues.
The Canadian Wildlife Federation aims to inform Canadians about wildlife by spreading the word using media such as posters, magazines, newsletters, WebPages and community events. By doing this, CWF hopes to inspire other Canadians to donate and support the organization in order to run the programs that teach Canadians about wildlife. Finally, CWF aims to educate and increase awareness on problems concerning Canadian wildlife and how Canadians can aid in the preservation of natural environments and animal welfare.
In 2011, the CWF took steps to reduce the organization’s carbon footprint including, weighing their mail to avoid over-mailing, less travel and more centralized meetings, installing solar units and recycling. The purpose of this was to assess their carbon footprint, to raise additional money with less investment and to reduce the foundation’s environmental impact.
Conservation
The Canadian Wildlife Federation focuses much of its attention on the conservation of both marine and land mammals throughout Canada. The main areas of interest for the CWF are: Wildlife Management, Habitat Stewardship, Freshwater Conservation, Marine Conservation, Endangered Species, and Climate Change .Wildlife Management
Wildlife ManagementWildlife management
Wildlife management attempts to balance the needs of wildlife with the needs of people using the best available science. Wildlife management can include game keeping, wildlife conservation and pest control...
is defined by the Ministry of Natural Resources (Ontario)
Ministry of Natural Resources (Ontario)
The Ministry of Natural Resources is a government ministry of the Canadian province of Ontario that responsible for Ontario’s provincial parks, forests, fisheries, wildlife, mineral aggregates and the Crown lands and waters that make up 87 per cent of the province...
as the management of species in order to sustain population diversity and good species health, in addition to maintaining populations and habitats . The focuses of the Federation include migratory bird conservation, wildlife disease and general wildlife management. In the case of migratory birds, efforts are geared towards maintaining the status of the species (at risk, endangered, etc.), increasing habitat protection, performing research, data analysis and monitoring hunting regulations. The Ministry of Natural Resources also aids the Wildlife Federation in the management of wildlife diseases. The Ministry’s roles include assisting in the early detection of diseases in order to prevent spreading, assess the potential complications the disease could have on human populations and lastly, to conserve the species.
Habitat Stewardship
The habitat stewardshipStewardship
Stewardship is an ethic that embodies responsible planning and management of resources. The concept of stewardship has been applied in diverse realms, including with respect to environment, economics, health, property, information, and religion, and is linked to the concept of sustainability...
program focuses primarily on habitat creation and restoration in both rural and urban communities as well as encouraging stewardship for private landowners.
Freshwater Conservation
Canada houses many freshwater sources throughout the country including lakes and rivers, which are responsible for nearly 9% of the global renewable water energy supply . This abundance of freshwater also houses many species of fish, birds, amphibians, insects and other species of wildlife.Research and creating awareness among the public is focused on four main areas:
- Habitat Protection and Restoration;
- Aquatic Invasive Species;
- Conserving Freshwater Wildlife Populations; and
- Reducing the Impact of Water Pollution on Wildlife.
Marine Conservation
Due to its vast coastline (234,000km), bordered by three oceans, the federation works hard to maintain the health of the marine life.The key areas focused on include:
- Reducing the impact of Fisheries on Marine Wildlife;
- Marine Pollution; and
- Marine Protected Areas .
Over fishing is a major area of interest as it is crucial to maintain ample food for marine life that relies on these areas for winter grounds or having their young.
Endangered Species
Climate Change
Climate changeClimate change
Climate change is a significant and lasting change in the statistical distribution of weather patterns over periods ranging from decades to millions of years. It may be a change in average weather conditions or the distribution of events around that average...
is a global issue that researchers believe will have serious, negative consequences in the future, but its current effect on wildlife is apparent. The adaptations that many species have undergone to adjust to the varying climate include shifting their migratory ranges, migrating earlier or later than usual, and changing hibernation patterns.
The CWF focuses on three areas of climate change:
- Using Habitat Restoration and Conservation to Store Carbon;
- Planning for Wildlife Adaptation to Climate Change; and
- Advocating for Strong Carbon Emission Reduction Targets for Canada.
Cleaning up the Wetlands
The Canadian Wildlife Federation has granted the British ColumbiaBritish Columbia
British Columbia is the westernmost of Canada's provinces and is known for its natural beauty, as reflected in its Latin motto, Splendor sine occasu . Its name was chosen by Queen Victoria in 1858...
Wildlife Federation to promote its Wetland-keepers program, established by the organization to perform research and evaluate threats to the wetlands. In British Columbia, up to 85% of the wetlands have disappeared in certain regions. Wetlands store floodwaters, reduce erosion patterns, maintain stream flows, absorb pollutants and increase groundwater levels. The Wetland-keepers support and provide researchers with essential knowledge and tools to address further issues and take conservation action early, before the wetlands are gone forever .
Backing the Leatherback
The leatherback sea turtleLeatherback Sea Turtle
The leatherback sea turtle is the largest of all living sea turtles and the fourth largest modern reptile behind three crocodilians. It is the only living species in the genus Dermochelys. It can easily be differentiated from other modern sea turtles by its lack of a bony shell. Instead, its...
is a critically endangered turtle species on both a national and international level. The Canadian Wildlife Federation recently donated $16,000 to a foundation called the Canadian Sea Turtle Network in order to determine what threats are posed by fishing gear in the Nova Scotia area. Other areas of research include: investigating nesting areas and preventing beach development in conservation areas, as this increases the risk of humans hunting the eggs and decreases the survival rate of the offspring.
Infestation of pollution and waste in ocean waters poses a threat to the health and well-being of sea turtles as they can mistake it for food. The most dangerous threat affecting Leatherback Sea Turtles are forgotten fishing gear, or “ghost nets”. Money from the federation has helped the Network create the largest overall collection of leatherback sea turtle data in Canada .
Project CHIRP!
Project CHIRP! is a project founded by Christina Sharma of the Canadian Wildlife Federation. This project aims to raise awareness for songbirds and pollinators in order to conserve their habitat . One of the main goals of Project CHIRP! is to help these birds with migrating because their original habitats in the forest have been torn down for plantations. Project CHIRP! helps these birds to gain strength for the long journey that they would be making to the south.Project CHIRP! also encourages their supporters to purchase Birds and Beans coffee which is a coffee brand that is both eco-friendly and isn't produced with the same toxins as coffee from plantations.
Conserving the Eastern Yellow-Belly Racer
In 2008, the Canadian Wildlife Federation helped fund the conservation of the Coluber constrictor flaviventrisColuber constrictor flaviventris
The eastern yellowbelly racer is a subspecies of racer, a nonvenomous, colubrid snake.- Description :...
(Eastern Yellow-Belly Racer). Interest in the species spiked in 1991 when they were declared with Special Concern and in 2004, their status was upgraded to threatened when a large part of their habitat was destroyed. Their habitat is of great importance because they can only be found in two small areas in Saskatchewan . As a result, if any more of their habitat was destroyed, the species would be at an even greater risk.
Board Members
The Canadian Wildlife Federation’s executive board consists of five members including one president, two vice-presidents, a treasurer and a secretary. There are also nine directors-at-large and twenty-one general directors representing each province of the country. The CWF also employs fifty-three staff members who hold various position titles as well as two regional representatives for Western Canada and Quebec.Dave Powell - President
On June 18, 2011 it was announced by the CWF that they had elected its current president Mr. Dave Powell. Powell has been an executive on the board for the Canadian Wildlife Federation for the past 8 years, and his dedication has led him to be chosen as the President of the board. Powell has shown his commitment to wildlife conservation throughout three decades involvement with other conservation organizations including the CWF . One of Powell's main goals is encouraging youth to take part in their environment and start getting them more involved in a world they will soon inherit.
Lloyd Lintott - Vice President
Lloyd Lintott is the 1st Vice President for the Canadian Wildlife Federation (the 2nd being Bob Morris). Lintott is a claims manager for an insurance agency who shares a love for both nature and the environment. His involvement with the environment is shown in the way he teaches his children to appreciate the natural beauty of the world. Lintott hopes that one day his children will share their love for the Earth like their father and that they will take part in conserving it. Lintott has also been heavily involved in the acquisition of habitat lands.
John Ford- Treasurer
John Ford is the treasurer for the CWF. As a former elementary school teacher, he is involved in a lot of youth initiatives that encourages youths to get involved with the environment. He is very active in conservation projects surrounding Chinook Salmon, Rainbow Trout, and Brown Trout.
Donations
The Canadian Wildlife Federation greatly relies on financial support. DonationDonation
A donation is a gift given by physical or legal persons, typically for charitable purposes and/or to benefit a cause. A donation may take various forms, including cash, services, new or used goods including clothing, toys, food, and vehicles...
s play a crucial role in the CWF’s involvement and preservation of wildlife in Canada. The CWF accepts many types of donations including a monthly donation, which is a regular commitment to donate a certain amount of money each month. Other donation types include: one time, in memoriam, In-honour and bequest, which can be sent through the CWF’s website.
Affiliates and Partners
The Canadian Wildlife Federation works with all levels of the Government of Canada in addition to businesses for the purpose of meeting their goals, which are to increase awareness for the welfare of wildlife in Canada. The CWF works with provincial and territorial governments, federal agencies, organizations and Environment Canada. Some national partners include: Canadian Wildlife ServiceCanadian Wildlife Service
The Canadian Wildlife Service or CWS is a branch of the Department of the Environment, also known as Environment Canada, a department of the Government of Canada....
, Parks Canada
Parks Canada
Parks Canada , also known as the Parks Canada Agency , is an agency of the Government of Canada mandated to protect and present nationally significant natural and cultural heritage, and foster public understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment in ways that ensure their ecological and commemorative...
, Royal Botanical Gardens (Ontario) and Atlas of Canada
Atlas of Canada
The Atlas of Canada is an Internet atlas published by Natural Resources Canada that has information on every city, town, village, and hamlet in Canada...
. The many partners of the CWF provide financial support and aid with resources to help protect wildlife. The financial support and resources that these partners offer help to increase awareness and stewardship of wildlife preservation in Canada.
The Canadian Wildlife Federation has recently teamed up with MasterCard
MasterCard
Mastercard Incorporated or MasterCard Worldwide is an American multinational financial services corporation with its headquarters in the MasterCard International Global Headquarters, Purchase, Harrison, New York, United States...
Canada, to create MBNA. MBNA is a premium MasterCard, and once applied for, MasterCard will make a donation to the CWF. This program has been in effect for more than 10 years and MasterCard holders have raised over $330,000 for the organization in everyday purchases to support education and conservation programs.
The Canadian Wildlife Federation works with Boomerang Tools. Boomerang Tools is a Canadian tool company that focuses on reducing, reusing and recycling. They have developed an Ecological Program, where old tools are recycled for credit and sent to a local metal recycling plant. All proceeds from the tool-recycling program are donated to the CWF to conduct projects and research.
In 2010, the Canadian Wildlife Federation organized the first annual “Walk for Wildlife” . This walk runs during ‘’’National Wildlife Week’’’ (April 10- 16). The purpose of this walk is to raise awareness about sustainable forest management and conservation of habitats for Canadian wildlife. The walk runs across Canada, where communities host local events. All of this can be made possible because of the many partners and sponsors of the CWF.
Financial Report
In 2008, the Canadian Wildlife Federation received $12.8 million in donations and $1.5 million in revenue to total $14.3 million for the year. In the same year, the CWF spent $8.3 million on wildlife aid programs. This means that for the year 2008, the CWF spent 58% of its total revenue on its actual aid programs. As an aid organization, the percentage of revenue spent on aid programs should be as high as possible, keeping administrative and fund-raising expenses to a minimum.In 2009, The Canadian Wildlife Federation received $15.2 million in donations and $1.4 million in revenue to total $16.6 million for the year. The CWF spent $10.3 million on wildlife aid programs. For the year 2009, the CWF spent 63% of its total yearly revenue on aid programs; which is 5% higher than the number in 2008 .
In 2010, the Canadian Wildlife Federation received $13.7 million in donations and $1.4 million in revenue to total $15.1 million for the year. $8.3 million was spent on wildlife aid programs. For the year 2010, the CWF spent 55% of its total revenue on actual aid programs. This number is 8% lower than in 2009 and 3% lower than in 2008; however the amount of revenue received in 2010 was higher than in 2008 .