The tragic disappearance of species of animals and plants is an indicator that we humans are doing something radically wrong in our reltionship with our life support systems.  The most important cause of species extinctions is the pressure that our human population is putting on the environment.  This should be a wake up call to the whole world: That a country as vast and "underpopulated" as Canada should have any species at risk at all, let alone the 291 reported in the 1997 COSEWIC report is cause for immediate action. 

The Canadian Wildlife Federation  has been the leading organization in Canada for dealing with problem of this country's shrinking genetic treasure. CWF, Canada's largest non-profit, non governmental conservation organization has worked for 35 years to ensure a healthy future for wildlife.  Protecting species at risk has been a priority from the start.  This unflagging dedication led to the creation of the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada ( COSEWIC) in 1977.  The first official list of endangered, threatened, or vulnerable species resulted.  Today, as part of its commitment to COSEWIC, CWF serves as a member of the committee, helps fund the development of wildlife at risk status reports and prepares summary sheets on each species listed.

Its objectives include: 

• Encouraging an understanding of the impact of human activities on the environment
• Promoting the sustainable use of our natural resources
• Conducting and sponsoring research relating to wildlife and the environment
• Recommending legislative changes to protect wildlife and its habitats
• Cooperating with organizations and government agencies with similar objectives