Latest news with #WWF-Canada
Ottawa Citizen
5 days ago
- Politics
- Ottawa Citizen
Giles: Ontario must not dismantle protection for endangered wildlife
On the Thursday before the Easter long weekend, the Ford government introduced a bill that, if passed, would have devastating consequences for species at risk, all in the name of fast-tracking economic development. Article content Article content Bill 5, the 'Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy' act, would strip away essential protections for wildlife — including scrapping the province's landmark Endangered Species Act — at a time when many conservationists, myself included, are increasingly concerned about the state of our natural world. Article content Article content In October, the World Wildlife Fund released new global data that showed catastrophic population declines in wildlife — an average decrease of 73 per cent — since 1970. In Canada, populations of at-risk species of global concern have declined by an average 42 per cent over the same time. Article content A glaring rejection of science Article content The Ford government isn't just making a policy change. It is sending wildlife that is already on the brink over the edge and is a glaring rejection of the science that tells us what's needed to stop the slide toward extinction. Article content We've done the research and know what it will take to recover Ontario's rich biodiversity. And importantly, we have a good idea how much it will cost. Article content A recent study led by WWF-Canada and the University of British Columbia, conducted before Bill 5 was introduced and currently under peer review, looked at the state of biodiversity in the Lake Simcoe-Rideau ecoregion of Southern Ontario, a hotspot for species at risk. Article content Article content The region, home to big cities such as Ottawa and Kingston, has been heavily impacted by dense development, habitat degradation and nature loss. Species like the piping plover, gray fox and Blanding's turtle face multiple threats and are all at risk of extinction. They are also currently protected under the Endangered Species Act. Article content Article content Article content In fact, Ontario has more than 270 species at risk of extinction. Our research focused on 133 of them, whose declining populations or conservation status make them priorities for local and national environmentalists. Using a tool called priority threat management, we predicted the likely outcomes for these species under different conservation strategies, policies and funding scenarios through to 2050.
Cision Canada
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Cision Canada
Wildlife is a winner at WWF's second annual BC Place Climb for Nature
Climbers of all ages tackled BC Place's 3,000 steps and helped raise a record amount for conservation VANCOUVER, BC, May 11, 2025 /CNW/ - In a win for wildlife, families, athletes and nature-lovers from age two to 68 climbed up and down the stadium stands of BC Place on Saturday as part of the WWF BC Place Climb for Nature, presented by Aviso. The climbers in Vancouver — together with the thousands of climbers who conquered the WWF CN Tower Climb for Nature last month and hundreds more who are climbing across the country as part of the WWF Anywhere Climb for Nature — helped raise a record $1.7 million (and counting) for conservation efforts in B.C. and across Canada this year. "I am so inspired and energized by the turnout at our second annual WWF Climb for Nature at BC Place. We've got all these climbers here today, including me, and every step we take is a step for supporting wildlife across Canada. We're so proud that so many people would step up like that, literally, for nature and wildlife. We raised $93,000 today alone. Our hearts are very full," Megan Leslie, WWF-Canada president and CEO, said. "The money we raise goes to supporting wildlife all across Canada. Here in B.C., we're working to support southern resident killer whales, we're in interior B.C. helping restore forests after wildfire, and we're working on restoring salmon habitat in Katzie First Nation territory. From freshwater to saltwater to forests, we've got all the bases covered in B.C. and we're really proud of the work." Shaun Stephens-Whale, a professional tower runner and ninja gym owner from Squamish had the fastest time of the day at 10 minutes and 45 seconds. " Living on the west coast, we're seeing a lot more natural disasters — whether it's flooding like in Chilliwack or wildfires, even if it's not in our town it's directly affecting us with the smoke. Being better stewards of the environment, more sustainable, and protecting more land, goes a long way to making sure that those impacts we feel at home are lessened in the future. Overall, I couldn't think of anything more important than that," Stephens-Whale said. Also among those climbing were Bradley Twaddle, a man regaining his strength and mobility after being diagnosed with Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP), a rare neurological autoimmune disorder that affects the peripheral nerves and leads to progressive weakness and impaired motor function; and Meagan Morris, a BC-based interior designer and contestant from the second season of Bachelor in Paradise Canada. Cheering them on was event emcee, Don Andrews, the voice of the Vancouver Whitecaps, BC Lions and Rugby 7s. WWF's famous giant panda was also racing up and down the stadium steps, taking photos with climbers and keeping the crowd energized and motivated. The 2025 WWF Climb for Nature continues until June 8 as climbers across Canada complete the Anywhere Climb for Nature. Registration is open at Learn more about WWF-Canada's Climb for Nature, or to donate to WWF-Canada's conservation efforts, here. What the WWF Climb for Nature funds: Funds raised for the WWF Climb for Nature support efforts in B.C. and across Canada to bring back nature, reverse wildlife loss and fight climate change. Learn more about WWF-Canada's 10-year plan to Regenerate Canada here. Photos, footage and interviews can be found here. ABOUT WWF-CANADA WWF-Canada is committed to equitable and effective conservation actions that restore nature, reverse wildlife loss, and fight climate change. We draw on scientific analysis and Indigenous guidance to ensure all our efforts connect to a single goal: a future where wildlife, nature, and people thrive. For more information visit
Hamilton Spectator
10-05-2025
- General
- Hamilton Spectator
Loblaw garden centres are opening across Ontario. Here's how to be sure you're buying native plants
With Victoria Day weekend fast approaching, seasonal garden centres across Ontario are ramping up operations in anticipation of a new growing season. The traditional frost season is coming to an end. It's a good time to think about adding annuals, perennials, bulbs or other transplants to your garden. World Wildlife Fund Canada's (WWF-Canada) native plant program and the Loblaw Companies are teaming up to make native plants more accessible for Ontario gardeners. Native plants help Canadian wildlife and can help to create a beautiful, low-maintenance garden, WWF-Canada notes. Native plants have evolved alongside local conditions, so they're easier to grow and keep healthy. These colourful plants will impress your neighbours and they also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Loblaw Companies have 142 select garden centres across Ontario and Quebec that are partnering with WWF-Canada's native plant program. Customers can choose native plants by watching for a tag featuring the WWF panda logo. Plants featuring the WWF tag share the following traits: Native plants are considered the gold standard for attracting pollinators and restoring wildlife habitats, whether grown in a garden or in pots on a patio or balcony, WWF-Canada notes. Native plants support a wide range of insects, birds and mammals. They also help to create healthy soil ecosystems and clean water. Native plants are hardy and low maintenance. Native perennials are also resilient to climate change and support wildlife. WWF-Canada spokesperson Kate Landry said growing native plants is a win-win. 'They add beauty to our outdoor spaces just like other plants, but native plants are also important for local wildlife like hummingbirds, butterflies and bumble bees, providing the food and shelter that they need,' Landry stated in a news release. 'These plants are sourced from local growers, so this program also supports Canadian businesses. We're proud to work on this initiative with Loblaw for the sixth consecutive year to achieve these benefits for wildlife and for people in our communities.' Gardeners can join WWF-Canada's re:grow initiative by following an online step-by-step guide. By growing native plants, you can create, restore and steward habitat for wildlife and help to remove carbon from the atmosphere. The national how-to website offers tips for growing native plants. It also tracks users' collective impact on biodiversity and climate. Along with expert tips, gardeners can also earn a chance to win prizes.
Cision Canada
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Cision Canada
This Saturday: WWF-Canada's Climb for Nature returns to BC Place with athletes, nature lovers, and a Bachelor Nation alum stepping it up for Canadian wildlife
Nature and wildlife lovers from across the province are tackling BC Place's 3,000 steps to protect species at risk. VANCOUVER, BC, May 9, 2025 /CNW/ - Tomorrow hundreds nature lovers — from a record-setting tower climber and an autoimmune warrior regaining his strength and mobility to a Bachelor in Paradise Canada star and an adventurous cat-fluencer — will sweat it out as part of the second annual WWF BC Place Climb for Nature, presented by Aviso. Together, dedicated climbers of all ages will round the 3,000 steps of the landmark stadium to help raise more than $1.6 million for conservation efforts that restore and protect nature for at-risk species in B.C. and across Canada. Cheering them on as they walk the walk (or climb the climb) to reverse wildlife loss will be Don Andrews, the voice of the Vancouver Whitecaps, BC Lions, and Rugby 7s. It's not too late to register! Those interested in participating can register at For adults, there is a registration fee of $20 and a minimum fundraising amount of $50. For kids and youth, there is a registration fee of $10 and a minimum fundraising amount of $30. All donations must be submitted before or on climb day to take part. Those who can't make it out to BC Place can climb their favourite trail while making a lasting impact for nature as part of the self-directed WWF Anywhere Climb for Nature between now and June 8, 2025. The WWF BC Place Climb for Nature builds on a legacy that spans over three decades. Since 1991, Canadians have climbed the CN Tower's 1,776 steps over 140,000 times. In 2024, the event expanded to include a west coast climb in Vancouver and a self-directed climb from anywhere in Canada. Last year, climbers from Toronto, Vancouver and across Canada took a combined 11,407, 479 steps and raised $1.53 million. WHAT? The WWF Climb for Nature event is returning to BC Place after a successful inaugural event in 2024. This year, WWF-Canada is hoping to beat its record! Hundreds of participants will once again climb the stands of BC Place stadium to raise critical funds to protect and restore habitats for species such as southern resident killer whales, grizzly bears, sea otters, and more. This is a great opportunity to capture dynamic visuals, soundbites, and interviews with spokespeople and climbers. WHEN? Saturday, May 10 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Media desk opens at 9:30 a.m. at Gate H, 200-level WHERE? BC Place, 777 Pacific Avenue, Vancouver BC, V6B 4Y8 WHO? Megan Leslie, President and CEO of WWF-Canada Alex Portman, WWF-Canada's Head of Corporate Partnerships Don Andrews, Voice of the Vancouver Whitecaps, BC Lions, and Rugby 7's at BC Place Hundreds of climbers including: Shaun Stephens-Whale, WWF-Canada's Climb for Nature record holder at both the CN Tower and BC Place. Lindsay Carey, fresh off completing the WWF CN Tower for Nature with Bachelor alum Blake Moynes, will cross BC Place off her bucket list and become one of the few people to do both WWF Climbs for Nature. Meagan Morris, interior designer and Bachelor in Paradise Canada alum Erika De Torres, known for her adventures with her cat Kimchi. Bradley Twaddle, a man regaining his strength and mobility after a CIDP diagnosis. STORYTELLING OPPORTUNITIES: Conduct live interviews with the spokespeople to gauge insight into the importance and history of the Climb for Nature event and WWF-Canada's work to protect and restore some of the most vulnerable and ecologically essential ecosystems in BC and across Canada. Interview interesting and inspirational climbers against the stadium backdrop. Capture sound bites from the Climb for Nature, including onlookers cheering and commentary on the event. Capture strong visuals from the event, including participants climbing, the WWF panda mascot engaging with the crowd, and photos with notable climbers! DIGITAL MEDIA KIT You will receive a digital media kit with visual assets and a press release after the event concludes. This will arrive in your inbox via the email that you confirmed your attendance with. Please ensure you check your primary inbox, spam, and junk folders for this. If you have not received your media kit, please contact [email protected]. ABOUT THE WWF BC PLACE CLIMB FOR NATURE WWF-Canada's annual Climb for Nature began in Toronto more than 30 years ago at the CN Tower. Its legacy continues with the second annual BC Place Climb for Nature and a self-directed WWF Anywhere Climb for Nature, allowing supporters across the country to take part. Last year, climbers in Toronto, Vancouver and from across Canada took a combined 11,407,479 steps for nature. For more information, visit ABOUT WORLD WILDLIFE FUND CANADA WWF-Canada is committed to equitable and effective conservation actions that restore nature, reverse wildlife loss and fight climate change. We draw on scientific analysis and Indigenous guidance to ensure all our efforts connect to a single goal: a future where wildlife, nature and people thrive. For more information visit
Cision Canada
09-05-2025
- General
- Cision Canada
Shop locally, plant locally -- Canadian-grown native plants are arriving in stores now
Native plants are now arriving at select Loblaw garden centres in Ontario and Quebec TORONTO, May 9, 2025 /CNW/ - This spring, gardeners can support Canadian businesses, help Canadian wildlife, and enjoy a beautiful, low-maintenance garden by buying and growing native plants. Native plants have evolved alongside local conditions, so they're easier to grow and keep healthy – not to mention being pretty to attract pollinators (and impress your neighbours). They're also easy to find at 142 select garden centres across Ontario and Quebec, thanks to WWF-Canada's native plant program, generously supported by Loblaw Companies Ltd. (Loblaw). By choosing native plants with a tag featuring the WWF panda logo, people can be assured their plants are: Produced by Canadian growers. Native to the region. Sourced from a local, known original wild population. Grown from seeds that have been collected ethically. Genetically diverse (not propagated clones). Wild-type plants (not cultivars/nativars). Grown without neonicotinoids and glyphosate; with other pesticide use very limited. Native plants are the gold standard for attracting pollinators and restoring wildlife habitats — whether grown in a garden or in pots on a patio or balcony. They support a wide range of insects, birds and mammals as well as healthy soil ecosystems and clean water. They're also hardy and low maintenance — almost all are perennial — so they're perfect for creating all-season, gorgeous gardens that are resilient to climate change and support wildlife. Kate Landry, Senior Manager, Community Action, Restoration and Regeneration, WWF-Canada, says: "Growing native plants is a win-win-win. They add beauty to our outdoor spaces just like other plants, but native plants are also important for local wildlife like hummingbirds, butterflies and bumble bees, providing the food and shelter that they need. These plants are sourced from local growers, so this program also supports Canadian businesses. We're proud to work on this initiative with Loblaw for the sixth consecutive year to achieve these benefits for wildlife and for people in our communities." Alain Brandon, VP, Sustainability, Social Impact & Government Relations, Loblaw Companies Limited, says: "The Native Plants Program is one way Loblaw is helping to make a positive impact directly in the communities where we operate. When customers choose to incorporate native plants into their yards and gardens, not only are they enhancing the beauty of their communities, but they are also fostering local ecosystems. We're proud to partner with WWF-Canada on this important initiative and others like it — because small actions can lead to significant change." Gardeners invited to join WWF-Canada's re:grow Everyone in Canada can help restore wildlife habitats by planting native species in their own yards, container gardens and community spaces. By joining WWF-Canada's re:grow — a national how-to site for growing native plants and tracking users' collective impact on biodiversity and climate — gardeners can access expert tips to help them plant, grow and steward native plant gardens while also earning a chance to win prizes. Map of where to find native plants at Loblaw garden centres in 2025 List of plant species available in southern Ontario (selection at individual stores will vary) List of plant species available in eastern Ontario and southern Quebec (selection at individual stores will vary) About World Wildlife Fund Canada WWF-Canada is committed to equitable and effective conservation actions that restore nature, reverse wildlife loss and fight climate change. We draw on scientific analysis and Indigenous guidance to ensure all our efforts connect to a single goal: a future where wildlife, nature and people thrive. For more information visit About Loblaw Companies Limited Loblaw is Canada's food and pharmacy leader, and the nation's largest retailer. Loblaw provides Canadians with grocery, pharmacy, health and beauty, apparel, general merchandise, financial services and wireless mobile products and services. With more than 2,400 corporate franchised and Associate-owned locations, Loblaw, its franchisees and Associate-owners employ more than 221,000 full- and part-time employees, making it one of Canada's largest private sector employers. SOURCE World Wildlife Fund Canada
