Government of Canada announces certification of fourteen new bird friendly cities

Birds are part of Canadian life. They can be easily observed across the country, even in urban areas. Some species visit cities year-round, while others are there on migration. The Government of Canada is committed to protecting bird populations and their habitats. To do this, it works with many partners, including provincial and territorial governments, Indigenous peoples, non-profit organizations, and municipalities. 

The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, announced today at COP15 that 14 new Canadian cities have been certified as a "Bird Friendly City". This certification was developed by Nature Canada to encourage municipalities to become safer places for birds. The program was made possible by a $655,000 investment from Environment and Climate Change Canada.

Birds play a critical role in maintaining healthy and resilient ecosystems in communities and on the planet. Today, there are three billion fewer birds in North America than there were 50 years ago. Most of these losses are caused by human activities.