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The article profiles Rona Ambrose, the newly appointed Environment Minister of Canada. Ambrose is considered a high-profile member of the Tory caucus, which could help in the improvement of the clout of the environment agenda around the cabinet system. With her appointment, she aims to negotiate a more lenient target for the next phase of the Kyoto protocol, which requires reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by six percent by 2012. She has also dealt with the issue of climate change, despite criticisms that she has no virtual experience on environmental issues. She is also seen as fairly close to Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

The article reports that Canada Environment Minister Rona Ambrose has announced on April 25, 2006 that an independent review panel will be called to evaluate the environmental impact of drilling in Suffield National Wildlife Area (SNWA). The independent panel is the most strict assessment option the Minister could select. It would permit people to present evidence in support of protecting the SNWA from development. EnCana Corp. has applied for a permit to drill gas wells inside SNWA, which is designated a protected area in 2003 as a refuge of 14 nationally endangered species and 78 species of animals and plants listed in the Status of Alberta Wildlife 2000 as at risk and sensitive.

The article reports that the Canada-based nonprofit organization Nature Canada will be leading the Green Budget Coalition, which brings together the collective knowledge of 20 of the country's leading environmental and conservation groups for the development of a healthy economy and environment. Every year, the coalition submits priority recommendations for the annual federal budget, and works for the advancement of the understanding and use of ecological fiscal reform. Andrew Van Iterson, program manager for the Green Budget Coalition has said that the country's future success depends upon a vibrant economy, a healthy environment and lifelong public health.

The article reports that the Parks and People program, a national funding program established jointly by the Parks Canada Agency and Nature Canada has established 28 new projects in its second year. The goal of this program is to build the next generation of environmental stewards by connecting Canadian youth to nature through learning experiences in the country's natural parks. Darcie Laur, community engagement and outreach coordinator at Nature Canada has said that the program is a good way of connecting kids with nature. In the second year of the program, thousands of children will have great opportunities to learn more about nature.

Reports that environmental group Nature Canada has launched legal action against Cardinal River Coals Ltd. and Fisheries and Oceans Canada for failing to properly assess and mitigate the impacts of the revised Cheviot Mine proposal, which includes a haul road that will run along the eastern boundary of Jasper National Park. Two counts on which the parties are failing to fulfill their responsibilities for oversight of the mine; Ways to get involved in Nature Canada's action.

Gauges the performance of Canadian environment minister Stephane Dion in his first few months of office. Prospects for a more aggressive green agenda; Goals that Dion wants to develop as environment minister; Uncertainty of how conservation issues fit in Dion's paradigm; Government's record on implementing the Species at Risk Act; Government's promise to implement an Oceans Action Plan that includes creating new marine protected areas.

Reports that the Green Budget Coalition is offering four federal budget proposals designed to enhance Canada's economic competitiveness and to protect its environment. Link between the environment and the economy; Need for Canada to collect a pollution dividend; Completion of the country's network of federal protected areas; Imposition of a tax on chemicals listed as toxic substances under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act.

Cites three developments in the last week of October 2004 that provide cause for celebration for the environmental advocacy group Nature Canada. Canadian Nature Federation's celebration of its 65th anniversary and name change to Nature Canada; Ratification by the Russian parliament of the Kyoto Protocol; Outcome of a meeting between Nature Canada and officials of Environment Canada.

Comments on the public consultations launched by the Canadian government on the listing of species under the Species at Risk Act (SARA). Number of species originally included in the SARA list by the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife of Canada; Reasons of the government for conducting public consultations.

Reports on the Canadian Nature Network's assessment of government efforts to protect and recover species at risk in Canada. Level of commitment to species protection among the provinces; Species at risk laws implemented.

Discusses the Canadian government's allocation of funds for environmental protection in its 2003 budget. Canadian Nature Federation's (CNF) anticipation of financial proof of Prime Minister Jean Chretien's avowed commitment to the environment; Funds added to Canada's national parks system; Funding received by priorities such as the implementation of the Kyoto Accord.

Reports on the call made by Canadian Finance Minister Paul Martin for environmental groups to submit input regarding their priorities. Organizations included in the coalition brought together by the Canadian Nature Federation (CNF); Green taxation and other measures presented by the coalition.

Encourages public participation in the coming review of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. Importance of the Act in the country's environmental protection initiatives; Contact numbers of the Canadian Nature Federation.