Minister Anderson releases findings from Survey on the Importance of Nature to Canadians

OTTAWA - June 6, 2000 - Environment Minister David Anderson today released the second major report on the findings from the Survey on the Importance of Nature to Canadians. Statistics Canada conducted the survey of 87,000 Canadians.

The report, entitled "The Importance of Nature to Canadians: The Economic Significance of Nature-related Activities" shows that twenty million Canadians participated in one or more nature-related activities in 1996. Canada's natural wealth also attracted more than 1 million visitors from the U.S. In total, participants spent $11.7 billion dollars enjoying these pursuits and helped sustain 215,000 jobs in the process.

"The information contained in this report shows the magnitude of economic benefits that result from Canadians' enjoyment of nature and shows that taking care of Canada's natural wealth also makes good economic sense," said Minister Anderson. "It also underlines the importance of the stewardship elements of the proposed Species at Risk Act (SARA) in protecting our valuable natural heritage and biodiversity."

The Survey on the Importance of Nature to Canadians assesses the social and economic value of nature-related activities to Canadians. Statistics Canada conducted the survey among Canadians aged 15 years and over covering activities in the 1996 calendar year. The 1996 Survey draws on a nation-wide partnership of 16 federal, provincial and territorial agencies (see attached list). It is an update and expansion of a survey co-sponsored by a similar partnership every 5 years since 1981 under the name "Survey on the Importance of Wildlife to Canadians".

By taking part in nature-related activities such as camping, hiking or fishing, participants helped to support 215,000 jobs in Canada. In fact, nature-related activities contributed $12.1 billion towards the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and generated $5.4 billion.

"These findings clearly indicate the linkages between our natural wealth and the well-being of our economy. The survey data allows us to pinpoint the potential impacts of land-use changes and development on nature related activities in all regions of the country." added Minister Anderson. "Tourism and ecotourism are key facets of Canada's economy and the government of Canada is working with all our partners to ensure that future generations will also benefit from our natural environment."

Related documents:

• The Importance of Nature to Canadians: The Economic Significance of Nature-related Activities [backgrounder, 2000-06-06]
• Survey on the Importance of Nature to Canadians
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