Guest Letter From the Editor

Lisa McLaughlin, Vice-president, Conservation Policy & Planning

A new Ipsos MORI poll reports that Canada currently is the nation with the most positive influence on world affairs. As a Canadian, I hate to brag, but it doesn’t surprise me. We have, in general, the attitude that we do better — are better — when we work together. You only need to think of the response to the devastated community of Fort McMurray after the fire in 2016; people of all walks of life pulling together to make life better.

I see this attitude play out every day at the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC). In this issue of the Nature Conservancy of Canada Magazine, you’ll read about some of the people and organizations who have partnered with NCC through the Natural Areas Conservation Program (NACP) to help protect important natural areas. Together, we have already protected 430,000 hectares (more than 1 million acres) of priority conservation lands and waters. And there is more to do. The NACP is built upon strong conservation science, designed to leverage every dollar raised and engage partners from the private and public sectors. The NACP encourages community conservation, and supports local donors to care for the places they cherish.

Through the commitment of the Government of Canada and the dedication of Canadians from across the country, we are, yet again, setting an example for the global community. The message is simple: everyone has a role to play in conserving the spaces they love and protecting the places that sustain us. What part do you want to play?

Yours in conservation,

Lisa McLaughlin
Vice-President of Conservation