Canada

=**Canada**=

Canada is one of the largest countries in the world, full of vast distances and rich natural resources. Side by side with the United States, Canada has grown economically and technologically in recent times. Canada aims for developing its diverse energy resources while maintaining its commitment to the animals and the plants of the country.

Government
Canada's government is a Constitutional Monarchy with Elizabeth II. Having a Prime Minister, Stephen Harper, Canada is also considered a Parliamentary Democracy. Canada's Prime Minister decided to join the G6, eventually becoming the G8, in 1976 after France, U.S.A., U.K., West Germany, Japan, and Italy.

Endangered Species
Beluga Whale These whales are endangered because they are being hunted for their Oil and Skin. Also they are primary prey to the Inuit tribe. Currently, it is illegal to hunt Beluga whales and one of their homes resides in a national park.

Leatherback Turtle Leatherback Turtles are currently endangered because humans are intentionally/accidentally killing them. These turtles already have a very fragile reproductive rate because most of their babies are eaten on their path to the see. Also, oil spills, toxic environment, etc. are effecting the very few that made it to the ocean. Also because of beach erosion, the moving sand crushes their eggs. Lastly, often these turtles are found on the beach dead because they swallowed a bottle thinking it was a jellyfish. Today, all that is being done is partial protection and groups are there at hatching ceremonies to protect the babies.

Eastern Prickly Pear Cactus The Eastern Prickly Pear Cactus is endangered mainly because of it's low reproductive rate and the increase in "capturing". Many people are taking them home to put in their garden, where they often rot and die. Not much is being done to save this species of cactus.

Environmental Laws
1.National Park Act: This allows Canada to prohibit any disturbance to anything of Environmental Significance. 2.Migratory Bird Act: In 1917 this act was founded to protect the habitat, eggs, and migratory birds from any disturbance. 3.Species At Risk Act: In 2002, this act was founded to make it obligatory to protect any species that is endangered or even threatened in an attempt to maintain biological diversity.