The Chair of the Board of Directors of Wildlife Habitat Canada (WHC), Peter Gray-Donald, today announced the appointment David Brackett as President of this national, non-profit conservation organization, effective January 16, 2006.

Mr. Brackett has worked in the wildlife conservation field for more than thirty years, in positions from field technician to senior management, with experience at the regional, national, and international levels.

He served as the Chair of the Species Survival Commission of IUCN - The World Conservation Union from October 1996 to November 2004 and from 1991 to 2002 as the Director General of the Canadian Wildlife Service. Since 2002, Mr. Brackett has been a Senior Advisor in Environment Canada.

"This is a crucial time in the history of WHC and, under David's leadership, we intend to focus on improving communications and building partnerships. In this way WHC will continue to make an effective contribution to habitat conservation in Canada", stated Mr. Gray-Donald.

"I would like to extend a special thanks to Mr. Lynn McIntyre, Director of Stewardship, WHC, who has served as Acting President since August 2005", he concluded.

WHC is a national, non-profit charitable organization dedicated to building partnerships with landowners, governments, non-government organizations and industry to conserve habitats for all wildlife in Canada.

Since 1985, Environment Canada and WHC have produced the Canadian Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp through a special partnership. The stamp is required to validate the Migratory Game Bird Hunting Permit, but is also sold to stamp collectors, print collectors, and other individuals interested in contributing to habitat conservation in Canada. Over $30 million dollars has been raised and invested for habitat conservation initiatives in Canada through this successful program.

Peter Gray-Donald Chair,
Wildlife Habitat Canada Board of Directors