According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a discussion is “a consideration of a question in open and usually informal debate”. Well I just watched a very interesting and captivating video of a “discussion” between renowned environmentalist, David Suzuki and Minister of the Environment, Jim Prentice, during a two day trip to Haida Gwaii in British Columbia. I must admit I chuckled a bit when one of the first things out of Suzuki’s mouth was, “I have huge problems with this government”. But all in all, it was a worthwhile discussion and a good example of how fruitful discussions should be.

Haida Gwaii, also referred to as the Galapagos of the North, was named Canada’s first National Marine Conservation Area Reserve area last June.

Haida Gwaii, is Canada’s most remote archipelago located 100 kilometres west of the northern coast of British Columbia. It is comprised of an isolated group of over 200 islands, large and small, totalling nearly 5000 square kilometres. Due to its remoteness and the fact that Haida Gwaii is at the meeting point of cold nutrient-rich waters from the northern Pacific and the warm offshore currents of Japan, Haida Gwaii has created a healthy and conducive environment for many species.

In fact several of its plants, lichens and moss species are unique to the area. Haida Gwaii also supports over 25 percent of all nesting seabirds in the Canadian Pacific (up to half a million breeding pairs). The Haida Gwaii islands are a major stopover for migrating waterfowl along the Pacific flyway. The majestic Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinators), the largest North American Waterfowl, is one of the endangered bird species that finds refuge in Haida Gwaii.