This enactment recognizes the Canada jay as the national bird of Canada.

Preamble

Whereas, unlike every Canadian province and territory and over 100 countries around the world, Canada does not have an official bird;

Whereas the aptly named Canada jay (Perisoreus canadensis) is highly representative of Canada, being a year-round resident adapted to inhabiting very cold environments and breeding in every one of Canada’s ten provinces and three territories;

Whereas the Canada jay was first known to Canada’s First Peoples as a curious and friendly bird with many names, including “grey jay”, “camp robber” and, in particular, wîskicahk in Cree, with this name likely later evolving into its popular English vernacular name, “whiskey jack”;

Whereas the Canada jay was the first bird — and perhaps the only bird — to greet thousands of explorers, fur trappers, loggers, prospectors, settlers and First Peoples in their camps in the dead of winter;

Whereas today the Canada jay delights not only Canadians, but visitors coming from all over the world to Canada’s extensive boreal forest and to its numerous scenic national and provincial parks;

Whereas the choice of the Canada jay as the national bird of Canada has the enthusiastic support of naturalists, birdwatchers and ornithologists from across the country;

Whereas the Canada jay is not an endangered, hunted or nuisance species and indeed displays admirable traits all Canadians can appreciate — intelligence, resourcefulness, trust and curiosity, and great energy despite its small size — as well as charming plumage with a modest colouring;

Whereas the Canada jay is not already recognized as an official species for any country, province, territory or state;

And whereas the Government of Canada wishes to recognize the unique place of the Canada jay in the cultural and natural history of Canada;

Now, therefore, His Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and House of Commons of Canada, enacts as follows: