Canada is home to about two-thirds of the world's polar bears but scientists warn that dramatic losses of sea ice, over hunting, and industrial activity is threatening their survival. Prentice said the focus now is on short-term goals to address conservation.

The World Wildlife Fund Canada identifies at least four major steps needed to safeguard the polar bear: develop a North American Conservation Action Plan, provide strong leadership to reduce all main threats, including climate change; full protection of all critical habitats for polar bears; and major increases in resources to for scientific research.