It was yesterday informed by federal Environment Minister Jim Prentice that it is a serious time for polar bears and their survival rests in the hands of Canadians.

Prentice further said that though many would question this fact but it has been suggested by science that the survival of Polar Bears that have become a symbol for climate change is being threatened by the rapid disappearance of sea ice and possible over-hunting.

During an interview on the eve of the country's first polar bear summit, Prentice said, “It's a critical time, a pivotal time, for the polar bear.”

He added, “We are, essentially, the stewards of the polar bear population. It's a very heavy responsibility that we bear.”

It has been learnt that a meeting is being conducted today where experts and officials from across Canada are gathering in Winnipeg with the aim to discuss the future of the northern predator. 

About two-thirds of the world's polar bears reside in Canada, however scientists have informed that the population has started to decrease due to thawing sea ice, over-hunting, industrial activity in the Arctic and an increase of toxins in the food chain.

Some even predict that if something is not done fast to reduce the loss of sea ice, then two thirds’ the world's polar bears could disappear within 50 years.

On the contrary, many do feel that a decline in the population of the Polar Bears has not been seen.

Nunavut Environment Minister Daniel Shewchuk said, “We feel our polar bears are doing fine. We're basing that on living there and living with polar bears all of our lives ... People are encountering more polar bears out on the land.”

Prentice also informed that he is quite determined to look out for common ground and move forward with a plan to save the polar bears, though some doubt the federal Conservatives are serious about addressing the issue.

However, it is being felt by the scientists that it is going to take more than a one-day meeting to reach any solution.