Nature, wildlife and conserved areas: Appearance before the Standing Committee – December 14, 2023

Bill S-15 and Bill S-241 (Animals in Captivity)

Q1. What is the intent of the Government’s bill, Bill S-15?

• The bill intends to prohibit, with limited exceptions, the captivity of elephants and great apes such as chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans in Canada, and prohibit their use for entertainment purposes. The bill does this by amending two existing federal statutes: the Criminal Code and the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act.

Q2. Does the introduction of Bill S-15 mean that the Government doesn’t support Senate Public Bill S-241 (the Jane Goodall Act)?

• The current scope of Bill S-241, which lists over 800 species, raises numerous issues that make Bill S-241 unsuitable to become federal law, including legal and jurisdictional issues.
• The federal government’s proposed Bill S-15 builds on the approach it has taken to protect cetaceans such as whales and dolphins.
• In addition to the Bill, ECCC is planning to convene partners and relevant stakeholders to discuss a range of issues related to animals in captivity in Canada, building on existing provincial and federal roles.

Q3. What will the national engagement on issues related to animals in captivity entail?

• National engagement will start with consultation with each province and territory. It could also include meetings with stakeholders such as zoos, academics, and animal welfare organizations.
• The scope and specific issues of the national engagement will be determined following initial consultation. The engagement will aim to encourage improvements in the standards for wild animals in captivity in Canada.

Q4. Why does Bill S-15 only include elephants and great apes?

• Although the captivity of elephants and great apes can be justified in certain circumstances, including in the best interests of their welfare or for conservation, scientific data shows that these animals ought not to be kept in captivity because of the cruelty it represents.
• Elephants and great apes are large, long-lived, highly intelligent species with a wide range of behaviors and emotions. They are intrinsically social with complex communication systems and elaborate parental care.
• Because they come from complex habitats in warm climates, creating an environment that allows those species to engage in natural behavior is very challenging.

Q5. Why are establishments that meet standards of care being targeted by Bill S-15 rather than roadside zoo owners? What is the government doing to address roadside zoos?

• Canadian provinces and territories have the primary responsibility for regulating zoos and protecting animal welfare and they all regulate the welfare and captivity of animals to varying degrees. There are differences in the types of animals regulated, levels of protection, stringency of standards, and enforcement capacities.
• That is why, in addition to this bill, the government is proposing to convene partners, including provinces and territories, to assess the way animal welfare is protected and explore the value of a national approach for wild animals in captivity that builds on existing federal and provincial roles and best practices.

Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16)

Q1. Why is the Government offering to host the Conference of the Parties for the UN Convention on Biological Diversity again?

• Canada has not offered to host COP16 despite the immense success of COP-15 last year in Montreal.
• Türkiye originally offered to host COP16 but the recent earthquakes in that country have now made this impossible. Türkiye formally notified the CBD in the summer of 2023 that it would not be able to host the meeting.
• Since that time, the CBD Secretariat has requested other countries offer to host COP16.
• Recently, Colombia indicated its willingness to host CBD COP16 from October 24 – November 1, 2024.
• If a host had not been identified by the end of December 2023, the Secretariat would have explored arrangements to host the COP in Canada in line with the CBD rules of procedure.

Q2. What are the key outcomes expected at CBD COP16?

• CBD COP16 is the first COP since the historic Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework was adopted. Focus will be on enabling the swift implementation of the commitment made by 196 countries in this Framework.
• Countries have committed to updating their National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans ahead of COP16. The meeting will also agree on how we report and take stock on global progress made in future years.
• COP16 will also follow up on the commitment to operationalize a multilateral mechanism on sharing monetary and non-monetary benefits generated through the use of genetic sequencing data related to flora and fauna.

Global Biodiversity Framework (National Strategy and Legislation)

Q1. What is the Government doing to implement the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework?

• On December 9, I announced the Government’s intention to introduce a federal nature accountability bill to establish an enduring legislative foundation for implementing the GBF in Canada.
• Canada is making good progress on its commitment to the swift and full implementation of the GBF, which requires the development of a national strategy. We have now published a Milestone Document, which provides a framework for Canada’s 2030 National Biodiversity Strategy, including initial implementation plans for the 23 GBF targets.
• Canadians have been invited to share their thoughts on the Milestone Document. The ongoing public engagement supports a collaborative and phased approach to developing and implementing Canada’s Strategy and recognizes that implementing the GBF in Canada will rely on the collective efforts of all levels of government and all sectors of society.
• Canada is committed to taking ambitious actions to restore and protect nature and will be building on existing policy and programs, as well as on historic investments in nature made since 2018. These investments include:
  • Budget 2021 committed $4.1 billion to nature protection, including $2.3 billion over 5 years to support Canada’s Enhanced Nature Legacy. Taken together with 2018 Nature Legacy funding, this represents the largest investment in nature conservation in Canada’s history.
  • More than $5 billion over 10 years in Natural Climate Solutions to plant 2 billion trees and to conserve, restore and better manage wetlands, grasslands, forests and agricultural lands, to build resilience in our ecosystems and nature-based economic sectors, and contribute to Canada’s climate goals.

Q2. What is the purpose of the proposed nature accountability bill? How will the bill keep Canada accountable for commitments under the Kunming-Montréal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF)?

• The bill would establish an accountability and transparency framework – with meaningful checkpoints – for the federal government to advance implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and related Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) commitments at the federal level.
• The bill would provide concrete steps from now to 2050 to advance these nature and biodiversity commitments. This would include codifying requirements to develop the 2030 Biodiversity Strategy and to report on its implementation; as well as an ongoing requirement to develop updated national strategies after 2030. Clear and accessible reporting would allow for an assessment of implementation progress, and, where necessary, information on course corrections to stay on track with GBF and CBD commitments.
• The bill would also provide a framework for consultation and collaboration nationally as the Government of Canada works to deliver on its commitments, without impacting provincial, territorial or Indigenous actions or jurisdictions.

Q3. What is the timeline for the nature accountability bill? Why is the bill needed?

• We are targeting 2024 for introduction, in advance of COP16 (to take place in fall 2024).
• The bill would establish an enduring legislative foundation for implementing the Global Biodiversity Framework and related commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity at the federal level.
• Together, the bill and the 2030 Biodiversity Strategy will provide a robust, coordinated approach to meeting GBF commitments in Canada.

Q4. Will the bill impact provincial laws or jurisdiction?

• The bill will not impact or change provincial laws or have an effect on provincial jurisdiction - focus of the bill is on establishing an accountability framework for the federal government in fulfilling its Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and related commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
• Provincial and territorial governments will continue to have an opportunity to describe measures they are taking to address biodiversity loss and to include those measures in national strategies – while continuing with the implementation of their measures according to their policies, plans and priorities.

Nature-Based Climate Solutions

Q1. What action is Canada taking to address the dual crises of biodiversity loss and climate change?

• Canada is investing over $5 billion over ten years (2021-2031) to deliver nature-based climate solutions in forests, grasslands, wetlands, and agricultural lands. This investment includes planting 2 billion trees, restoring degraded ecosystems, improving land management practices, and conserving land at risk of conversion to other uses. These efforts will benefit biodiversity, build resilience in our ecosystems and nature-based economic sectors, create green jobs, and contribute to Canada’s 2030 and 2050 climate goals. This work will build on existing successful initiatives, complement other federal programs, and draw on strong partnerships to ensure its effectiveness.
• Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), Agriculture and Agri-food Canada, and Natural Resources Canada are working together to deliver on the Natural Climate Solutions Fund. In addition to tree planting, working to restore, better manage, and conserve ecosystems, and promoting the adoption of environmentally-friendly farming practices, the Fund includes investments in research, monitoring, science, and reporting to better understand and track greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions from funded activities.
• The 2020 Fall Economic Statement provided ECCC with $631 million for 2021-2031 to support projects that collectively reduce GHG emissions by 2-4 megatons annually while providing a host of biodiversity and other benefits. Specifically, funding will support projects that conserve, restore and enhance wetlands, peatlands, and grasslands to store and capture carbon, with direct benefits for migratory birds, species at risk and other species of cultural and/or socio-economic importance to local communities. The initiative also supports Indigenous organizations and communities to undertake Indigenous-led, on-the-ground projects for ecological restoration that result in reduced and captured GHG emissions. As of February 2023, ECCC has funded 81 projects for a total of $188M. Other calls for projects took place or are ongoing in 2023 but agreements with recipients are not signed yet.
• Further, to enhance the potential for the natural environment to store carbon and reduce emissions, through Budget 2022, ECCC received $780 million over eight years starting in 2023-24 to expand the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund. This additional funding will aim to deliver 3 megatons in greenhouse gas emission reductions annually by 2030.
• Combined, the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund is a $1.4 billion fund ending in 2031 and aiming to reduce GHG emissions by 5 to 7 megatons annually by 2030.

Q2. How is Canada encouraging Nature-Based Climate Solutions globally?

• Canada is advocating for coordinated global action to address both climate change and biodiversity loss. Canada will allocate at least 20% of its $5.3-billion climate finance commitment to nature-based climate solutions and biodiversity co-benefits in developing countries over the next five years.
• This represents more than CA$1 billion. The Prime Minister announced at COP26 that Canada would provide $15 million in support for the Ocean Risk and Resilience Action Alliance and the Global Fund for Coral Reefs. This funding will help developing countries build domestic capacity to take climate action, build resilience, and advance adaptation efforts while also increasing biodiversity.
• Canada is also very pleased that its efforts to ensure that the important role of nature-based solutions is recognized in the new Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework paid off, and the Framework looks to address the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change.

Protected and Conserved Areas

Q1. Why has the government committed to conserving 30% by 2030, and is achieving this commitment feasible?

• The world is facing the unprecedented twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change because nature loss and climate change are inextricably linked. Canada is committed to addressing these crises and recognizes the important role of ecosystem-based approaches and nature-based solutions.
• The most recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report suggests that maintaining the resilience of biodiversity and ecosystem services at a global scale depends on effective and equitable conservation of approximately 30% to 50% of the Earth’s land, freshwater and ocean areas.
• 30% by 2030 is an ambitious goal—as of December 2022, approximately 13.6% of terrestrial and 14.7% of ocean areas have been conserved or protected in Canada. Budget 2021 investments set the stage to make progress towards meeting an interim goal of 25% by 2025, and lay a foundation towards the eventual achievement of 30%. As set out in the Minister’s mandate letter, Canada’s plan is grounded in science, Indigenous knowledge and local perspectives. A variety of tools are used to achieve a diverse portfolio of protected and conserved areas, including federally protected areas, privately protected areas, Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs), and Indigenous-led area-based conservation.
• In Canada, working with partners is essential as land available for conservation and protection are under diverse jurisdictions. Protected and conserved areas are therefore established in close collaboration with Indigenous peoples; provincial, territorial, and municipal governments; non-government organizations; philanthropic foundations and the private sector.
• As host to COP15 in December 2022, Canada played an integral role in fostering consensus among 196 Parties to secure an agreement on a global framework to conserve 30% of lands and oceans by 2030, and halt and reverse the loss of nature around the world: the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (the Global Biodiversity Framework). In advance of COP16, Canada, in consultation with Indigenous peoples and provinces and territories, is in the process of updating its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, with a draft to be released imminently. This strategy will outline Canada’s plan to meet the ambitious targets of the Global Biodiversity Framework, including protecting and conserving 30% of our area by 2030.
• At COP15 the Prime Minister announced funding of $800 million to support four Indigenous-led Project Finance for Permanence (PFP) initiatives. This work represents a significant reconciliation initiative with Indigenous peoples, underscored by significant conservation and protection of lands and waters. These 4 Projects could contribute a significant area of protected lands and waters in Canada toward the 30% by 2030 target.
• Collaborative negotiations towards PFP agreements continue with federal departments, Indigenous communities, provinces and territories, and the philanthropic community, with the shared goal of conserving nature and advancing reconciliation. In October 2023, a historic milestone was reached with the signing of the Northwest Territories PFP framework agreement, one of the largest Indigenous-led land conservation initiatives in the world. Once completed, the initiative could more than double the amount of area conserved in the Territory.

Q2. What is Canada doing to support protected and conserved areas establishment?

• Since 2017, Canada has increased its protected terrestrial and inland water areas by more than 32%. During this time, Canada has protected and conserved over 300,000 km², which is equivalent to over 3% of Canada, an area the size of Italy. As of December 2022, 13.6% of lands and inland waters have been protected, with many other areas in progress. On the marine side, Canada has protected 14.7% of our marine and coastal areas, a dramatic increase from just 0.9% since 2015.
• Canada’s pan-Canadian standards for protected and conserved areas are based on International Union for Conservation of Nature guidance and managed to ensure the long-term sustainability of the areas’ natural qualities and amenities.
• Within Canada, lands can be counted towards our area-based conservation targets if they are considered a protected area or an Other Effective area-based Conservation Measure (OECM). Both types of conservation action deliver enduring conservation; however, conservation is not necessarily the primary use at a site that is considered an OECM.
• As part of the Government’s commitment to the conservation targets, Budget 2021 provided funding to Parks Canada to establish 10 new national marine conservation areas, 10 new national parks and 4 new freshwater national marine conservation areas, and to acquire the land needed to expand and complete existing national parks as well as $130 million to work with partners to create a network of national urban parks. Budget 2021 also provided funding to ECCC to protect and expand Canada’s national wildlife areas.
• Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) supports protected and conserved areas work through funding for third party initiatives on public and private lands, as well as expanding our federally managed network of National Wildlife Areas and Migratory Bird Sanctuaries, managed through regulations under the Canada Wildlife Act and the Migratory Birds Convention Act.
• ECCC’s current network includes 57 National Wildlife Areas and 92 Migratory Bird Sanctuaries and covers a terrestrial and marine area of 151,034 km². Parks Canada’s network includes 37 national parks, 10 national park reserves, 5 national marine conservation areas and the Rouge National Urban Park that protect and conserve approximately 464,000 km² of Canada’s lands and marine waters and coastlines.

Q3. What is the current status of protection of Canada’s terrestrial and marine areas?

• The Government of Canada has achieved 13.5% protection of terrestrial areas and inland waters to date. Parks Canada’s 47 national parks and 2 freshwater national marine conservation areas (NMCAs) contribute 3.53% towards the 13.5% total, accounting for over 25% of the total.
  • This represents 75% of the federal contribution and is the largest contribution of any province, territory or federal organization to the terrestrial conservation target.
• Currently, 14.66% of Canada’s marine waters are protected. Parks Canada-managed national marine conservation areas and national parks with marine components contribute 2.12% of this value making the Agency the second-largest contributor of any province, territory or federal organization.
• Parks Canada’s largest contribution to the marine conservation targets is the 108,000 km² Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area, which contributes approximately 1.9% to the target.

Q4. How will Parks Canada contribute to the achievement of the Government Canada target to conserve 25% of Canada’s land, inland waters, and marine areas by 2025 and 30% by 2030?

Land and Inland Waters

• Budget 2021 allocated to Parks Canada $192.7 million over five years to create 10 new national parks and 4 new freshwater national marine conservation areas that will be co-managed with Indigenous governments and communities, and to acquire the land needed to expand and complete existing national parks. This funding will result in the protection of about 300,000 km² or 3 per cent to the government’s target of protecting 25 per cent of Canada’s terrestrial lands and freshwater by 2025.
• Negotiations for formal establishment agreements are already underway for two new national park reserves.
  • Parks Canada is working with B.C. and the Syilx / Okanagan Nation to establish a national park reserve in the South Okanagan–Similkameen.
  • Parks Canada is working with the Epekwitk Assembly of Councils to establish a new national park reserve in Pituamkek (Bee-doo um Gek)/Hog-Island Sandhills chain in northwestern PEI.
• The intent to assess the feasibility of a national park reserve in northern Manitoba was announced in December 2022.
• 7 additional sites have been identified and discussions are underway with provincial/territorial governments and Indigenous governments and communities.
• 4 potential freshwater NMCA sites have been identified.

Marine Areas

• Under Budget 2021, the Government of Canada made an historic investment in protecting the health of Canada’s oceans, including $976.8 million over five years to reach ambitious marine conservation targets. Of this, Parks Canada was allocated $53.6 million to undertake feasibility assessments and negotiations leading to the establishment of 10 new national marine conservation areas that would contribute 230,000 km² or at least 4 % to the 25 % by 2025 target.
• In February 2023 at the Fifth International Marine Protected Areas Congress (IMPAC5), Parks Canada announced the launch of the new Policy to guide the establishment and management of National Marine Conservation Areas (NMCAs), and reiterated the government’s commitment to create 10 new NMCAs to help protect 25% of Canada’s waters by 2025 while ensuring this work is grounded in science, Indigenous knowledge, and local perspectives.
• Parks Canada currently has ten active proposals for new national marine conservation areas across Canada. Of these, seven are in the process of undertaking a feasibility assessment.
• In April 2022, Parks Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador announced that they would negotiate a memorandum of understanding to launch a feasibility assessment for a national marine conservation area to protect the South Coast Fjords offshore southwestern Newfoundland, along with a proposal for an adjacent national park.
• In February 2022, Parks Canada and the Nunatsiavut Government announced a commitment to complete a feasibility assessment for the Torngats Area of Interest, a marine area adjacent to the Torngat Mountains National Park in northern Labrador.
• In August 2021, Parks Canada and several First Nations and the Province of British Columbia announced the launch of a feasibility assessment for a new national marine conservation area reserve for the Central Coast.
• In August 2021, a feasibility study was launched with Indigenous communities for a national marine conservation area in Western James Bay and Southwestern Hudson Bay.
• In working towards these new national marine conservation areas, Parks Canada will ensure that this work remains grounded in science, Indigenous knowledge, and local perspectives, and will result in co-management agreements with Indigenous governments and communities.

Q5. How does Canada support Indigenous stewardship of the lands and waters within protected areas?

• The Government of Canada is committed to enabling Indigenous peoples to fulfill their roles as traditional stewards of lands and waters within protected areas, and Parks Canada places a priority on working collaboratively with Indigenous governments and communities in establishment and co-management of new protected areas.
• Many Indigenous governments and communities have expressed a desire to see additional sites established as national parks and national marine conservation areas. For example, the Mi’kmaq of PEI are working with Parks Canada to protect a traditional area and sacred place as a new national park reserve.
• Parks Canada places a priority on working with Indigenous peoples to establish new national marine conservation areas, as seen in the recently launched feasibility assessments on Central Coast, Western James Bay and Southwestern Hudson Bay, and the Torngats Area-of-Interest: all of these projects are being undertaken in partnership and collaboration with Indigenous peoples.
• Parks Canada provides funding to support Indigenous leadership in national projects through contribution agreements.
• Parks Canada’s commitment to enabling Indigenous peoples to fulfill their roles as traditional stewards of waters has resulted in many Indigenous governments and communities expressing a desire to see additional sites established as national marine conservation areas.
• In a recent example, the project of protecting marine areas of western James Bay and Southwestern Hudson Bay was brought forward to Parks Canada by the leadership of the Mushkegowuk Council. The Council unanimously agreed that the area requires protection and sought partnership with Parks Canada to collaborate and work towards the establishment of the area as a national marine conservation area.
• Parks Canada and the Nunatsiavut Government are jointly assessing the feasibility of establishing an Indigenous protected area under the Canada National Marine Conservation Areas Act offshore northern Labrador; this is the first time Parks Canada has committed to an Indigenous protected area from the start of the process.

Species at Risk

Q1. What is the Government doing to support species at risk?

• We are committed to the protection and recovery of Canada’s species at risk and their habitats based on sound science and Indigenous knowledge.
• We are committed to fulfilling our statutory obligations under the Species at Risk Act (SARA). These include developing recovery strategies in partnership with provinces, territories and Indigenous peoples, including the identification of critical habitat.
• We are committed to advancing conservation efforts collaboratively with our partners on identified shared priorities across Canada. This includes priority places, species, sectors and threats under the Pan-Canadian Approach to Transforming Species at Risk Conservation in Canada.
• Canada’s collaboration with provinces, territories, and Indigenous peoples is also helping our partners accelerate their work on species at risk including through Nature Agreement commitments to protecting and conserving ecosystems across Canada, and to making sure that species’ habitat needs are reflected in more integrated land-use planning decisions.
• In addition to Budget 2021’s historic investment of $2.3 billion over five years – the largest investment in nature conservation in Canada’s history - Budget 2023 committed $184 million over three years specifically to continue to monitor, protect and promote the recovery of species at risk through implementation of the Government’s statutory obligations under SARA.
• Our investments and engagement are enabling real, on-the ground action to achieve better outcomes for species at risk such as caribou and polar bear.
• We seek to achieve benefits for species at risk across our conservation efforts. We establish new protected areas, work with colleagues in the United States on shared migratory bird priorities, and demonstrate leadership on the international stage. On the latter, Canada is actively developing its National Biodiversity Strategy to implement the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, an ambitious international initiative aimed at tackling the biodiversity crisis, including species at risk recovery.
• At home, we will continue to partner with Indigenous peoples to advance conservation actions in a manner that reflects their unique needs, priorities, rights, knowledge, and respects our collective efforts towards reconciliation.

Q2. What is the Government doing to respond to the spring 2023 reports of the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development?

• The audit on the Recovery of Species at Risk examined the compliance of ECCC, DFO and PC with the requirements for publishing recovery strategies, management plans, action plans and implementation reports under the Species at Risk Act (SARA).
• It also looked at two indicators of species at risk recovery in Canada to assess the three organizations’ contribution to addressing the biodiversity crisis in Canada.
• It concludes that the three organizations have a 90% compliance rate for publishing recovery strategies and management plans.
• However, ECCC and DFO have backlogs for action plans and implementation reports with ECCC being responsible for the publication of a vast majority of those documents.
• The audit also compares the findings to Canada’s past international commitments to address the biodiversity crisis and the recent 2030 target to halt and reverse biodiversity loss; it concludes that efforts by ECCC, DFO and PCA found to be lacking and insufficient to meet the 2030 target.
• ECCC agrees with the recommendation and we are committed to fulfilling obligations related to species at risk recovery planning and reporting as required under SARA in a timely manner.
• The Government of Canada will continue to report on key indicators related to our responsibility for the conservation and recovery of species at risk as we work collaboratively with provincial/territorial governments, Indigenous people and stakeholders to halt and reverse biodiversity loss. Species at risk conservation is a shared responsibility between the federal government and provincial/territorial governments.

Q3. What is the Government doing for caribou?

• Provinces and territories have the primary responsibility to manage lands and wildlife on non-federal land. The Government of Canada is working in cooperation with provinces, territories, wildlife management boards, Indigenous peoples, and stakeholders to implement actions to protect at-risk caribou species and their habitat, and to achieve positive conservation outcomes.
• The Government of Canada has been actively working with provinces and territories, and Indigenous peoples, to negotiate and implement conservation agreements to advance the conservation and recovery of boreal caribou and southern mountain caribou.
• Eleven conservation agreements have been signed with provinces, territories and Indigenous communities to aid the recovery of boreal caribou and southern mountain caribou. In February 2023, Canada signed an agreement with the province of Manitoba, and discussions for renewing expiring agreements are underway. Negotiations with Quebec are on hold until its Caribou Strategy is released, anticipated by the end of 2023.
• Agreements aim to deliver tangible on-the-ground actions, with a focus on conservation measures to improve boreal caribou and southern mountain caribou outcomes, including habitat protection and restoration. In particular, Canada is seeking range planning commitments or similar approaches leading to self-sustaining local caribou populations. The Government also provides financial support through contribution agreements with Indigenous peoples and stakeholders.
• Through its historic investments in nature in 2018 and 2021, the Government of Canada has and will continue to advance a number of on-the-ground initiatives to support boreal caribou recovery, many of which are implemented in collaboration with Indigenous peoples. Canada’s 2 Billion Trees program also contributes to the restoration of caribou habitat through tree planting activities.
• Parks Canada has taken concrete steps to reduce threats to southern mountain caribou and create better conditions for their survival and recovery. A Budget 2021 investment of $24M over 5 years from the Enhanced Nature Legacy Initiative is supporting the assessment, engagement and detailed design of a conservation breeding facility to rebuild caribou herds in Jasper National Park. Parks Canada could begin to bring wild caribou into this new conservation breeding facility as early as 2025.
• The Recovery Strategy for Peary Caribou, prepared in collaboration with co-management partners, was published in fall 2022. It sets the strategic direction to arrest or reverse the decline of the species, including the identification of critical habitat to the extent possible.

Q4. What is the government doing for caribou in Quebec?

• We have been working with the Government of Quebec since 2018 to support its boreal caribou conservation efforts and improve recovery outcomes for the species, including through two agreements between 2018 and 2022. We could only transfer $4.28M of the $11.6M agreed to for the period 2018 and 2023 to support activities that Quebec had undertaken because the province considerably reduced the scope of its work.
• After recommending to Cabinet the making of a protection order under s.61 of the Species at Risk Act for boreal caribou critical habitat in Ontario and Quebec, the Government of Canada directed my department to continue pursuing collaborative approaches, at this time, for the species protection and recovery.
• [*Redacted*]
• We have also invested $24.7M since 2013 for conservation projects by Indigenous communities and organizations in Quebec, including newly signed agreements funded until 2026. These projects include Indigenous-led protected areas in boreal caribou habitat and a wide variety of conservation measures like habitat restoration, predator control, scientific research and more.

Q5. What is the Government doing for Caribou in Ontario?

• After recommending to Cabinet the making of a protection order under s.61 of the Species at Risk Act for boreal caribou critical habitat in Ontario and Quebec, the Government of Canada directed my department to continue pursuing collaborative approaches, at this time, for the species protection and recovery.
• On April 21, 2022, the governments of Canada and Ontario signed a 5-year conservation agreement for boreal caribou under sections 10 and 11 of the Species at Risk Act.
• The agreement includes important new commitments for habitat restoration activities, exploring opportunities for increased habitat protection, refinement and validation of evidence-based approaches to managing caribou, monitoring and reporting, alignment of policy frameworks, and Indigenous and stakeholder collaboration.
• The agreement is an important step to achieve positive conservation outcomes for boreal caribou in Ontario and will enable a collaborative approach, as well as federal investments in caribou conservation in Ontario.
• ECCC committed over $5M in the first year of the agreement. ECCC has also confirmed the availability of $29.4M for years 2-5 of the agreement. Implementation of conservation measures is underway. Ontario has committed a matching $34.4M over the same time period.
• ECCC officials will be closely monitoring the implementation of the conservation measures laid out in the agreement, which will be publicly reported on annually. The first annual report is expected in early 2024.
• ECCC has additionally provided over $4.3M since 2018 for conservation projects by stakeholders and Indigenous communities and organizations in Ontario. These projects include working towards the establishment of Indigenous-led protected areas in boreal caribou habitat and other conservation measures including conservation plan development, gathering and compiling Indigenous Knowledge, disease management, scientific research, modelling, and monitoring.

Q6. What is the Government doing for Western Chorus Frog?

• The government has taken urgent measures to protect important habitat for the western chorus frog from the threat of urban development in La Prairie and in Longueuil, part of the Montreal Metropolitan Community.
• In addition, we have orders in place on our own federal lands to ensure the critical habitat for the species is protected.
• On the stewardship front, ECCC invested more than $20M over 4 years in a contribution agreement to Nature-Action Québec to contribute to the recovery of the western chorus frog in the Montérégie region.
• We have also made investments in numerous projects like breeding and re-introduction programs that aim to conserve and recover the species across Ontario and Quebec.
• ECCC continues to advance collaborative outcomes for protecting and recovering the species through the Pan-Canadian Approach to Transforming Species at Risk Conservation in Canada.
• ECCC continues to protect and manage the species’ critical habitat on federal lands through compliance promotion and permitting.

Q7. What is the Government doing for old growth-dependent species in B.C., including Spotted Owl?

• British Columbia’s old growth forests are home to many species at risk, including Spotted Owl, Marbled Murrelet, southern mountain caribou, and Northern Goshawk.
• The federal government is committed to collaborating towards the recovery and protection of these forest-dependent species at risk in British Columbia.
• On November 3, 2023, Canada announced the Tripartite Framework Agreement on Nature Conservation with the province of British Columbia and the First Nations Leadership Council. The agreement will help all parties to better protect, conserve and restore habitats, including old growth forests, improve ecosystem resilience and the recovery of species at risk, and advance Indigenous-led conservation.
• The Tripartite Framework Agreement comes with a federal commitment to fund up to $500M of conservation action in the province over the duration of the agreement until 2030.
• This includes the mandate letter commitment to work with the province to establish a $50M Old Growth Nature Fund that incents third party funding, supports Indigenous community leadership in conservation, and protects hectares.
• Old growth forests and the species dependent on them are found primarily on provincial lands, and we continue to look first to the province to protect and recover species at risk on those lands and to manage its forestry sector.
• While the federal government continues to prioritize collaborative work with the province and partners on these issues, the Minister of Environment will use the authorities outlined in federal legislation if British Columbia protection efforts are determined to be ineffective.
• With respect to Spotted Owl, we are pursuing a collaborative, stewardship-based approach that respects the province’s role in the protection of species at risk and encourages greater collaboration with British Columbia in the recovery efforts for Spotted Owl. This approach also seeks to support the continued participation of Indigenous nations and organizations in the species’ recovery.
• The federal and provincial governments, in partnership with First Nations, are working to formalize commitments to protect and recover the Spotted Owl through a conservation agreement related to the Tripartite Framework Agreement on Nature Conservation between Canada, British Columbia, and the First Nations Leadership Council.
• The Government of Canada will closely monitor progress towards protection measures and will consider pursuing actions under the Species at Risk Act if there is a lack of progress.