Nature and Wildlife: appearance before the Standing Committee (December 2, 2020)

Biodiversity

Q: How is Canada playing a leadership role in international discussions on how to halt global loss of nature and biodiversity?

Caribou

Q. What is the Government doing to protect caribou?

Southern Mountain Caribou

Q. What progress has the government made to protect Southern Mountain Caribou?

Boreal Caribou

Q. What progress has the government made to protect Boreal Caribou?

Q. What jurisdiction does the Government of Canada have over the province to protect species at risk such as caribou?

Q. What impact would a protection order under the Species at Risk Act have on industry in Alberta (oil, mining, forestry)?  

Q. Is the Government of Canada required to pay compensation to landowners, industries, or jurisdictions that would be affected by a protection order?

Q. Why hasn’t the government already launched a Canada-wide nature-based solutions program?

Natural Climate Solutions

Q. What are Nature-based climate solutions?

Q. How much would Canada’s GHG emissions be reduced by planting 2 billion trees?

Q. How much could nature-based solutions contribute to reducing Canada’s GHG emissions?

Q. Will using nature-based solutions to fight climate change advance the government’s nature commitments? How?

Nature-based Solutions

The Minister’s Mandate Letter included the following commitment: “Support the Minister of Natural Resources to operationalize the plan to plant two billion incremental trees over the next 10 years as part of a broader commitment to nature-based climate solutions that also encompasses wetlands and urban forests.” The recent Speech from the Throne reaffirmed the government’s commitment to using nature-based solutions to fight climate change.

Forests, grasslands, croplands, and wetlands including peatlands provide a wide range of benefits to Canadians.  Among Nature’s benefits to people, these ecosystems all help store and take carbon pollution out of the air.

“Nature based climate solutions” or “natural climate solutions” involve ecosystem-based approaches to climate change mitigation and adaptation, for example:

Natural climate solutions have the potential to make significant contributions to Canada’s 2030 and 2050 climate goals. An approach that includes wetlands, grasslands and other natural ecosystems will be important to ensure that gains are made early as trees take time to reach their full mitigation potential.

Work is needed to better quantify and account for the contribution of natural ecosystems to Canada’s carbon budget and to ensure that the emission reductions associated with investments in natural climate solutions are captured in Canada’s reporting.

The tree-planting component of the commitment can be designed to optimize co-benefits for biodiversity, including, restoring habitat for species for example by replanting seismic lines in caribou critical habitat.

New investments in nature-based climate solutions will complement existing programs including the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund which supports natural infrastructure projects to enable communities to better manage risks of current and future natural hazards, and the Habitat Joint Ventures Partnerships under the North American Waterfowl Management Plan, which has resulted in significant securement and restoration of wetlands and associated uplands.

Parks and protected areas in Canada also help nature and people adapt to climate change. These places conserve biodiversity, protect ecosystem services, connect landscapes, take up and store carbon, build knowledge and understanding, and inspire people.

Internationally, Canada is championing the nature-based solutions action track under the Global Commission on Adaptation.

Nature Legacy Initiatives

Q. When will the Government unveil its plan to protect 25% by 2025?

Q. Has the Minister been consulting on the plan and what has he been hearing?  How will it inform the development of his plan?

Q. How much progress has Canada made towards its target to conserve 17% of terrestrial areas by 2020?

Q. What is the Government doing to involve Indigenous peoples in conservation?

Q. What is the Nature Legacy?

Q. What is the Canada Nature Fund?

Q. What is the Target 1 Challenge Component of the Canada Nature Fund?

Projects Funded by Canada Nature Fund

The Canada Nature Fund is a $500 million federal investment to support the efforts of non-federal partners whose commitment is critical to achieving success in nature conservation.

The fund is helping to support the work of partners in creating new protected and conserved areas and recovering species at risk.

Canada Nature Fund contributions are matched by investments by philanthropic foundations, corporations, not-for-profits, provinces, territories and other partners.

Under the fund, roughly $300 million has been set aside for terrestrial protected areas and up to $200 million for recovery of both terrestrial and aquatic species at risk.

Canada Nature Fund: Spaces

Part of the Canada Nature Fund, the Target 1 Challenge, is providing up to $175 million for the establishment of new protected and conserved areas across Canada including Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCA).

Interested organizations, provinces and territories, local or municipal governments, Indigenous peoples, the private sector (i.e., small businesses, companies, corporations, and industry associations), not-for-profit organizations, such as philanthropic foundations and other non-governmental organizations were eligible to apply for Challenge funds through an open call for proposals that ended in March 2019.

Over 140 proposals worth over $800M were received.

Applications were then reviewed and evaluated by Canadian Wildlife Services staff according to pre-determined criteria with a view to making progress on the 17% target. Funding decisions were approved by the Minister of Environment and Climate Change in the summer of 2019. The Target 1 Challenge program funded 68 projects across the country. Of the funded projects, 42 projects which are expected to lead to the establishment of a protected and/or conserved area, including up to 27 IPCAs, and 26 projects, which received capacity funding to undertake foundational conservation, work to advance their proposed projects including 25 Indigenous-led initiatives, which may include engagement with elders and youth.

Recent Challenge announcements include:

A full list of projects funded under the Target 1 Challenge was released publicly in June 2020. (See Annex A.)

The Canada Nature Fund is also providing $100 million to help secure private lands in ecologically sensitive parts of the country under the Natural Heritage Conservation Program (NHCP). $14 million was also allocated in 2019-20 to the Quick Start initiative designed to help near-ready and strategically important protected areas move forward.

The vast majority of the protected areas funding is now committed, with roughly $10 million remaining.

Canada Nature Fund: Species

In 2019, 15 projects were chosen for funding in community-nominated priority places for species at risk in key areas across Canada. These areas were selected through an open call for applications across Canada under the Canada Nature Fund. (See Annex B for full list).

Another 37 projects are being funded in partnership with provinces and territories in 11 priority places: southwest Nova Scotia, Saint John River Valley, Prince Edward Island forested landscapes, Saint Lawrence Lowlands, Ontario’s Long Point Walsingham Forest, Manitoba mixed-grass prairie, Saskatchewan south of the divide, Alberta’s Saskatchewan River Watershed, dry interior of British Columbia, southwest British Columbia, and Yukon’s south Beringia.

The Canada Nature Fund was also utilized to help support the recent negotiation of the conservation agreement involving ECCC, the B.C. Government as well as the West Moberley and Saulteau First Nation to protect and recover Southern Mountain Caribou. Caribou agreements in other jurisdictions and the implementation of the Pan Canadian Framework for Priority Places for Protecting Species at Risk are also being supported by the Canada Nature Fund.

Annex A: Projects funded under the Target 1 Challenge

Projects funded under the Target 1 Challenge
Project Name Project Description Recipient Province or Territory
Qat'muk: developing an Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area in the central Purcell Mountains (Establishment)

The Ktunaxa Nation Council Society is developing a proposal for a Ktunaxa Nation Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area to protect Ktunaxa cultural, biodiversity and other ecosystem values.

Ktunaxa Nation Council Society BC
Establishing Tahltan Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas through the Tahltan Nation Land Use Planning Process (Establishment)

The Tahltan Central Government is working toward identifying and protecting land that has significant cultural, ecological and sustenance value for Tahltan People through the Tahltan Land Use Planning process.

Tahltan Central Government BC
Tlatsini The Places That Make Us Strong Taku River Tlingit First Nation Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area (Preliminary work)

This project will support the Taku River Tlingit in capacity building and engagement to explore conservation opportunities within their traditional territory including the Taku, Whiting, and Yukon River Watersheds that encompass enormous areas of Boreal Forest and wetland habitat.

Taku River Tlingit First Nation BC
Kaska Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area (Preliminary work)

This project will allow the Dena Kayeh Institute to build capacity to assess stewardship opportunities for the areas between the edge of the Boreal Plains on the east to the Cassiar and Omineca Mountains on the west, encompassing a vast area of forested wilderness that includes overlap with the ranges of seven Northern Mountain Caribou herds.

Dena Kayeh Institute BC
Métis Settlements Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas Initiative (establishment)

The Métis Settlements General Council will work to conserve land in the vicinities of Wolf Lake, Touchwood Lake, and North Buck Lake. Their work will protect habitats for species at risk including the Woodland Caribou and Grizzly Bear.

Métis Settlements General Council AB
Kitaskino Nuwenëné Wildland Park – Phase 2 Expansion (Establishment)

The Mikisew Cree First Nation will work with the province, industry, and land owners to expand the existing Kitaskino Nuwenëné Wildland Provincial Park in Alberta.

Mikisew Cree First Nation AB
Métis Nation of Alberta Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (Preliminary work)

This project will help the Métis Nation of Alberta build capacity to create new protected areas through establishing partnerships and conducting land monitoring and research activities to establish protected areas in the future.

Métis Nation of Alberta AB
Métis Settlements Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas Initiative (Establishment)

The Métis Settlements General Council will work to conserve land in the vicinities of Wolf Lake, Touchwood Lake, and North Buck Lake. Their work will protect habitats for species at risk including the Woodland Caribou and Grizzly Bear.

Métis Settlements General Council AB
Accelerating Saskatchewan’s Commitments to Target 1 (Establishment)

The Government of Saskatchewan will create new protected areas in Selwyn Lake Upland and Tazin Lake Upland Ecoregions as well as expand one protected area in the Mid-boreal Lowlands (Lobstick Lake).

Government of Saskatchewan SK
Saskatchewan River Delta - A Collaborative Approach to Expanding Protected Areas and Multi-Species Conservation in Northern Saskatchewan (Preliminary work)

This project will support the Saskatchewan River Community Development Corporation undertake research and build capacity to establish a conservation area near Cumberland House, SK.

Saskatchewan River Community Development Corporation SK
Chitek Lake Anishinaabe Provincial Park Expansion (Preliminary work)

The Skownan First Nation will work towards the eventual expansion of Chitek Lake Anishinaabe Provincial Park through the establishment of a management board and an Indigenous-led monitoring program.

Skownan First Nation MB
Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas and Land Guardians - Phase 2 (Preliminary work)

The Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation Lands, Environment & Resources will initiate the next steps of Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas planning with a specific focus on the Leftrook (Wapasihk) Lake (Sakahukun) Watershed Management Plan and monitoring activities related to data collection.

NCN Lands, Environment & Resources MB
Manitoba's Caribou River Provincial Park to Wapusk National Park (Preliminary work)

The Manitoba Métis Federation Inc. will work towards the establishment of an Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area in the area between Caribou River Provincial Park and Wapusk National Park.

Manitoba Métis Federation Inc. MB
Lenswood Kettle Hills Blueberry Patch Manitoba (Preliminary work)

The Manitoba Métis Federation Inc. will work towards the establishment of an Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area in the Kettle Hills area of Manitoba.

Manitoba Métis Federation Inc. MB
Shawanaga Island Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area (Establishment)

The Shawanaga First Nation will establish an Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area to conserve important species, protect food security, facilitate understanding of and respect for Indigenous way of life, and to support development of conservation economies.

Shawanaga First Nation ON
Establishing a First Nation Protected Area in the North French River Watershed (Preliminary work)

The Moose Cree First Nation will explore the feasibility of establishing a First Nations protected area in the North French River Watershed.

Moose Cree First Nation ON
Establishing an Indigenous Protected Area in the Fawn River Watershed (Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug homeland) (Preliminary work)

The Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation explore the potential establishment of an Indigenous Protected Area in the Fawn River Watershed located in the Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug Homeland.

Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug First Nation ON
Asubpeeschoseewagong Anishinabek Protected Area (Preliminary work)

The Grassy Narrows First Nation will explore the feasibility of establishing the Asubpeeschoseewagong Anishinabek (ANA) lndigenous Protected and Conserved Area within their Traditional Territory.

Grassy Narrows First Nation ON
Southern Ontario Nature Coalition Protecting Nature and People (Preliminary work)

The Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation and partners will identify options to establish protected and conserved areas that address the unique challenges of peri-urban locations in and adjacent to the Greenbelt, support ecological connections and improve management of peri-urban natural areas.

Friends of the Greenbelt Foundation ON
Establishing and co-managing a network of new protected areas based on areas of importance to the Crees of Eeyou Istchee (Establishment)

The Cree Nation Government aims to ensure full Cree participation in the creation of a network of protected areas on the Cree Eeyou Istchee lands. This network is designed to be hydrologically connected and will increase connectivity between existing protected areas as well as protect habitats for species at risk and culturally significant species including herds of Woodland Caribou.

Cree Nation Government QC
Conducting public consultations, a key step in the creation of nine new protected areas in Nunavik (Quebec) and the achievement of consensual conservation objectives (Establishment)

The Kativik Regional Government will mobilize stakeholders in Nunavik, Kawawachikamach and Whapmagoostui to undertake community consultation as part of the process of creating nine proposed protected areas covering an area of 2,980,000 ha by the Government of Quebec in Nunavik. This project will ensure a strong community involvement and is an essential step in the process that will allow the nine consensual territories to pass from a temporary administrative protection to a legal status of biodiversity reserve under the Natural Heritage Conservation Act.

Kativik Regional Government QC
Protection Mutehekau Shipu / Rivière Magpie (Establishment)

The Conseil des Innu de Ekuanitshit will pursue official recognition and protection of an area comprising the entire Magpie River and a significant part of its watershed. While much of the Innu of Ekuanitshit’s history and memories inhabits this area, the project will also allow the documentation of Innu values and traditional and ecological knowledge on the territory.

Conseil des Innu de Ekuanitshit QC
Protection of Pipmuacan by the Première Nation innue de Pessamit (Establishment)

The Conseil des Innus de Pessamit aims at creating a protected area in the Pipmuacan area that will help protect Innu culture and heritage, as well as Boreal Caribou and its habitat.

Conseil des Innu de Pessamit QC
From Anticosti to Nunavik: together for protected areas (Establishment)

The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) – Quebec branch will contribute to the creation process of three new protected areas in the regions of Bas Saint-Laurent, Lotbinière, and Anticosti Island.

CPAWS (SNAP)-Québec QC
Ya'nienhonhndeh protected area (Establishment)

The Conseil de la Nation huronne-wendat will take part in the process of officially recognizing the Ya'nienhonhndeh protected area of approximately 71,000 ha. This territory contains the last virgin forest of the Nation’s traditional territory, the Nionwentsïo, and is also the area in the Nionwentsïo with the highest concentration of intact Huron-Wendat heritage sites.

Conseil de la Nation huronne-wendat QC
Masko Cimakanic Askic (Preliminary work)

Supporting an initiative from a Wemotaci family, the Conseil de la Nation Atikamekw is working toward an Indigenous Protected Area to restore living environment, insure social well-being and reinforce traditional land system. Masko Cimakanic Aski is part of the ancestral land called Nitaskinan and represents a traditional family territory.

Conseil de la Nation Atikamekw QC
Protection of Cambrian Lake, Nachicapau Lake and Fort McKenzie (Waskaikinis) Areas (Preliminary work)

The Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach aims to do the groundwork for the protection of the biodiversity and Indigenous cultural use of the Cambrian Lake area and the Nachicapau Lake area.

Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach QC
Pathway to Canada Target 1: Outaouais takes action to reach 17% (Preliminary work)

This project will result in planning activities within the creation process of a protected area by the Government of Quebec. The protected area proposed by the CREDDO and CPAWS within the project would obtain a permanent legal status and targets a territory of more than 115,000 ha in the Noire and Coulonge River Watersheds.

Conseil Régional de l’Environnement et du Développement Durable de l’Outaouais (CREDDO) QC
Inuit Protected and Conserved Area for Arqvilliit (Ottawa Islands) Nunavik (Establishment)

The community of Inukjuak Nunavik aims to create a 24,000 ha lndigenous Protected and Conserved Area for Arqvilliit (Ottawa Islands). Arqvilliit has always been occupied by Nunavik Inuit since time immemorial. This project will protect habitats for species at risk including the Polar Bear, a culturally significant species for the Inuit. The protection of Arqvilliit is an important step towards reconciliation with Nunavik Inuit by recognizing and respecting their way of life and the animals on which they rely for their health, culture and livelihood.

Inukjuak Local Nunavimmi Umajulivijiit Katujiqatigininga (LNUK) and Northern Village (NV) of Inukjuak NU
Qikiqtait: The Belcher Islands Archipelago Protected and Conserved Area (Establishment)

The Arctic Eider Society will explore the potential of creating “Qikiqtait” a community-driven protected and conserved area for the Belcher Islands Archipelago (potential of 323,800 hectares in total).

The Arctic Eider Society NU
Conservation Measures on Inuit Owned Lands (Establishment)

The Qikiqtani Inuit Association will increase the Bathurst Island protected lands (by 225,644 ha) for conserving Peary Caribou. They will also determine preliminary management options of 638,032 ha of Inuit-owned lands and investigate the creation of Inuit Protected and Conserved Areas.

Qikiqtani Inuit Association NU
Establish the Aviqtuuq Inuit Protected and Conserved Area (Preliminary work)

Spence Bay Hunter and Trapper Association will enable collaborative planning and negotiations on a potential Aviqtuuq Inuit Protected and Conserved Area to protect the Boothia Peninsula in the Kitikmeot Region of Nunavut.

Spence Bay Hunters and Trapper Association NU
Proposed Agguttinni Territorial Park (Establishment)

The Government of Nunavut will work to create a new protected area in Agguttinni on Inuit- owned lands. The new territorial park will protect critical habitat for several species at risk, important wildlife habitats and cultural sites currently valued for harvesting, camping and travel.

Government of Nunavut NU
Identification and Conservation of Traditional Lands as OECMs through Tlicho Government Land Use Plan Review Process (Establishment)

The Tłı̨chǫ Government will undertake a review of the ‘Land Use Protection Zones’ in the Tłı̨chǫ Land Use Plan, to focus on the Gowhadõ Yek’e t’ii k’e (Traditional Use Zone) 5,521 km² and Tłı̨chǫ Nawoo Ké Dét’ahot’ìı (Cultural Heritage Zone) 16,658 km². This project will help align Land Use Zones with the land use and land protection goals of the Tłı̨chǫ.

Tłı̨chǫ Government NWT
Thaidene Nëné Indigenous and Territorial Protected Area Establishment

The Government of the Northwest Territories has established Thaidene Nëné as a territorial protected area under the Northwest Territories Protected Areas Act in partnership with several NWT Indigenous governments. It will also complete the creation of a Conservation Area under the Northwest Territories Wildlife Act in 2021. Thaidene Nëné will result in protection of biodiversity, ecological integrity and cultural continuity.

Government of the Northwest Territories NWT
Thaidene Nëné Establishment

The Lutsel K'e Dene First Nation has established the Thaidene Nëné Protected Areas, in partnership with the Government of the Northwest Territories and the Government of Canada. The Thaidene Nene Protected Areas includes a National Park Reserve, a Territorial Protected Area and will include a Conservation Area that will contribute a total of 2,630,000 ha in new, permanently protected areas.

Lutsel K'e Dene First Nation NWT
Ts’udé Nilįné Tuyeta Indigenous and Territorial Protected Area Establishment

The Government of the Northwest Territories will establish Ts’udé Nilįné Tuyeta as a territorial protected area designated under the NWT Protected Areas Act.

Government of the Northwest Territories NWT
Ts’udé Niliné Tuyeta Indigenous and Territorial Protected Area Establishment

The Yamoga Land Corporation to establish management of Ts’udé Nilįné Tuyeta as both an Indigenous protected area under K’asho Got’ine Law and a territorial protected area designated under the NWT Protected Areas Act.

Yamoga Land Corporation NWT
Dinàgà Wek’èhodì Indigenous and Territoral Protected Area Establishment

The Government of the Northwest Territories is working towards establishing Dinàgà Wek'èhodì as a territorial protected area designated under the Northwest Terrritories Protected Areas Act in partnership with the Tłı̨chǫ Government, the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, the Northwest Territory Métis Nation, the North Slave Métis Alliance and the Wek'èezhìi- Renewable Resources Board.

Government of the Northwest Territories NWT
Dinàgà Wek’èhodì Indigenous and Territorial Protected Area Establishment

The Tłı̨chǫ Government is working towards establishing Dinàgà Wek'èhodì as a territorial protected area designated under the Northwest Terrritories Protected Areas Act in partnership with the Government of the Northwest Territories, the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, the Northwest Territory Métis Nation, the North Slave Métis Alliance and the Wek'eezhie Renewable Resource Board.

Tłı̨chǫ Government NWT
Sahtu K'aowe Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area (Preliminary work)

The Del’ine Got’ine Government will review and propose amendments of zones 23-25 under the Sahtu Land Use Plan to align this area with IUCN category IV of conservation. They will research and determine the land management tool to be used for the areas, and seek partnerships in order to protect Great Bear Lake as a water body.

Del’ine Got’ine Government NWT
Developing a Conservation Designation for the Eastern Yukon North Slope within the Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas Program Framework (Establishment)

The Wildlife Management Advisory Council will facilitate the negotiation of an Establishment Agreement for the Eastern Yukon North Slope as an Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area.

Wildlife Management Advisory Council YU
Peel Watershed Land Use Plan (Establishment)

The Government of Yukon will work with four First Nations to designate approximately 3,897,400 ha of protected areas in the Peel Watershed Planning Region.

Government of Yukon YU
Tu Lidilini and Ni'o Ne P'ene' Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area (Preliminary work)

The Ross River Dena Council will acquire support from the Yukon Government for a delineated Indigenous and Protected Conserved Area.

Ross River Dena Council YU
Liard First Nation Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area Network of Protected Areas in Southeast Yukon (Preliminary work)

The Liard First Nation will identify areas of cultural, heritage and high conservation value, and negotiate with government and other First Nations for the development of a regional land use planning process.

Liard First Nation YU
Ninä`nkäk hozo wëk’ä`tr’ë`no`hcha: Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in Land Stewardship Framework (Preliminary work)

The Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in Government will work with the Yukon Government and three First Nations to designate protected areas within the Peel Watershed Planning Region.

Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in Government YU
Yukon River Shaheenx' Southern Lakes Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area Network (Preliminary work)

The Kwanlin Dün First Nation will support the Southern Lakes How We Walk With The Land and Water Indigenous land relationship planning process.

Kwanlin Dün First Nation YU
Expansion and Improvement of the Protected and Conserved Areas Network on Prince Edward Island (Establishment)

The Government of Prince Edward Island will conserve approximately 4,400 hectares of high-priority areas and habitats, including PEI’s forests and wetlands, and will expand upon existing protected areas and establish new conserved areas in the province. This will have numerous benefits for species at risk including the Common Nighthawk, the Canada Warbler, and the Rusty Blackbird.

Government of Prince Edward Island PEI
Protecting Species, Habitats, Ecosystems and Enduring Features across Ecological Regions in New Brunswick (Establishment)

The Government of New Brunswick will work with First Nations and partners to double the amount of protected area across New Brunswick's ecozones.

Government of New Brunswick, Department of Natural Resources and Energy Development NB
Reconciliation & Stewardship through Land Conservation in Mi’gmaq Traditional Territory of Fort Folly First Nation and the UNESCO Fundy Biosphere Reserve (Establishment)

This project will establish a network of Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCA) that represent and reflect the cultural and ecological values of Fort Folly First Nation in and around Dorchester, Elgin and Alma, New Brunswick.

Fort Folly First Nation NB
Establishing the Skutik Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area (IPCA) in New Brunswick, Canada (Establishment)

The Passamaquoddy will work with the Province of New Brunswick and other stakeholders to develop an Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area (IPCA) along the Skutik/St. Croix River in the traditional territory in New Brunswick of the Peskotomuhkati Nation.

Passamaquoddy Recognition Group Inc. NB
New Brunswick Mi'gmaq Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas Proposal (Establishment)

This project will identify areas of conservation priority for eight Migmaw communities in New Brunswick represented by Mi'gmawe'l Tplu'taqnn Inc. (MTI). Working with partners such as the Province of New Brunswick, Parks Canada, the Nature Conservancy of Canada, and the Nature Trust of New Brunswick, MTI will establish Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas throughout Mi’gmaq Territory in New Brunswick.

Mi'gmawe'l Tplu'taqnn Inc. NB
Wolustokwiyik/Maliseet Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area (WMIPCA) (Establishment)

The Maliseet Nation Conservation Council will work to establish Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) with the goal of developing connectivity within the Saint John River Basin, the traditional territory of Wolastoqiyik People in New Brunswick

Maliseet Nation Conservation Council NB
Advancing Target 1 in Nova Scotia – A Collaborative Conservation Approach (Establishment)

This project will work to advance a well-connected network of protected and conserved areas in Nova Scotia. The activities will take place throughout Nova Scotia on priority lands and protect land through a combination of Provincial Crown land, Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs), Other Effective Area-Based Conservation Measures (OECMs), and private land securement.

Nova Scotia Environment NS
Creating Indigenous Protected Areas within the Traditional Territory of Miawpukek First Nation (Preliminary work)

This project will conduct capacity building activities to support Miawpukek First Nation’s ability to make recommendations to the Province on the establishment of new protected and conserved areas on the island of Newfoundland, in the Boreal Shield Ecozone.

Miawpukek First Nation Newfoundland and Labrador
Innu Parks Project / Minashkuau Kanakutuataku (Preliminary work)

This project will facilitate the building of capacity within Innu Nation to enable it to make recommendations to governments on and engage with the Province to support habitat protection for species at risk in Labrador, including the Peregrine Falcon and the Wolverine.

Innu Nation Newfoundland and Labrador

Annex B – Projects Funded under Community-Nominated Priority Places for Species at Risk

  1. BC - Kootenay Connect

    The lead recipient, Kootenay Conservation Program, is a collaboration between conservation organizations in the Kootenay Region. The project aims to enhance, restore, and manage large riparian and wetland complexes to support the recovery of 16 listed species at risk including Grizzly Bear, and over a dozen species of concern not yet listed. The project is in the North Columbia River riparian wetlands of the Kootenay Region in southeastern British Columbia covering 218,000 hectares.

  2. BC - Integrated Rocky Mountain Trench Dry Forest Ecosystem Restoration project

    The Ɂaq̓am community will collaborate with Tobacco Plains Indian Band and the Rocky Mountain Trench Natural Resources Society to restore open dry forest and grassland habitat and support the recovery of 19 listed species at risk such as Lewis' Woodpecker and American Badger, as well as species of concern like Bighorn Sheep and species of cultural significance to Indigenous people. The project will occur in the Rocky Mountain Trench of British Columbia covering 262,983 hectares.

  3. SK - Managing Species at Risk in the Greater Redberry Lake Biosphere Reserve Area

    The Redberry Lake Biosphere Reserve Association and partners such as Ducks Unlimited Canada, Mistawasis Nehiyawak and Muskeg Lake Cree Nation, will collaborate on priority actions such as brush clearing, removal of invasive species, and restoration of native prairie to benefit up to 22 listed species at risk and up to 41 species of concern. The project is on the Mistawasis and Muskeg Lake First Nations lands and surrounding areas of west central Saskatchewan covering 112,200 hectares.

  4. SK - Conservation Planning and Recovery Action Implementation in Saskatchewan's Southwest Sand Hills

    The Nature Conservancy of Canada will work with partners including Nature Saskatchewan and Bird Studies Canada to plan conservation actions and monitoring in the Southwest Sand Hills area. The project will also take action to reduce key threats such as agriculture, oil and gas, alteration of natural fire cycle, and invasive species benefiting 29 listed species at risk including the Burrowing Owl and Piping Plover. The project will occur in the Southwest Sand Hills area in the Prairie Ecozone and will cover 1,253,999 hectares.

  5. MB - Reinforcing and Enhancing Multi Species at Risk Recovery with Partners in the Tall Grass Prairie Landscape

    The Nature Conservancy of Canada will work with the Manitoba Naturalists Society, Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation, government partners, and the Rural Municipality of Stuartburn to improve habitat and reduce threats to 25 listed species at risk including Western Prairie Fringed Orchid and the Monarch. The project will occur in southeastern Manitoba and cover 445,628 hectares.

  6. ON - Georgian Bay Biosphere Region Priority Place Collective Action for Species at Risk and Biodiversity Conservation

    The Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve and co-applicants including Shawanaga First Nation, Magnetawan First Nation and Georgian Bay Land Trust, will work with partners to gather data and plan, and implement actions to address threats such as roads and railroads, invasive plants and climate change. The project will benefit 46 listed species at risk including the Blanding’s Turtle and the Massasauga Rattlesnake, as well as six COSEWIC-assessed species not yet listed. The project will cover 347,000 hectares in the Eastern Georgian Bay region of Ontario.

  7. ON - Planning, Fostering, and Protecting a Final Refuge: A Community-based and Collaborative Course to Secure Species at Risk, Priority Habitats, and Essential Services of the Land Between Bioregion

    This project is a collaboration of The Land Between, Scales Nature Park, Blazing Star Environmental, Couchiching Conservancy, Curve Lake First Nation, Watersheds Canada, Canadian Wildlife Federation, Georgian Bay Turtle Hospital, Trent Severn Waterway and the Land Trust for Frontenac, Lennox and Addington. The project includes data collection, planning, habitat restoration, and education to benefit 57 listed species at risk such as the Little Brown Myotis and Eastern Algonquin Wolf in central Ontario from Georgian Bay to the Frontenac Arch covering 2,984,600 hectares.

  8. QC - The Northern Green Mountains

    Towards land management for the protection and recovery of species at risk: Appalachian Corridor will collaborate with environmental nongovernmental organizations, municipalities, provincial agencies, and other conservation organizations to build capacity and address the threats of agriculture, forestry, invasive species and urban development in the Appalachians Region of Quebec covering 345,478 hectares.

    The project will benefit 11 listed species at risk including Eastern Whippoorwill and Barn Swallow, and 138 other species of conservation concern.

  9. QC - Critical Habitat Protection for the Recovery of Species at Risk in the Magdalen Islands

    Attention FragÎles will work with environmental non-governmental organizations, municipalities, provincial departments, and outdoor recreation clubs to develop a collaborative approach to conservation and management of critical habitat, build capacity and reduce land use conflicts. The project will benefit 11 listed species at risk such as Horned Grebe and Shorteared Owl, as well 36 species of concern not yet listed. The project is in the Gulf of St. Lawrence in the Archipelago of Magdalen Islands covering 20,550 hectares.

  10. PEI - Prince Edward Island Coastal Ecosystems: Understanding Connections, Protecting & Sharing the Space

    Island Nature Trust will work with Abegweit Conservation Society, University of Prince Edward Island, and multiple watershed groups to create an action plan and address key threats such as urban development, human disturbance, climate change and problematic species, to support the recovery of 8 listed species at risk including Piping Plover and Bank Swallow, as well species of significance to Mi'kmaq. The project is in the terrestrial coastal regions of PEI covering 800 linear kilometres of shoreline.

  11. NS - Maliamu’kik msit ko’kmanaq – A Collaborative Approach to Managing Diverse Ecosystems for the Benefit of Species at Risk in the Bras d’Or

    Unama'ki Institute of Natural Resources will work with partners from industry, provincial and federal government, municipalities, non-government organizations, and private landowners to create an action plan and address key threats using a two-eyed seeing approach to integrate scientific and Indigenous world views. This project will benefit 18 listed species at risk including Canada Warbler and Wood Turtle, as well as six COSEWIC-assessed species at risk. The project will occur in the Bras d'Or Lake Watershed of Nova Scotia covering 350,000 hectares.

  12. NB - Building a Two-eyed Seeing Community-based Species at Risk Conservation Framework in Coastal Zones of Eastern New Brunswick

    Nature NB will work with Anqotum Resource Management, Nature Conservancy Canada, Bird Studies Canada, Nature Trust New Brunswick, and Mi'gmawe'l Tplu'taqnn Inc to develop and implement community-based conservation plans to address specific conservation threats and targets. The project will directly benefit at least 14 listed species at risk including Piping Plover and Red Knot. The project will occur in the Acadian Peninsula and coastal regions of the Northumberland Strait in New Brunswick covering 226,510 hectares.

  13. NS and NB - A Community of Practice to Protect and Recover Species at Risk on the Chignecto Isthmus

    Nature Conservancy of Canada will work with partners including Bird Studies Canada, Community Forests International, Fort Folly Habitat Recovery Program, and the Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq - Mi'kmaw Conservation Group, to build and strengthen community relationships, develop a conservation plan, build public awareness, and deliver programs benefiting species at risk. The project will benefit 20 listed species at risk including Common Nighthawk and Wood Turtle, and 20 additional species of concern. It will occur in the Chignecto Isthmus Region of both Nova Scotia and New Brunswick covering 739,596 hectares.

  14. NL - Conserving & Understanding the Species at Risk of Cape Freels

    Indian Bay Ecosystem Corporation will work with the Town of New-Wes-Valley, the Local Service District of Cape Freels, Stewardship Association of Municipalities, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, The Homestead Adventures, and Bird Studies Canada to develop a governance structure and conservation action plan followed by conservation actions to reduce threats to species at risk, restore habitat, and complement existing conservation and stewardship activities. This project will benefit a variety of listed species at risk such as Buff-breasted Sandpiper and Little Brown Myotis, along with other declining species, especially shorebirds.

    The project will occur in the Cape Freels region of Newfoundland covering 1,200 hectares.

  15. NL - Recovery Action for Species at Risk in Western Newfoundland

    Intervale Associates Inc. will work with partners including Memorial University of Newfoundland, the Nature Conservancy of Canada, and Qalipu Mi'kmaq First Nation Band, to create a governance structure and conservation plan for actions to address key threats such as human disturbance, by-catch and resource extraction. This project will benefit 19 listed species at risk such as Piping Plover and Long's Braya in western Newfoundland, from Port aux Basques to Cape Norman at the tip of the Great Northern Peninsula covering 3,242,691 hectares.

Species at Risk

Q. What is the Government doing on modernizing the Species at Risk Act (SARA)?

Q. What is the Government doing to protect the Wood Bison herd?

Q. Why has the Minister of Environment and Climate Change determined that Wood Bison are imminently threatened?

Q. Does the finding that Wood Bison are facing imminent threats to their recovery mean that an emergency protection order will be issued?

Q. What is the Government doing with the petition requesting an emergency order for the Spotted Owl?

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