Nature and wildlife
Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
Issue
- During its time in power the Trump Administration undertook actions to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil and gas drilling, which would have negatively affected species under shared management between Canada and the U.S. – especially Porcupine Caribou.
Points to register
- Canada has long opposed development in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and seeks full protection of the Refuge, which would mirror the protections that have been enacted for the calving grounds of the Porcupine Caribou in the Yukon.
- Since President Biden’s inauguration he has issued an executive order to put a moratorium on leasing activities while, at a minimum, the environmental impact analysis is redone.
- This issue was on the agenda for the first meeting of the Prime Minister and the President. The leaders recognized the ecological importance of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. In particular, they agreed to work together to help safeguard the Porcupine Caribou herd calving grounds that are invaluable to the Gwich’in and Inuvialuit peoples’ culture and subsistence.
- The administration also asked for a 60-day stay in 4 pending lawsuits seeking to invalidate the leases in the area, while the administration’s legal position is being evaluated – which we view as positive.
- Ongoing engagement with U.S. officials will ensure Canada’s nature priorities are communicated to the incoming administration setting the stage for early identification of common interests and areas of cooperation with the new administration.
- Specific priorities include advancing the protection of the Porcupine Caribou Herd, and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge that protects their important calving ground. We are pleased that the Biden Administration has expressed their support for the protection of the Refuge.
Background/current status
- The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge encompasses much of the Porcupine Caribou calving grounds. This herd is part of the Barren-ground Caribou unit in Canada. COSEWIC has assessed that unit as threatened but no listing recommendation under the Species at Risk Act (SARA) has been made yet. Further, its conservation is managed under the 1987 Agreement Between the Government of Canada and the Government of the United States of America on the Conservation of the Porcupine Caribou Herd. Canada has worked very hard over the past 3 years with our domestic Indigenous and territorial government partners to make coordinated, forceful, and detailed interventions in the U.S. regulatory process relating to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
- We believe our interventions led to process delays that resulted in leasing and a proposed geophysical exploration program being rushed through at the last minute. The leasing program is subject to 4 lawsuits (as well as the current moratorium under an Executive Order) and the geophysical exploration program did not go ahead. The proponents are re-applying for next winter.
- We also continually expressed our concerns to the U.S. in diplomatic correspondence and many bilateral meetings, and the Minister of Environment and Climate Change has made several public statements on our position.
- We are being strongly supportive of President Biden’s commitment to permanently protect the part of the Refuge that is now open to oil and gas leasing.
- We are also exploring if there are options to avoid being in this situation again if a future U.S. administration wants to open the area for development.
Biosphere, Environment Museum
Issue
- In the Fall Economic Statement, the federal government provided $15.0M over five years, beginning in fiscal year 2021-22, to ECCC to support a partnership with the Government of Quebec and the City of Montreal to transfer operational responsibility for the Biosphere to the City of Montreal and provide financial support for its operations divided equally among partners.
Points to register
- The Government of Canada has operated the Biosphere in Montreal for the last 25 years and has decided, in collaboration with its partners, to transfer that responsibility to the City of Montreal.
- The Government of Canada, the Government of Quebec and the City of Montreal have established a partnership for the future of the Biosphere after forming a working committee to explore ideas that would allow the Biosphere to fulfill its public and scientific mandate and to maintain its outreach and sustainability.
- The tripartite partnership provides that the partners will each allocate $15 million over the next five years to support the Biosphère while long-term funding solutions are explored.
- Long-term solutions should make the Biosphere financially self-sustaining (i.e. not require ongoing funding from the federal government);
Background/current status
- A joint public announcement was made on April 12, 2021, to confirm the partners’ commitment to the Biosphere for the next five years.
- As per the April 12, 2021, news release, “The three partners—the governments of Canada and Quebec and the City of Montreal—intend to each invest $15 million over the next five years. With this financial support, the City of Montreal’s Space for Life museum complex—which already includes the Biodôme, Insectarium, Botanical Garden, and Planetarium Rio Tinto Alcan—will become responsible for implementing the Biosphere’s mission, which is to make visitors aware of climate change, biodiversity conservation, and pollution, particularly plastic-waste pollution.”
- On March 31, 2021, the Biosphere operations were transferred from Environment and Climate Change Canada to the City of Montreal which is now responsible for operating the museum.
- *Redacted*
- Through the contribution agreement, ECCC will contribute to the Biosphere’s programming, the implementation of its activities in both official languages and public recognition of its contribution.
Nature and Biodiversity Conservation
Issue
- Government priorities and actions to address the unprecedented loss of biodiversity and to conserve nature.
Points to register
- The Government of Canada is committed to taking ambitious actions to restore and protect the natural safety net granted to us by biodiversity.
- Investing in nature can also help us to build back better in the wake of the still ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
- As outlined in my Mandate Letter, top priorities include conserving 25% of Canada’s lands and oceans by 2025, working toward 30% of each by 2030, and delivering on nature-based climate solutions in collaboration with colleagues and many partners in ways that provide benefits for biodiversity and human well-being.
- The federal government is the largest contributor to the terrestrial target, with Parks Canada accounting for over 30 per cent of Canada’s current total protected lands and waters in national parks and freshwater national marine conservation areas.
- In September 2020 PM Trudeau signed the Leaders Pledge for Nature, and Canada joined the “High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People” – a coalition of over 50 countries that is pushing for a 30% global conservation goal for 2030.
- We are continuing important work to protect biodiversity and species at risk, including by advancing the Pan-Canadian Approach to species at risk conservation.
- Further, the historic $1.3 billion Nature Legacy investment will help us conserve nature, address biodiversity loss and meet related national and international commitments including the protection of 17% of Canada’s land and freshwater, the conservation and recovery of species at risk and the advancement of Indigenous reconciliation.
- Also, we aim to support Indigenous-led conservation, including through the establishment of Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas and the delivery of the Indigenous Partnerships Initiative.
- Finally, Canada is advocating for an ambitious and practical post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity to focus the world’s collective efforts to stem the loss of biodiversity and degradation of nature.
- Canada is working with other countries to ensure that new global biodiversity targets: focus on the most important direct drivers of global biodiversity loss; consider the important role of women, youth and Indigenous peoples as partners in the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity; and strengthen country implementation through systems that make countries more accountable to their commitments.
- Once the global framework has been approved by parties, likely this fall, ECCC will lead work with provinces, territories, Indigenous representatives and others to develop Canada’s domestic plan to implement the new Global Biodiversity Framework.
Background/current status
- We are facing an unprecedented biodiversity crisis with more than 1 million species facing extinction globally, including 622 at-risk species in Canada.
- The rapid decline of biodiversity is threatening the foundations of our economy, food security, health, and quality of life.
- Since the start of the pandemic we’ve taken solace in nature. Now it’s time to return the favour. Our future depends on taking action now.
- Canada Nature Legacy:
- In Budget 2018 the Government of Canada made a historic investment of $1.3 billion in nature conservation known as the Nature Legacy. This is the single largest investment in conserving nature in Canadian history.
- The Nature Legacy initiative is intended to help Canada address biodiversity loss and to meet its related national and international commitments, including the protection of 17% of Canada’s land and freshwater, the conservation and recovery of species at risk and the advancement of Indigenous reconciliation.
- Work under Nature Legacy focuses on species and spaces. On the spaces side, a series of 68 conservation initiatives were launched in every province and territory. This includes more than 30 conservation initiatives anchored around Parks Canada places to increase connectivity.
- On the species side, in 2019, 15 projects were chosen to be funded in community-nominated priority places for species at risk in key areas. Another 37 projects are being funded in partnership with provinces and territories in 11 priority places, and Parks Canada has developed 22 site-based, multi-species action plans that identify recovery actions for over 220 species of conservation concern (including over 127 SARA-listed species) occurring in 42 Parks Canada places.
- Canada Nature Fund:
- The Canada Nature Fund is a key part of Canada’s Nature Legacy initiative. It is a $500 million federal investment to support the efforts of non-federal partners whose commitment is critical to achieving success in nature conservation.
- Under the Canada Nature 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.
- The Fund enables a partnership-based approach to promoting biodiversity through targeted federal investments that enhance collaboration and partnership on protected areas and species at risk. The Canada Nature Fund includes initiatives like the Natural Heritage Conservation Program, the Target 1 Challenge and Community Nominated Priority Places for Species at Risk.
- Canada Nature Fund contributions are matched by philanthropic foundations, corporations, not-for-profits, provinces, territories and other partners, raising a total of $1 billion for conservation action.
- The nature-based climate solutions commitment and protecting 25% of Canada’s lands and oceans by 2025 commitment are complementary and mutually reinforcing.
- The work on nature-based climate solutions is focused on maximizing the climate change mitigation potential of ecosystems. By undertaking activities focused on ecosystem restoration, improved land management, and avoiding land conversion for carbon-rich areas, we will significantly enhance the inherent ability of healthy ecosystems to sequester and store carbon.
- These activities will also be beneficial to wildlife including species at risk such as Caribou, and will support the resilience of ecosystems in the face of climate change.
- The work to protect 25% by 2025 puts nature first by focusing on the large scale conservation or protection of landscapes in order to support biodiversity conservation. However, conserving ecosystems in the form of protected areas will also help us lock carbon in the ground thereby acting as a safeguard against additional releases that could derail Canada’s progress on climate change mitigation.
- Actions linked to both commitments will help Canada achieve the next round of domestic biodiversity goals and targets stemming from the development of the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework under the UN Convention on Biological Diversity.
- Engaging Indigenous peoples in conservation:
- Parks Canada currently works within the traditional territories of approximately 300 First Nations, Inuit, and Metis communities. Parks Canada and Indigenous peoples are partners in conserving, restoring, and presenting Canada’s natural and cultural heritage.
- Since 2018 we have invested more than $100 million on Indigenous leadership in conservation. The Government continues to engage with Indigenous peoples and communities while working to protect biodiversity and species at risk. In addition to supporting the establishment of 27 Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCA) and 25 IPCA planning and capacity projects across the country under the Canada Nature Fund, the Indigenous Guardians Pilot Program is supporting the development of 81 on-the-ground community-based Guardians initiatives, and the Indigenous Partnerships Initiative is advancing species at risk conservation.
- The recent establishment of Thaidene Nene National Park Reserve and of Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area (TINMCA) are outstanding examples of Indigenous-led conservation in action. TINMCA and Thaidene Nene represent new models of establishment processes aligned with the concept of IPCAs, with Thaidene Nene including an innovative trust fund to support Indigenous leadership.
- The Government continues to deliver the Indigenous Partnerships Initiative, which focuses on enabling Indigenous leadership in the implementation of the Pan-Canadian Approach to Transforming Species at Risk Conservation in Canada and the Species at Risk Act(SARA).
- The Initiative provides support to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis to increase capacity to lead in the design and implementation of conservation measures for at-risk species and their habitat; negotiate and implement conservation agreements for the cooperative conservation of at-risk species; and support meaningful participation in the implementation of SARA.
- In 2020, relationship building with Indigenous peoples was advanced through projects that supported the urgent need to act to recover Boreal and Southern Mountain Caribou and increased capacity for the collaborative management of Polar Bears.
- Importance of parks:
- In July 2020 a Pollara poll found that 84% of Canadians, across all regions and demographics, feel it is important that the federal government invest more to protect 30% of lands and waters by 2030.
- Canadians’ appreciation for nature has increased because of COVID-19 as we see with increased traffic to many National Parks and other natural spaces.
- In a survey by Park People of over 1,600 Canadians 70% said they appreciate parks more since physical distancing began. This was supported by a survey of over 50 municipalities, over half of which reported an increase in park use since the pandemic hit.
- Further, healthy ecosystems with a diversity of species can help protect us from pandemics by limiting how rapidly new pathogens can arise and spread.
- The Speech from the Throne highlighted the importance of nature to Canadians, and indicated that the Government of Canada will work with municipalities as part of a new commitment to expand urban parks so that everyone has access to green space.
- New Task Force on Nature-related Financial Disclosure:
- On January 11, 2021, PM Trudeau announced that Canada will join the Task Force on Nature-related Financial Disclosure.
- The new Task Force has not been established yet but is expected to be inspired by the work of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures. Its focus will be on providing a framework for corporate and financial institutions to assess, manage and report on their dependencies and impacts on nature, aiding in the appraisal of nature-related risk and the redirection of global financial flows away from nature-negative outcomes and towards nature-positive outcomes.
Nature-Based Climate Solutions
Issue
- Government actions on Nature-Based Climate Solutions.
Points to register
- The dual crises of climate change and biodiversity loss are connected and need to be tackled together. Nature-based climate solutions can achieve positive outcomes for greenhouse gas mitigation, for climate change adaptation, for nature, and for society all at once.
- The government takes the issues of climate change and biodiversity loss seriously and is working to address them in a coordinated fashion by including nature as one of five main pillars in Canada’s Strengthened Climate Plan and by investing in nature-based climate solutions.
- Canada is investing close to $4 billion over the next ten years (2021-2031) to establish a Natural Climate Solutions Fund and supporting activities to build a more resilient economy and a healthier future.
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Agriculture and Agri-food Canada and Natural Resources Canada are working together to deliver on the Natural Climate Solutions Fund. NRCan will implement the 2 billion trees component and Environment and Climate Change Canada and Agriculture and Agri-food Canada will deliver on nature-based solutions in other ecosystems such as in grasslands and wetlands.
- Canada’s commitment to using nature-based solutions to address climate change recognizes the complementary climate outcomes from tree planting and restoration, improved land management, and conservation of ecosystems to absorb greenhouse gasses. Together these initiatives can make significant contributions to addressing the connected crises of climate change and biodiversity loss.
- By restoring degraded ecosystems, improving land management practices, and conserving parks and protected areas, we will support the resilience of our ecosystems and their biodiversity, and of our nature-based economic sectors, while creating green jobs in communities across the country. Natural climate solutions have the potential to make significant contributions to Canada’s 2030 and 2050 climate goals.
- ECCC will use funding of $631M over 10 years to implement activities under the Natural Climate Solutions Fund. The bulk of the funding will go to on-the-ground projects and will be cost-shared with partners.
- Projects will restore wetlands and grasslands, improve land management, and prevent forest and wetland conversion all with a view to reduce or avoid greenhouse gas emissions.
- ECCC will build on existing work such as 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.
- New investments in nature-based climate solutions will also complement existing federal 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.
- An initiative of this scale requires strong partnerships to succeed and several steps have been and are being taken to ensure that the range of views on nature-based climate solutions are considered in the design and implementation of the initiative.
- For example, in January 2021 Environment and Climate Change Canada hosted an engagement session, along with Agriculture and Agri-food Canada, to seek the views of provinces and territories, stakeholders and Indigenous peoples on the design and implementation of the nature-based solutions initiatives to be led by those departments.
- In addition, Environment and Climate Change Canada is working with Natural Resources Canada to set up an expert advisory committee to ensure that program design maximizes emission reductions while also delivering biodiversity and human well-being co-benefits.
- The Advisory Committee will be diverse in terms of the sectors represented and the subject matter expertise of its members.
- Finally, any program design or implementation elements that could affect Aboriginal or treaty rights will be discussed directly with rights holders such as modern treaty governments.
Background/current status
- Implementation of the nature-based climate solutions work:
- We are on track to begin implementing the nature-based solutions initiative this year.
- In February 2021 Natural Resources Canada invited prospective partners to submit Expressions of Interest and Requests for Information to identify potential tree planting projects that can be completed within the coming fiscal year. The response has been strong and encouraging.
- From April 1 to June 15 AAFC is accepting proposals for grants from eligible organizations to support them in developing comprehensive project proposals under their Agricultural Climate Solutions program. Applications for contribution funding under that program are slated to open in fall 2021.
- ECCC will also launch an application-based process this fall under its Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund for projects that will be starting in 2022-2023.
- Cost of the initiative:
- As announced on November 30, 2020, the federal government has committed to investing close to $4 billion over 10 years in nature-based climate solutions, of which $3.16 billion will go towards planting 2 billion trees.
- In January the Office of the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) estimated that the full cost of the initiative would be roughly double the federal investment.
- However, PBO estimates did not factor in any cost-sharing, which was always part of the plan for nature-based climate solutions. The benefits of these efforts will also be shared across all participating jurisdictions.
- Progress on tree planting:
- Currently in Canada between 500-600 million commercial seedlings are planted per year, primarily to replant harvested areas. Achieving the two billion trees commitment requires increasing the number of trees planted by approximately 40 per cent annually for ten years. Time is needed for the nursery sector to ramp up to meet that increased demand for seedlings.
- An initiative of this scale requires strong partnerships to succeed, and the government has heard from provinces and territories, Indigenous communities and stakeholders on the ways that each could be involved.
- Last year COVID-19 shifted the Government’s priorities to focus on supporting the health, safety and well-being of Canadians, including those working in the forest sector. To ensure a successful 2020 tree-planting season and safe mill operations, the federal government, working with the provinces, provided small and medium-sized forest sector enterprises with $30 million to cover costs associated with COVID-19 health and safety measures.
- Expansion of urban parks under the Natural Climate Solutions Fund:
- There are opportunities to connect the work on expanding urban parks and the nature-based solutions initiative.
- Parks 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.
- Natural Resources Canada and Parks Canada will work together to identify opportunities to fund small to large community-led initiatives related to urban tree planting or management plans to expand, maintain and diversify urban forests, or for activities involving trees and forests that increase community resilience to climate change.
- Benefits of nature-based solutions:
- Canada’s existing natural areas are significant carbon stores. Conservation is an important way to prevent particularly carbon-rich ecosystems from disturbance that would release GHGs and move us away from our climate targets.
- Restoring grasslands, planting trees, and improving land management practices offer win-win opportunities. For example, forest restoration can provide important habitat for forest-dependent species like Caribou, while also sequestering carbon.
- In addition, forests, grasslands, croplands, and wetlands, including peatlands, provide a wide range of benefits to Canadians, including the potential to make significant contributions to Canada’s 2030 and 2050 climate goals. An approach that includes these ecosystems will be important to ensure that gains in terms of carbon sequestration and storage are made early as trees take time to reach their full mitigation potential.
- The government’s commitment to nature based climate solutions includes investments in research, monitoring, science and reporting activities that are essential for our ability to better understand and track the GHG reductions from funded activities.
Protected and Conserved Areas
Issue
- Deliver on the Government’s commitments from the fall 2020 Speech from the Throne and the Minister’s Mandate Letter to protect 25% of Canada’s lands and inland waters by 2025 and to set the stage to protect 30% by 2030.
Points to register
- Budget 2021 allocated $2.3B in funding to continue implementing the Government’s commitments to protect 25% of Canada’s lands and to set the stage for 30% by 2030, and $976M to implement the corresponding marine conservation targets. The plan to achieve these targets will be grounded in science, Indigenous knowledge, and local perspectives, and the government hopes to release this by early summer.
- This builds on the historic investment the government made in Nature Legacy in 2018 to protect and recover species at risk, and advance Indigenous reconciliation.
- To date, Canada has conserved 12.5% of its lands, *redacted*. We are on track to conserve 17% of Canada’s lands by 2023.
- At the end of 2020 Canada had protected an additional 2% of its land, which is close to 200,000 km2 - an area almost equivalent in size to three New Brunswicks combined.
- We know that partnerships are essential for significant progress.
- In developing the plan, the department has been engaging provinces and territories, National Indigenous Organizations, Indigenous leaders, ENGOs, industry sectors, and conservation leaders. The input has highlighted the importance of federal action and leading by example to create new federal protected areas such as National Wildlife Areas, Migratory Bird Sanctuaries, National Parks and freshwater National Marine Conservation Areas.
Background/current status
- Progress since the 2018 Nature Legacy Investment:
- Parks Canada’s 47 national parks, one national urban park and two freshwater national marine conservation areas (NMCAs) contributed 3.53% to Canada’s commitment to protect at least 17% of terrestrial areas and inland water by 2020. This is 75% of the federal contribution. It is also the largest contribution of any province, territory or federal organization to the terrestrial target accounting for close to 30% of the total 12.5%.
- In addition to the percentage targets, Parks Canada’s management of these lands contributes to the qualitative targets related to ensuring these areas have integrity and are connected. As a result, we see improvements to habitat to support species, and to important ecological processes that are essential.
- New protected and conserved areas include:
- Edéhzhíe Dehcho Protected Area in the Northwest Territories - the first official Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area (IPCA) in Canada;
- The first area recognized as an ‘Other Effective area-based Conservation Measure’ in Canada on a military base in Shilo, Manitoba;
- Thaidene Nene National Park Reserve, Thaidene Nëné Wildlife Conservation Area and Thaidene Nëné Territorial Protected Area - designated as a whole as an Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area by the Lutsel K’e Dene First Nation; and,
- Adding approximately 108,000 square kilometres for Tallurutiup Imanga National Marine Conservation Area in Nunavut.
- The Target 1 Challenge under Nature Legacy’s Canada Nature Fund:
- As part of the Canada Nature Fund, the Target 1 Challenge is supporting the establishment of new protected and conserved areas across Canada, and thus the conservation of Canada’s ecosystems, landscapes and biodiversity including species at risk. The Challenge component will also support the enhancement of the ecological integrity and connectivity of Canada’s network of protected and conserved areas.
- 68 projects received funding through the Target 1 Challenge component, including 42 projects that are expected to lead to the establishment of protected and/or conserved areas by 2023, and 26 projects that received funding to support early planning activities for future protected and/or conserved areas establishment.
- National Park Establishment:
- Parks Canada’s current terrestrial establishment priorities include working with British Columbia and the Syilx/Okanagan Nation on a project to establish a national park reserve in the South Okanagan–Similkameen and working with the Government of Prince Edward Island and the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI to assess the feasibility of a new national park reserve in the Hog Island Sandhills chain in northwestern PEI.
- Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs):
- Up to 27 Indigenous protected and conserved areas are expected to be established under the Canada Nature Fund’s Target 1 Challenge.
- An IPCA can be a protected and conserved area where its design, establishment, and ongoing management reflect and are guided by Indigenous interests and leadership. Essential elements of IPCAs are that they are co-managed or Indigenous-led, that they are involved in a long-term commitment to the conservation of lands and/or waters for future generations, and that they highlight Indigenous rights and responsibilities to the land.
- Impacts of COVID on progress to-date:
- The reality of COVID-19 has slowed down some of the work as engagement and national park establishment negotiations sessions have moved on-line and field work had to follow strict guidelines to reduce the chance of COVID-19 transmission.
Species at Risk - Overview
Issue
- What is the government doing to support species at risk and progress made on the mandate commitment to evaluate the effectiveness of the Species at Risk Actand the need for its modernization
Points to register
- The Government of Canada is committed to nature and biodiversity conservation to achieve better outcomes for species at risk and has advanced new policy and program approaches to improve and modernize the implementation of the Species at Risk Act. We are achieving better outcomes for all species at risk, before considering amendments to the Act.
- The Pan-Canadian Approach to Transforming Species at Risk Conservation in Canada (PCA-SAR) is advancing collaborative outcomes and building support for and implementing further improvements to the species at risk (SAR) program by engaging provinces, territories, National Indigenous Organizations, stakeholders and the general public for protecting and recovering species at risk.
- Key to our success is a shift from a single-species approach to conservation to one that focuses on multiple species and ecosystem-based approaches. We have identified and confirmed a set of shared priorities for priority places, species, sectors and threats.
- The federal Canada Nature Fund committed up to $155 million over five years for various funding initiatives to help with the protection and recovery of species at risk, and $55 million over five years for aquatic species at risk (DFO-led).
- In 2019-20, Parks Canada allocated approximately $2.5 million to projects that initiated more than 60 actions identified in species at risk action plans.
- This approach is starting to yield better results, particularly through the implementation of collaborative stewardship-based arrangements in the six priority species.
- To date, twelve conservation agreements under the Species at Risk Act have been finalized or are in negotiation for three priority species (Southern Mountain Caribou, Boreal Caribou and Wood Bison) with provinces, territories, and Indigenous peoples.
- Ongoing collaborative conservation planning arrangements with partners, including Indigenous peoples and multi-partner tables, will also further ensure implementation of high-priority conservation measures for each priority species.
- In addition, across the 11 federal-provincial-territorial Priority Places established through the Pan-Canadian Approach, partners and stakeholders were engaged, governance frameworks were established, multi-species and ecosystem-based conservation action planning was advanced, and early actions were implemented.
- A suite of 15 complementary Community-Nominated Priority Places was established through an open call for proposals to support multi-partner initiatives in priority places where there are opportunities to protect and recover species at risk and their habitat.
- Working with partners under the Impact Assessment Act and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012, has resulted in important conservation gains for species at risk and led to better relationships with Indigenous groups. An example of this is the NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. 2021 system expansion project where offsetting for impacts to Boreal Caribou will result in the addition of 1% of undisturbed habitat in the Little Smokey Range in Alberta reflecting Indigenous Rights and expectations.
Project impacts on Species at Risk
- The federal government is working to develop a whole-of-government approach with a focus on priority species identified under the Pan-Canadian Approach to Transforming Species at Risk Conservation by developing policies for the Species at Risk Act (sec. 77 and 79).
- A Policy on Biodiversity Offsetting and supporting operational guidance including an Impact Assessment Framework, a Risk Management Framework and Decision-Support Tool will achieve a more predictable regulatory framework in the context of federal review of development projects and will provide for better outcome for species at risk, migratory birds and their habitat.
Background/current status
Wood Bison
- In December 2019 the Minister of Environment and Climate Change formed the opinion that Wood Bison are facing imminent threats to their recovery due to the presence of disease, unregulated hunting and range loss.
- In February 2021 the full Imminent Threat Assessment for Wood Bison was published on the Species at Risk Public Registry.
- ECCC and Parks Canada Agency continue to advance collaborative work with various partners, including the Government of Alberta, to address imminent threats facing the Wabasca and Ronald Lake herds in Alberta.
- Wood Bison have long held cultural significance to Indigenous peoples, and Canada will also advance work with Indigenous peoples to address imminent threats.
- This collaborative approach will contribute to positive recovery outcomes for Wood Bison.
Spotted Owl
- On October 14, 2020, the Minister received requests from environmental and Indigenous partners to give immediate attention to the last remaining wild Spotted Owls in B.C. – and, in particular, to recommend that the Governor in Council issue an emergency protection order under the Species at Risk Act.
- British Columbia has agreed to issue a temporary deferral of logging and logging-related activities in the Spuzzum and Utzlius Creek watersheds.
- During this deferral period Canada and British Columbia will work together to complete the Spotted Owl Recovery Plan and B.C.’s plan for the reintroduction of captive bred chicks into the wild. The parties will also negotiate the conclusion of a broader bilateral nature agreement to address other species at risk, conservation and biodiversity issues.
- As part of our commitments to reconciliation Canada and B.C. will continue to work with Indigenous peoples as a part of these Spotted Owl recovery efforts.
Bank Swallow
- On July 7, 2020, a group of property owners in Alberta filed an application in Federal Court to compel the Minister of Environment and Climate Change to undertake various actions under the Species at Risk Act.
- The applicants are concerned that a racetrack development near the Rosebud River poses a threat to the species.
- Bank Swallow is a migratory bird. As such, the federal government has primary responsibility for the species.
- Both individuals and nests of the species are protected federally under the Species at Risk Act and the Migratory Birds Convention Act.
- The federal government will fulfill its obligations under these statues, which will include monitoring, compliance promotion and, where necessary, enforcement actions to ensure that all Canadians understand how they can avoid or mitigate potential impacts of their activities on migratory birds.
Western Chorus Frog (WCF)
- ECCC continues to maintain the emergency protection order in La Prairie, a suburb of Montreal.
- 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. We are also building support for implementing further improvements by engaging provinces, territories, Indigenous communities, stakeholders and the general public.
- WCF is considered a priority and as such ECCC continues to fund projects that aim to conserve and recover the species (e.g. breeding and re-introduction programs).
- ECCC continues to protect and manage the species’ critical habitat on federal lands through compliance promotion and permitting. These habitats are currently under a Species at Risk Act protection order.
- An existing collaboration agreement with the Province of Quebec enables discussions for the conservation of WCF. In 2020-2021 ECCC and the Government of Quebec exchanged letters in which they express their wish to renew the agreement. ECCC has also voiced its intention to seek better outcomes for species at risk in the province.
- ECCC continues to collaborate with the Province of Quebec and key stakeholders to support the protection and recovery of the species through different mechanisms.
- With the support of ECCC, a second scientific forum on the WCF was held with multiple stakeholders. The activity allowed the identification of further knowledge gaps and enhanced collaboration opportunities.
Small White Lady’s Slipper
- During the summer of 2020, the Minister’s office for Environment and Climate Change Canada received a petition from a group of citizens flagging concerns with a proposed urban development in Brandon, Manitoba. The petition called for action by ECCC to protect a population of a plant, the Small White Lady’s Slipper. This plant is listed under the Species at Risk Act as threatened and has critical habitat in the Brandon area.
- As this population of Small White Lady’s Slipper is not located on federal lands the Manitoba Government has initial responsibilities to ensure its protection.
- ECCC is aware that the Province of Manitoba is working with the City of Brandon, Nature Conservancy of Canada, and the landowner to find a solution. The solution could include the potential creation of an urban conservation area that is centered around the population of Small White Lady’s Slipper.
- The Government has abilities under the Species at Risk Act to issue an order for protection of these populations and associated lands. The Department would only begin assessing threats to the survival or recovery of the species once an imminent threat has been confirmed and it has been demonstrated that the province cannot ensure the protection of the species using the tools at its disposal.
Southern Resident Killer Whale (SRKW)
- Parks Canada protects critical habitat for Southern Resident Killer Whales in the waters of the Pacific Rim and Gulf Islands National Park Reserves.
- Parks Canada works jointly with Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Transport Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada to increase awareness of, and compliance with, Southern Resident Killer Whale Management Measures.
- Parks Canada is working collaboratively with Indigenous partners to co-develop Indigenous-led marine conservation initiatives/programs that support Southern Resident Killer Whale protection and recovery.
Copper Redhorse Critical Habitat Order
- The proposed Critical Habitat of the Copper Redhorse (Moxostoma hubbsi) Order was approved by the Minister of the Environment and the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans on February 12, 2021, and posted in the Canada Gazette, Part I for a 30-day public comment period.
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Parks Canada Agency continue to work with Canadians on any future activities taking place within the critical habitat in order to ensure that they do not jeopardize the recovery and survival of the Copper Redhorse.
- The Government of Canada recognizes that it must protect species at risk while also maintaining economic stability and sustainable industries. Every effort is being made to work with fishing, shipping, ecotourism, and other industries to meet the objectives of SARA while minimizing its impact on individuals, communities and businesses.
- SARA provides tools such as the issuance of permits to allow for certain activities with conditions considered necessary for protecting the species, minimizing the impact of the permitted activity on the species.
Species at Risk (Caribou)
Issue
- What is the government doing for species at risk like Boreal and Southern Mountain Caribou?
Points to register
- Caribou are of great importance in Canada, both ecologically and culturally, including for many Indigenous peoples.
- Canada is working in cooperation with provinces, territories, wildlife management boards, stakeholders and Indigenous peoples to implement actions to protect Caribou and their habitat, and to achieve positive conservation outcomes.
- The Government of Canada believes that a cooperative approach represents the best path forward for the conservation and recovery of at-risk Caribou species in Canada given that provinces and territories have the primary responsibility to manage lands and wildlife on non-federal land.
- In June 2018 federal, provincial and territorial Ministers agreed to the Pan-Canadian Approach to Transforming Species at Risk Conservation in Canada, focusing conservation efforts on six priority species including four Caribou species (Boreal Caribou, Southern Mountain Caribou, Peary Caribou and Barren-ground Caribou).
Boreal Caribou
- Through contribution agreements under the Species at Risk Act, $23.8M of federal funding has been invested under the Priority Species Initiative alongside provincial, territorial, Indigenous and stakeholder contributions of $22.03M to support Boreal Caribou conservation. This has enabled the signing of seven conservation agreements with provinces, territories and First Nations to support the protection and recovery of Boreal Caribou in Canada, as well as the implementation of additional conservation actions.
- The Government of Canada is leveraging synergies across other federal environmental and economic priorities to help implement actions to conserve and restore Caribou habitat such as Canada’s commitment to plant two billion trees across the country through the Growing Canada’s Forests program.
- In December 2020 Canada published an Amended Recovery Strategy for Boreal Caribou, which fulfilled a commitment to identify critical habitat in northern Saskatchewan’s Boreal Shield range.
Southern Mountain Caribou
- In 2020 the Government of Canada finalized two conservation agreements for Southern Mountain Caribou in B.C.: a Bilateral Agreement between Canada and B.C., and a Partnership Agreement between Canada, B.C., and the Saulteau and West Moberly First Nations.
- Also in 2020, the Governments of Canada and Alberta signed a conservation agreement for the conservation and recovery of Boreal and Southern Mountain Caribou in the province.
- The Government of Canada is now working with partners to implement the agreements while minimizing negative impacts to local communities and industries.
- Parks Canada invested $1.5M from the Nature Legacy Initiative to reduce threats and improve habitat for Southern Mountain Caribou and create better conditions for their survival and recovery. In collaboration with partners and experts, they have also developed a preliminary project proposal to rebuild Caribou herds in Jasper National Park.
Background/current status
Boreal Caribou
- In October 2020 the Government directed the Minister to continue efforts to conclude conservation agreements or similar approaches for Boreal Caribou over approximately a twelve-month period, notably for British Columbia, Manitoba, and Ontario.
- On October 19, 2020, Canada and Alberta signed the Agreement for the conservation and recovery of the Woodland Caribou in Alberta, for both Boreal and Southern Mountain populations.
- ECCC officials have initiated discussions on possible conservation agreements for Boreal Caribou in British Columbia, Manitoba and Ontario.
- Southern Mountain Caribou (SMC)
- In May 2018, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change formed the opinion that the SMC is facing imminent threats to its recovery, the most significant of which is increased predation as a result of human-caused habitat changes. The imminent threat finding triggered the requirement under subsection 80(2) of the Species at Risk Act (SARA) for the Minister to recommend to the Governor in Council that an emergency order be made to provide for the protection of the species. The Minister’s obligation in this regard has been fulfilled.
- On February 21, 2020, the Governments of Canada and British Columbia signed two conservation agreements under section 11 of SARA to work towards the recovery of populations of SMC in the province.
- The Bilateral Agreement between Canada and British Columbia, which covers all SMC herds in the province, includes commitments to habitat protection, herd planning, science and Indigenous knowledge, and monitoring.
- The Partnership Agreement between Canada, British Columbia, Saulteau First Nations and West Moberly First Nations focuses on the central group of SMC and includes commitments to habitat protection and restoration, collaborative knowledge sharing and research, and other recovery measures such as maternity penning.
- On October 19, 2020, the Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta signed the Agreement for the Conservation and Recovery of the Woodland Caribou in Alberta, which includes measures to support the conservation and recovery of SMC and Boreal Caribou in the province.
- On March 18, 2021, ECCC posted a public statement on the Species at Risk Public Registry regarding the Government of Canada’s response to addressing the imminent threats to the SMC indicating that, at this time, the Government of Canada has declined the making of an emergency order and believes that a collaborative approach will provide the best outcomes for the species.
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