Nature and Wildlife: appearance before the Standing Committee (November 4, 2020)

Biodiversity

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

• Canada is very aware of and concerned for the state of the world’s biodiversity. As recent regional and global assessments have emphasized, concerted action is urgently needed.
• The UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and its 196 Parties play a key role in stemming biodiversity loss, and a critical element to these efforts will be the new post-2020 global biodiversity framework and its targets.
• To this end, Canada is supportive of developing an ambitious and practical post-2020 global biodiversity framework as a way of focusing the world’s collective efforts to stem the loss of biodiversity loss and degradation of nature. An official from Environment and Climate Change Canada is one of the two co-chairs of the global UN process to develop this framework.
• Canada is working with other countries to ensure that new global nature and biodiversity targets:
  • focus on the most important direct drivers of global biodiversity loss: land- and sea-use change; direct overexploitation; climate change; pollution; and invasive alien species;
  • consider the important role of women, youth and Indigenous peoples as partners in the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity;
  • strengthen country implementation of the CBD through systems that make countries more accountable to their commitments; and
  • set a global 30% conservation goal for 2030.
• In this regard, in September 2020 PM Trudeau announced that Canada has joined the “High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People” – a coalition of over 30 countries that is pushing for a 30% conservation goal for 2030. In addition, Canada is a member of the Global Oceans Alliance which is a coalition of countries that advocates internationally for a 30% oceans conservation goal by 2030. The Minister of Environment and Climate Change and departmental officials are also engaging other countries at all levels to highlight the importance of a 30% conservation goal, and the role that protected and conserved areas play in curbing biodiversity loss, providing clean water, regulating our climate, and helping to prevent future pandemics.

Caribou

Q. What is the Government doing to protect caribou?

• Provinces and territories have primary responsibility to manage lands and wildlife within caribou ranges. The Government of Canada has been working with provinces, territories, stakeholders and Indigenous peoples on the protection and recovery of Canada’s species at risk, including caribou, in a timely manner, using robust recovery plans based on the best available science and traditional knowledge.
• In June 2018 federal and provincial and territorial Ministers agreed to the Pan-Canadian Approach to Transforming Species at Risk Conservation in Canada (Pan-Canadian Approach), which focusses conservation efforts on six priority species, including four caribou populations.
• The Government of Canada recognizes and supports the leadership of Indigenous communities and organizations regarding the protection and recovery of caribou critical habitat.
• Parks Canada has invested $1.5M dollars from the Nature Legacy Initiative and taken concrete steps to reduce threats to Southern Mountain Caribou and create better conditions for their survival and recovery. For example, implementation of winter habitat protection to reduce the likelihood of wolves accessing caribou habitat, and exploring a conservation breeding program.

Southern Mountain Caribou

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

• The Government of Canada has finalized two new agreements for Southern Mountain Caribou conservation in B.C.: a Section 11 of the Species At Risk Act (SARA) Agreement between Canada and B.C., and a Partnership Agreement between Canada, B.C., and the Saulteau and West Moberly First Nations.
• The agreements aim to stabilize and recover Southern Mountain Caribou populations in B.C. while minimizing negative impacts to local communities and industries.
• In the Bilateral Agreement, the Government of Canada and B.C. are committing to implement a wide range of recovery measures for the southern, central, and northern Groups of Southern Mountain Caribou including completing all herd plans by 2021, increasing caribou habitat, and establishing a science and knowledge committee for the species.
• The Partnership Agreement includes commitments to interim and long-term habitat protection, habitat restoration and operational recovery measures that focus on the central group, and recognizes the leadership of Saulteau First Nations and West Moberly First Nations in their successful efforts to support Southern Mountain Caribou recovery.
• In October 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.
• Southern Mountain Caribou are culturally important to many Indigenous peoples in B.C. and Alberta, and stabilizing and recovering the caribou population will be critical to restoring and maintaining their rights to cultural uses.
• Parks Canada has taken concrete steps to reduce threats to Southern Mountain Caribou and to create better conditions for their survival and recovery in national parks. These measures have effectively mitigated four of the five main threats to Southern Mountain Caribou within national parks. The remaining threat is small population size. Working with partners and experts, Parks Canada has developed a preliminary project proposal to rebuild caribou herds in Jasper National Park and is exploring options.

Boreal Caribou

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

• In February 2018, the Government of Canada published a Boreal Caribou Action Plan, which provides a comprehensive framework for steps that the Government of Canada is taking -- and plans to take -- to protect and recover the species. This includes investing in science, advancing caribou protection and recovery by negotiating conservation agreements with provinces and territories to support and accelerate their efforts to recover the species in their jurisdiction and reporting progress to the public.
• The Government of Canada has made progress enabled by the historic investment in nature from Budget 2018, including:
  • Signing conservation agreements with six provincial and territorial jurisdictions and three First Nations to support and accelerate their efforts to recover Boreal Caribou in their jurisdiction; and
  • Investing approximately $43.5 million to date, plus matching funds from partners, to support on-the ground Boreal Caribou conservation efforts by partners, including Indigenous peoples, provinces and territories, and civil society organizations.
• In June 2018, Canada launched the National Boreal Caribou Knowledge Consortium bringing together federal, provincial and territorial governments as well as Wildlife Management Boards, Indigenous organizations, environmental non-governmental organizations and industry representatives to share lessons learned, pool resources, answer outstanding questions and guide conservation and recovery actions.
• In 2019, the Government of Canada published a proposed amended recovery strategy for the Woodland Caribou, Boreal population.
• In June 2019, the Government of Canada published an Order to protect critical habitat for Boreal Caribou on federally-administered lands.
• The Minister has published several reports on steps taken by the federal, provincial and territorial governments, as well as by other partners, to protect critical habitat for Boreal Caribou. They show that despite progress gaps remain, which may require regulatory action should provinces and territories not effectively do so.

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

• Provinces and territories have the primary responsibility for the management of lands and wildlife including Boreal Caribou and its critical habitat within their respective jurisdictions.
• Regulatory action under SARA is provided to the Governor in Council as a backstop allowing the federal government to step in on non-federal lands to protect the species and its critical habitat where provinces and territories have not effectively done so.
• The Government of Canada understands that recovery of many species at risk such as caribou, will take time and long-term, sustained collaborative action. 
• The Government of Canada will continue to work with provinces and territories, Indigenous peoples, partners and stakeholders, to ensure the protection of caribou and their habitat, and to implement actions to conserve caribou populations listed under SARA. This includes maintaining collaborative working relations with provinces and territories.

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

• The government is committed to the conservation of caribou while supporting the broader commitments of reconciliation and economic growth. 
• When deciding whether to issue protection orders under the Species at Risk Act and, if so, the content of any such orders, the Government of Canada could take many factors into consideration including for instance the cultural importance of the caribou for Indigenous peoples, their rights and interests, and potential impacts on industry and ways of addressing or minimizing these impacts.

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

• Under the Species at Risk Act (SARA) the Minister of ECCC may consider providing fair and reasonable compensation for losses suffered as a result of any extraordinary impact of a protection order.
• A protection order does not automatically trigger a requirement to pay compensation.
• While SARA gives me the authority to provide fair and reasonable compensation to any person for losses suffered as a result of any extraordinary impact of the application of a protection order, it also provides me with the discretion in deciding whether to provide fair and reasonable compensation.
• The specific facts relating to any application for compensation would need to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis before a decision to provide any compensation is made.

Natural Climate Solutions

Q. What are Nature-based climate solutions?

• “Nature based climate solutions” or “natural climate solutions” involve ecosystem-based approaches to climate change mitigation and adaptation, for example:
  • Reforestation, avoiding forest and wetland conversion, improved management of forests, cropland nutrient management, tree-planting and restoring wetlands and grasslands to increase carbon sequestration and storage or avoid greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Conserved, restored, or enhanced ecosystems such as coastal wetlands can prevent coastline erosion/damage from rising water levels.
• Such approaches can conserve biodiversity and provide wildlife habitat, reduce emissions, promote climate resilience and also provide leisure and economic opportunities for local communities.

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

• It is estimated that natural climate solutions have the potential to make significant contributions to Canada’s 2030 and 2050 climate goals.
• GHG reductions from planting 2 billion trees will depend on the surface afforested, the type of trees planted and the years in which the tree planting activities will take place.
• 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.

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

• Natural climate solutions have the potential to make significant contributions to Canada’s 2030 and 2050 climate goals. A 2017 study suggested that nature-based climate solutions have the potential to provide over 30 per cent of global climate solutions.
• Planting trees, restoring grasslands and wetlands and improving land management practices in the agriculture and forest sectors, for example, could all have significant positive impacts on Canada’s overall emissions.
• The actual contribution of nature-based solutions depends on a range of factors. For example
  • GHG reductions from planting 2 billion trees will depend on the surface afforested, the type of trees planted and the years in which the tree planting activities will take place.
  • GHG reductions from ecosystem management and restoration depends on the extent, location and type of different ecosystems that are restored, and how widely land management approaches are adopted.
• More work is needed to improve understanding of Canada’s natural carbon stores and fully account for ecosystem-based emissions.

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

• Biodiversity loss and climate change are closely connected and we need to tackle them together.
• Nature-based climate solutions offer an opportunity to deliver nature and climate outcomes in an integrated way.
• Restoring grasslands, planting trees, and improving land management practices offer win-win opportunities for climate and nature. For example, forest restoration can provide important habitat for forest-dependent species like caribou while also sequestering carbon.
• We also recognize that Canada’s existing natural areas are signficant 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.
• In these ways, the climate and nature agendas are complementary and mutually reinforcing.

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

• The fight against COVID-19 and addressing the impact on our nation’s economy has been and continues to be the Government’s top priority.
• At the same time, this Government is deeply committed to working with all orders of government, Indigenous peoples, industry, and stakeholders to deliver on the promise to plant two billion trees as part of a broader commitment to nature-based climate solutions that also encompasses wetlands and urban forests, as well as grasslands and agricultural lands.
• I am currently working with Ministers O’Regan and Bibeau on a plan to operationalize this commitment and to ensure that the benefits of these efforts for climate change mitigation can be rigorously tracked and reported. 

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:

• Reforestation, avoiding forest and wetland conversion, improved management of forests, cropland nutrient management, tree-planting and restoring wetlands and grasslands to increase carbon sequestration and storage or avoid greenhouse gas emissions.
• Conserved, restored, or enhanced ecosystems such as coastal wetlands can prevent coastline erosion/damage from rising water levels.

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

• 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 Government of Canada will bring forward a plan to conserve 25% of Canada’s land and 25% of Canada’s oceans by 2025, and working toward 30% of each by 2030. This commitment was reaffirmed in the Speech from the Throne in late September.
• 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.
• 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).
• Through the Canada Nature Fund’s Target 1 Challenge, ECCC is providing funding to 68 projects; of those projects, 52 are led by or involve Indigenous communities. The program is funding 27 projects that will lead to the creation of new IPCAs by 2023, and 25 capacity projects that support the planning for future IPCAs to be established after 2023.
• The Government invested $100 million over four years in the Natural Heritage Conservation Program. The funding will allow a consortium led by Nature Conservancy of Canada to establish a program to protect private lands in southern Canada.
• The Government of Canada is making Indigenous leadership an important part of conservation efforts. Up to 27 Indigenous protected and conserved areas are expected to be established under the Canada Nature Fund’s Target 1 Challenge. Further, Budget 2017 announced support for Indigenous guardians' programs, which support Indigenous conservation through on-the-ground, Nation-based stewardship initiatives.

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

• The Government will bring forward a plan to conserve 25 per cent of Canada’s land and 25 per cent of Canada’s oceans by 2025, and working toward 30 per cent of each by 2030. This commitment was reaffirmed in the Speech from the Throne in late September.
• As per the Minister’s mandate letter, we will be taking into account science, Indigenous knowledge and local perspectives.
• There is no date yet for unveiling the plan. ECCC is working internally to develop a way forward plan that includes providing provinces, territories, municipalities, the private sector, Indigenous communities.

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

• Yes, the Minister has been consulting Indigenous National Organizations, ENGOs and conservation leaders as well as provincial and territorial governments.
• We are hearing that federal leadership is important:
  • The importance of federal funding to incent actions of others.
  • The importance of multipartners (federal, provincial, territorial, Indigenous and ENGO) collaboration forums such as Pathway to Canada Target 1 initiative.
  • The importance of federal leadership – leading by example to create new federal Parks and National Wildlife Areas.
• We are hearing that partnerships are essential for significant progress – and this has been our experience as well:
  • Provinces and territories are essential partners as they are responsible for the majority of public land.
  • Indigenous peoples have interests in most of Canada – 40% of Canada’s land mass covered by modern treaties – and have advanced 27 Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas funded by Canada Nature Fund.
  • Southern Canada mostly privately owned or regulated by local governments. We need to bring more private sector funding, including that of foundations and corporate Canada, to the table to support conservation work.
  • Non-profits and NGOs provide advocacy and technical support to proponents.
• We are also hearing that a flexible approach needed for early and sustained injection of resources (no ‘one size fits all’).
  • Given different interests at play on the landscape and tenures of land, a variety of partnerships, tools and approaches required.
• Finally, we are hearing that our work should be aimed at biodiversity rich areas, but these areas also tend to have more competing natural resource interests.

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

• As of the end of 2019, 12.1% of Canada’s land and freshwater area is officially protected or otherwise conserved.
• This is equivalent to the addition of an area three times the size of Nova Scotia to our protected and conserved areas network over the course of two years.
• Canada, in conjunction with the provinces and territories, continues to add protected and conserved areas each month. [*REDACTED*]

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

• We are working with Indigenous peoples through the Pathway to Target 1 to advance the recommendations from the Indigenous Circle of Experts’ “We Rise Together” report. Through an Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCA) Working Group, and along with colleagues from Provincial and Territorial governments, as well as National Indigenous Representative Organizations, ECCC is helping advance the creation of Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas across the country.
• The Indigenous Guardians Pilot Program received $25M over 5 years in Budget 2017 to support the development of community-based guardians programs. The program was launched in 2018 and has since established a distinction-based governance that leads the selection of projects submitted by Indigenous communities and governments.
  • Thus far, the program has successfully funded 61 Guardians projects, with two more years to fund additional projects and is supporting national distinction-based gatherings to support knowledge transfer and networking.
  • In partnership with Indigenous partners, the program will also conduct an evaluation of the governance and projects to support the development of a long-term approach to supporting Indigenous guardians in Canada.

Q. What is the Nature Legacy?

• The Nature Legacy initiative is a commitment made in Budget 2018 which includes historic investments over five years to meet Canada’s international commitments to biodiversity, sustainable development and climate change, to help Canada protect 17% of our land and freshwater (Canada Target 1) and conserve and recover Canada’s species at risk.
• A series of 68 conservation initiatives launching in every province and territory are a part of Canada’s Nature Legacy initiative. These projects are supported by the $175 million federal Canada Nature Fund’s Target 1 Challenge to expand a connected network of protected and conserved areas across Canada.
• As of the end of 2019, 12.1% of Canada’s land and freshwater area is officially protected or otherwise conserved. This is equivalent to the addition of an area three times the size of Nova Scotia to our protected and conserved areas network over the course of two years.

Q. What is the Canada Nature Fund?

• The Nature Fund is a key part of the Nature Legacy initiative. It is a $500 million investment to support the efforts of non-federal partners whose commitment is critical to achieving success in nature conservation.
• It will support a new approach to promoting biodiversity through targeted federal investments that enhance collaboration and partnership on protected areas and species at risk. The 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.

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

• As part of the Canada Nature Fund, the Target 1 Challenge supports 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.
• Through the Target 1 Challenge, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) will work with provinces and territories, Indigenous People and the private and non-profit sectors to achieve significant progress on terrestrial elements of Target 1 of Canada’s 2020 Biodiversity Goals and Targets.
• The Challenge component will also support the enhancement of the ecological integrity and connectivity of Canada’s network of protected and conserved areas. It will also develop and establish Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas to support reconciliation efforts

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:

• the establishment of the Central Purcell Indigenous Protected Area in B.C. to protect over 200,000 hectares ($16 million);
• the securement of 4,400 hectares of forest lands and wetlands by the Government of Prince Edward Island ($1.4 million); and
• the recognition of 2.2 million hectares of conservation lands near Great Slave Lake and Great Bear Lake by the Tlicho First Nation in the Northwest Territories ($2 million).

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

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.	Metis 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 under lake 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 of 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 Territories 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 Territories 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 (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 well-connected networks 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's 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, 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

• The Government of Canada has been working closely with provinces and territories, Indigenous peoples, and other partners on species at risk conservation to reach better outcomes for Species at risk.
• In collaboration with the provinces and territories, the Government of Canada has agreed to implement the Pan-Canadian Approach to Transforming Species at Risk Conservation in Canada, which will shift from a single-species approach to conservation to one that focuses on multiple species and ecosystem-based approaches. The government identified and confirmed a set of shared priorities for priority places, species, sectors and threats.
• The federal Canada Nature Fund committed up to $200 million over five years for various funding initiatives to help with the protection and recovery of Species at risk.
• In 2019-20 Parks Canada allocated approximately $2.5M to projects that initiated more than 60 actions identified in Species at risk action plans.

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

• As per the Minister’s 2019 mandate commitment, the Government continues to work to protect biodiversity and species at risk while engaging with provinces, territories, Indigenous communities, scientists, industry and other stakeholders to evaluate the effectiveness of the existing Species at Risk Act and assess the need for modernization
• The Pan-Canadian Approach to Transforming Conservation of Species at Risk (PCA-SAR), supported by the Nature Legacy Initiative and Budget 2018, is starting to yield better results through collaborative, multi-species and ecosystem based conservation initiatives in priority places, species and sectors and threats. 
• The Government continues its work to transform our approach to terrestrial species at risk conservation through advancing the implementation of the PCA-SAR and related policy and program improvements.
• Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has started conversations with a few key partners and stakeholders. These initial consultations will help further support for the Pan-Canadian Approach, help shape the approach to engagement on the Minister’s mandate commitment, and inform ongoing and possible future policy and program improvements.
• Progress on species at risk outcomes and early engagement will be essential to building consensus on policy changes and possible amendments to the Species at Risk Act.

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

• The Minister of Environment and Climate Change has determined that Wood Bison are facing imminent threats to their recovery.
• The main threats to the species include the risk of disease, habitat loss as well as unregulated harvest.
• Managing species at risk, such as Wood Bison, is primarily a provincial and territorial responsibility. Wood Bison are also found in Wood Buffalo National Park where their management is the responsibility of Parks Canada.
• The Government of Canada will continue to work with the Government of Alberta and local Indigenous communities to put robust plans in place to address the imminent threats to Wood Bison.
• The Government of Canada recognizes the efforts of the Government of Alberta to create the Kitaskino Nuwenëné Wildland Provincial Park, which provides important habitat for Wood Bison.

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

• Wood Bison are facing imminent threats to their recovery as a result of disease transmission, habitat loss and unregulated harvest as it relates to the Ronald Lake and Wabasca herds in northeastern Alberta.
• The key threats to the Ronald Lake Herd are the risk of contracting two bovine diseases from diseased bison in Wood Buffalo National Park, as well as habitat loss and disturbance. With fewer than 20 individuals in the Wabasca herd, the imminent threat is unregulated harvest.

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

• As outlined in obligations under the Species at Risk Act, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change may recommend an emergency order but Cabinet would decide whether to issue an order and the details of such an order.
• The Government of Canada can consider a number of factors when considering a recommendation for an emergency order including conservation benefits as well as socio-economic impacts.

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

• The petition is requesting the federal government to step in and halt logging in B.C.’s Spuzzum Valley, where a Spotted Owl pair with chicks has been found.
• The Province of British Columbia is the jurisdiction responsible for the management of the northern Spotted Owl under the Accord for the Protection of Species at Risk (1996).
• Under the federal Species at Risk Act (S.C. 2002, c.29) (SARA), federal competent ministers are responsible for the preparation of recovery strategies for species listed as Extirpated, Endangered, or Threatened.
• The Minister of Environment and Climate Change is the federal competent minister responsible for Spotted Owl. A federal recovery strategy for Spotted Owl was published on the SAR Public registry in 2006, as such, Environment and Climate Change Canada has been engaged with the Province of B.C. and others concerning the recovery of Spotted Owl.
• Environment and Climate Change Canada received the petition requesting an emergency order pursuant to s.80 of the federal Species at Risk Act on October 14, 2020. Departmental officials are currently reviewing the petition and will provide timely advice to the Minister.