Species at Risk Act Annual Report to Parliament for 2023

Species at Risk Act annual report 2023 (PDF, 5.5 MB)

1. Introduction

The Species at Risk Act (SARA or the Act)^{Footnote 1} , enacted in 2002, is part of Canada’s strategy to protect hundreds of wild plants and animal species from becoming extinct, and to help in their recovery. The Act, among other things, establishes a process for conducting scientific assessments of the status of individual wildlife species, and a mechanism for listing extirpated, endangered, threatened and special concern species. Schedule 1 is the official list of wildlife species at risk. SARA requires the protection of individuals, residences and critical habitats of the wildlife species listed on Schedule 1.The Act also requires the preparation of recovery documents for all listed wildlife species.

Every year, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change (the Minister) must prepare a report on the administration of the Act during the preceding calendar year, and table it in Parliament. This SARA Annual Report summarizes activities carried out in 2023^{Footnote 2} .

The Minister is responsible for the overall administration of SARA, except insofar as the Act gives responsibility to another “competent” minister (see Figure 1 below). Parks Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), and Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), often referred to as the “competent” departments, share responsibility for the implementation of SARA.

2. Highlights

• Following years of collaborative conservation actions, one species, the Peregrine Falcon (anatum/tundrius), was delisted from Schedule 1 of SARA. Twenty-three new species were added to the list, nineteen of which now have new protections supporting their recovery. In all, eight species had their status changed, three of which, like the iconic Monarch Butterfly, will now also benefit from SARA’s protections for Endangered and Threatened species. Another species, the Peary Caribou, following contributions from Northern communities to the recovery planning, had its status on the Schedule 1 changed from Endangered to Threatened
• In March 2023, Canada and Manitoba signed a three-year conservation agreement to support the conservation and recovery of Boreal Caribou in the province. Through the agreement, Manitoba committed to finalizing and beginning implementation of range plans in the province by 2025 and undertaking measures such as caribou population and habitat monitoring
• By signing the Tripartite Framework Agreement on Nature Conservation in November 2023, Canada committed to supporting British Columbia and First Nations to collaboratively advance the recovery and protection of the Spotted Owl. Parties will be engaging in a series of significant efforts, such as a SARA-compliant action plan, protecting and conserving habitat, improving breeding capacity, and facilitating the release of captive Spotted Owls to restore the Endangered species’ population
• Signed in October 2023, the Canada-Nova Scotia Nature Agreement commits parties to conserving and recovering species at risk and migratory birds, as well as protecting and restoring their critical and core habitats. The Agreement set out target outcomes and commitments to improving biodiversity and effectively addressing species of conservation concern
• ECCC, Parks Canada and DFO continued to deliver on commitments aligned with recommendations made by the Commissioner of Environment and Sustainable Development (CESD) to address gaps in SARA implementation and remain actively involved in an evaluation that supported the management of species at risk activities
• Parks Canada is delivering recovery action on the ground in collaboration with Indigenous communities, partners and stakeholders. In 2023, Parks Canada made demonstrable progress and is on track to complete 85% of recovery measures identified in current multi-species action plans. As well, Parks Canada advanced the development of 14 multi-species action plans that consider opportunities for Indigenous-led conservation, landscape-scale conservation, ecological connectivity and climate-smart actions

3. Wildlife species at risk in Canada

There are tens of thousands of species in Canada (see figure 2). In order to protect them we first have to find them, identify them, gather knowledge about their state, and understand what is key to their survival as well as the challenges they face.

Under section 128 of SARA, the Minister must prepare a general report on the status of wildlife species every five years: the Wild Species report has been published since 2000 when 1,670 species were included. Over 50,000 species were included in Wild Species 2020. This information helps Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC), an independent advisory panel which meets twice a year to assess the status of wildlife species at risk of extinction, determine which species to assess.

3.1. The Schedule 1 listing process

The listing process refers to amendments to Schedule 1 of SARA through the addition, the reclassification, or the removal of a species. It includes: (1) the assessment of species by COSEWIC; (2) the Minister’s response to those assessments; and (3) the decision of the Governor in Council (GIC), on the recommendation of the Minister, on whether or not to add, remove, or reclassify a species or refer the matter back to COSEWIC for further information or consideration. 

3.1.1. Assessment of species at risk

SARA separates the assessment process from the listing decisions, ensuring that scientists and Indigenous knowledge holders provide independent assessments and that decisions affecting Canadians are made by elected officials who are accountable for those decisions. COSEWIC provides the assessments and supporting evidence annually to the Minister.

In October 2023, COSEWIC submitted 43 wildlife species assessments to the Minister. Of these 43, 31 were for wildlife species that COSEWIC had re-examined. The status of the majority (94%) was reassessed at the same or lower level of risk.

Changes in the status of wildlife species at risk indicator

Wildlife species previously designated as being at risk are reassessed, usually after 10 years, to determine if there is a change in status. The Changes in the status of wildlife species at risk indicator reports on changes in designations for wildlife species assessed by the COSEWIC. COSEWIC submitted these to the Minister in October 2023.

In December 2022 and May 2023, 31 wildlife species were reassessed, of which 27 had no change in their status. Of the four wildlife species that had a change in status, three were classified to a lower risk category and one was classified to a higher risk category:

• The Gulf of St. Lawrence Aster changed in status from Threatened to Endangered as a result of climate change and changes in the quality and quantity of habitat available
• The Eastern Whip-poor-will changed in status from Threatened to Special concern as a result of a change in methodology for estimating abundance
• The Foothill Sedge changed in status from Endangered to Special concern as a result of changes in how assessment criteria were applied
• The Small-flowered Sand-verbena changed in status from Endangered to Special concern as a result of new subpopulations being discovered and improved monitoring

COSEWIC has reassessed 530 wildlife species at risk since starting assessments in 1982.

Note: In this analysis, wildlife species refers to a species, subspecies or a genetically or geographically distinct population. Wildlife species disappearance may refer to extinction or extirpation (an extirpated species no longer occurs in the wild in Canada). Lower risk consists of species reassessed as no longer at risk as well as species in a lower risk category compared to the previous assessment.
Source: Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada, May 2023

Wildlife species may take a long time to recover, and some wildlife species are naturally rare in Canada. A change in status may occur only after significant biological change (for example, increases in abundance, population size or geographical range) has been detected. For these reasons, relatively few wildlife species should be expected to show changes in risk level when reassessed. Changes in risk level can be a result of improved information rather than actual changes in the condition of the wildlife species. Improved information is more likely to lead to an improvement in the status of a wildlife species rather than to a decline in status^{Footnote 3} .

3.1.2. Minister’s response to COSEWIC assessments

Identifying wildlife species at risk is the first step towards protecting them. Wildlife species previously designated as being at risk are reassessed, usually after 10 years, to determine if there is a change in status. The Changes in the status of wildlife species at risk indicator reports on changes in wildlife species designations for wildlife species assessed by COSEWIC.

The Minister of the Environment takes COSEWIC’s assessments as recommendations, and has 90 days to issue a response statement indicating how he or she intends to respond to the assessment, and to provide timelines for action to the extent possible. Forty-three response statements were provided in December 2023 for the COSEWIC assessments received in October 2023.

3.1.3. Public consultations

Public consultations provide the Minister with a better understanding of the potential social and economic impacts of possible changes to Schedule 1, and the potential consequences of adding or not adding a species to the list. Information collected during consultations is used to inform the Minister’s recommendations to the GIC on amending Schedule 1 of SARA.

In 2023, ECCC carried out consultations for a total of 13 species for which status assessments had been received from COSEWIC as part of the Consultation on Amending the List of Species under the Species at Risk Act: Terrestrial Species December 2023 [Batch 21]:

• Eastern Red Bat
• Hoary Bat
• Silver-haired Bat
• California Sword Fern
• Coastal Manroot
• Scaly Fringe Lichen
• Riverine Clubtail
• Gulf of St. Lawrence Aster
• Half-moon Hairstreak (Okanagan-Similkameen population)
• Foothill Sedge
• Small-flowered Sand-verbena
• Eastern Whip-poor-will
• Great Blue Heron

In 2023, DFO conducted consultations for ten aquatic species that were assessed as “at risk” by COSEWIC and eligible for addition to Schedule 1:

• Shortfin Mako (Atlantic population)
• Eastern Sand Darter (West Lake population)
• Silver Lamprey (Saskatchewan – Nelson River populations)
• Sockeye Salmon (Sakinaw population)
• Chinook Salmon (Okanagan population)
• Ringed Seal
• Lumpfish
• Harbour Porpoise (Northwest Atlantic population)
• Beluga Whale (Eastern High Arctic – Baffin Bay population)
• Grey Whale (Atlantic population)

To help finalize listing advice, DFO also carried out consultation check-ins for 23 aquatic species for which consultations previously took place regarding their possible addition to Schedule 1 of SARA. This ensured that stakeholders and other interested parties had an opportunity to confirm their previous positions or offer new information.

3.1.4. Listing of species at risk

Three listing orders were published in the Canada Gazette, Part II in 2023:

• Order Amending Schedule 1 to the Species at Risk Act: SOR/2023-16for Peary Caribou and 12 other terrestrial species (February 15, 2023)
• Order Amending Schedule 1 to the Species at Risk Act: SOR/2023-17for Peregrine Falcon anatum/tundrius subspecies and 16 other terrestrial species (February 15, 2023)
• Order Amending Schedule 1 to the Species at Risk Act: SOR/2023-263 for Monarch and two other terrestrial species (December 20, 2023)

The orders also down-listed 5 species to a lower risk category and up-listed 3 species to a higher risk category.

3.2. Status of species at risk

As of December 31, 2023, Schedule 1 listed a total of 662 species.

4. Monitoring

Monitoring of wildlife species provides information on the distribution, abundance, and population trends of species, which are also key parameters in the COSEWIC assessment process. Monitoring provides the scientific foundation for all aspects of the species at risk program, from assessment and recovery planning, to implementing and evaluating the effectiveness of conservation actions.

ECCC runs and manages many monitoring programs specifically focused on species at risk. Some of these programs concentrate on describing critical habitat, such as quantifying occupancy, abundance, productivity, and/or breeding evidence at important breeding or foraging sites and/or habitats. Other programs develop environmental DNA (eDNA) survey methods to support monitoring of Canadian populations; provide status and trend information for low density or locally distributed species that are not otherwise monitored by large-scale standardized surveys; describe threats to populations; or assess the impact of management activities on species at risk and their habitats. These programs are designed to address specific knowledge gaps that are necessary to complete recovery documents or to support species at risk program needs.

ECCC runs and manages many monitoring programs specifically focused on species at risk. Some of these programs concentrate on describing critical habitat, such as quantifying occupancy, abundance, productivity, and/or breeding evidence at important breeding or foraging sites and/or habitats. Other programs develop environmental DNA (eDNA) survey methods to support monitoring of Canadian populations; provide status and trend information for low density or locally distributed species that are not otherwise monitored by large-scale standardized surveys; describe threats to populations; or assess the impact of management activities on species at risk and their habitats. These programs are designed to address specific knowledge gaps that are necessary to complete recovery documents or to support species at risk program needs.

ECCC manages and coordinates national scale monitoring programs for all species of migratory birds in Canada, as well as regional programs for other selected wildlife species at risk. This includes the North American Breeding Bird Survey, which provides the foundation for monitoring the status of most species of land birds across Canada and the US. Data from this survey are instrumental in identifying major population declines in forest birds, grassland birds, and aerial insectivores, and contribute to many COSEWIC status assessments. The survey provides important data and information to all aspects of the SARA cycle, from assessment to recovery planning to monitoring effectiveness of conservation actions.

Breeding Bird Atlases also contribute to assessment and conservation of species at risk by providing detailed information on the distribution and abundance of all bird species in a region. In 2023, Breeding Bird Atlases were active in Newfoundland and Ontario, engaging hundreds of volunteers. Data from these atlases are made publicly available through the NatureCounts data platform hosted by Birds Canada.

Parks Canada monitors various ecosystems indicators and species at risk in the places it administers. In 2023, Parks Canada continued to monitor progress towards completing actions and achieving site-based population and distribution objectives that are described in Parks Canada multi-species action plans. Parks Canada made demonstrable progress and is on track to complete 85% of recovery measures identified in current multi-species action plans. Examples of monitoring projects that took place in 2023:

• The continued monitoring of nesting Burrowing Owl pairs and successfully fledged young on Prairie Dog colonies in Grasslands National Park. This monitoring measures the progress towards achieving a site-based population and distribution objective of maintaining 20 – 40 pairs nesting on Prairie Dog colonies within the park. In 2023, there were over 40 pairs, exceeding this objective
• Radiotelemetry tracking - Youtube (1:45 minutes) of five Gray Ratsnakes allowed Thousand Islands National Park to locate a new hibernaculum (shelter) within the park that is now protected and will be further monitored. Valuable species movement and habitat use data was collected through weekly tracking of Gray Ratsnakes beginning in spring 2022 and came to a successful end following transmitter removal in 2023

In 2023, DFO advanced ongoing research and monitoring projects for SARA-listed and COSEWIC-assessed species. Species at risk monitoring in DFO regions continues, where feasible, on a priority basis.

In 2023, funding to DFO was renewed to continue to address human-induced threats to three species of endangered whale: the North Atlantic Right Whale (NARW), the Southern Resident Killer Whale (SRKW) and the St. Lawrence Beluga (SLEB). For the last six years, including 2023, DFO Science has carried out a multi-species systematic survey of eastern Canadian waters annually, with a focus on the North Atlantic Right Whale (NARW). The survey includes 20 strata in eastern Canadian waters and the Scotian Shelf, and areas around Newfoundland are covered on alternate years. In 2023, DFO Science surveyed in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the areas around Newfoundland. There were up to three planes flying at peak times, completing the systematic survey and supporting the dynamic fisheries management measures in the area that are implemented to protect NARW from entanglement and vessel strike. In 2023, DFO completed 487 flights for a total of 1,294 hours and 49 minutes of surveillance, resulting in a total of 224 sighting events (289 whales including duplicates).

In 2023, in addition to NARW surveillance, DFO led research and monitoring activities directed at better understanding the threats to recovery of SLEB and SRKW. Notably, a national peer review meeting was held to review the 2022 population size and trends of SLEB, with the population estimated at 1,850 individuals, almost twice what was previously estimated in 2012. This increase is due to improved methods for estimating population size, which has also allowed for better understanding of population trends by age and sex.

In 2023, in addition to NARW surveillance, DFO led research and monitoring activities directed at better understanding the threats to recovery of SLEB and SRKW. Notably, a national peer review meeting was held to review the 2022 population size and trends of SLEB, with the population estimated at 1,850 individuals, almost twice what was previously estimated in 2012. This increase is due to improved methods for estimating population size, which has also allowed for better understanding of population trends by age and sex.

5. Protection and recovery actions for species at risk

Once listed, measures to protect and recover the wildlife species are implemented. Under SARA, the competent ministers must prepare: recovery strategies and action plans for the species listed as Extirpated, Endangered or Threatened, and; management plans for those listed as Special concern. Implementation reports are also required under SARA to provide information on the progress made toward achieving objectives set out in a species’ recovery strategy or management plan or the progress made toward implementing the measures proposed in an action plan.

ECCC, Parks Canada and DFO continued to deliver on commitments aligned with recommendations made by the Commissioner of Environment and Sustainable Development (CESD) to address gaps in SARA implementation and remain actively involved in an evaluation that supported the management of species at risk activities.

Parks Canada is delivering recovery action on the ground in collaboration with Indigenous communities, partners and stakeholders. In 2023, Parks Canada made demonstrable progress and is on track to complete 85% of recovery measures identified in current multi-species action plans. As well, Parks Canada advanced the development of 14 multi-species action plans that consider opportunities for Indigenous-led conservation, landscape-scale conservation, ecological connectivity and climate-smart actions.

5.1. Recovery strategies

Recovery strategies for species listed as Extirpated, Endangered, or Threatened have the following steps:

1. Identify threats to the species and its habitat
2. Set population and distribution objectives for the species
3. Identify critical habitat to the extent possible

1. Parks Canada is also a competent department for this species, as it occurs in Parks Canada-administered lands/waters and contributed to the development of the recovery strategy.
2. Amended recovery strategy and/or action plan
3. Recovery strategies in which critical habitat was identified

Competent departments continue to work on producing documents on time and are working to publish overdue recovery strategies and their implementation reports. ECCC has 23 species with an overdue recovery strategy and 218 overdue implementation reports on active recovery strategies. Parks Canada has no species with an overdue recovery strategy and 2 overdue implementation reports on recovery strategies. DFO has 7 species with an overdue recovery strategy and 16 species with overdue implementation reports on recovery strategies.

5.2 Action plans

An action plan identifies the conservation measures required to address the threats to the species and meet the population and distribution objectives outlined in the recovery strategy. An action plan may include identification of the species’ critical habitat, to the extent possible, based on the best available information, and consistent with the recovery strategy.

1. Parks Canada is also a competent department for this species, as it occurs in Parks Canada-administered lands/waters and contributed to the development of the action plan.
2. Parks Canada develops site-specific population and distribution objectives for the portion of the species that occurs within the National Park. These objectives align with the national population and distribution objectives for the species, as defined in a recovery strategy.

Competent departments continue to work on producing documents on time and are working to publish overdue action plans and their implementation reports. ECCC has 199 species with an overdue action plan and 21 overdue implementation reports on action plans. Parks Canada has no species with an overdue action plan or associated implementation reports. DFO has 19 species with an overdue action plan and 10 overdue implementation reports on action plans.

In 2023, Parks Canada advanced the development of 14 multi-species action plans that consider opportunities for Indigenous-led conservation, landscape-scale conservation, ecological connectivity and climate-smart actions.

5.3. Management plans

A management plan differs from a recovery strategy and an action plan, in that it identifies conservation measures needed to prevent a species of Special concern from becoming Threatened or Endangered but does not identify critical habitat. Where appropriate, these management plans may be prepared for multiple species on an ecosystem or landscape level.

1. Parks Canada is also a competent department for this species, as it occurs in Parks Canada-administered lands/waters and contributed to the development of the management plan.

Competent departments continue to work on producing documents on time and are working to publish overdue management plans and their implementation reports. ECCC has 11 species with an overdue management plan and 59 overdue implementation reports on management plans. Parks Canada has no species with an overdue management plan or associated implementation reports. DFO has 9 species with an overdue management plan and 15 species with overdue implementation reports on management plans.

5.4. Species at risk population trends indicator

In Canada, some species that have experienced population declines or are naturally rare, are now in danger of disappearing. Recovery or management actions are put in place to protect wildlife species that are identified as being at risk. Ensuring the successful recovery or management of a species at risk can be a long-term process involving various measures to stop or reverse the decline in the species and improve the likelihood that it will persist in the wild.

The Species at risk population trends indicator provides a preliminary assessment of whether the trends for population (how many) and distribution (how they are spread out) of listed species at risk are consistent with the recovery or management objectives.

In order to assess whether species at risk show progress towards their population and distribution objectives, two conditions must be met:

• A recovery strategy or management plan has been posted on the Species at risk public registry
• The species has been reassessed by COSEWIC or there is a report on the progress on recovery

As of May 2023, 279 species meet both conditions for assessment. For 12 of the 279 species, recovery is considered not feasible; for 17 species, there are no population and distribution objectives in their recovery strategy or management plan; and for 92 species, there is insufficient information in their reassessment or report on the progress on recovery to determine population and distribution trends. Therefore, the results are based on the remaining 158 species.

Notes: "Mixed evidence" means that some information suggests improving trends, but there is also some evidence of decline.
Source: Environment and Climate Change Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Parks Canada, and the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada Secretariat (2023).

Results should be interpreted with caution as it can take many years for species to show progress towards their population and distribution objectives. Results should not be interpreted as a measure of success with regard to the recovery of species or maintaining species until sufficient time has passed to allow species to respond to actions taken and to collect enough information for assessment.

5.5. Critical habitat descriptions

Critical habitat is habitat necessary to support the population and distribution objectives which are set out to assist the recovery and/or survival of listed species in Canada and established in the recovery strategy or action plan. In 2023, eight critical habitat descriptions were published in the Canada Gazette. The federal government is responsible for critical habitat protection for all species on federal lands.

1. DFO contributed to the publication of the description of critical habitat.

In 2023, ECCC published the Progress report on steps taken for protection of critical habitat for species at risk in Canada (April 2022 to September 2022), the Progress report on steps taken for protection of critical habitat for species at risk in Canada (October 2022 to March 2023), and the Progress report on steps taken for protection of critical habitat for species at risk in Canada (April 2023 to September 2023).

DFO’s aquatic species at risk map is available online to assist in project planning to protect critical habitat.

5.6. Recovery activities

Action plans and management plans propose various actions that can contribute to recovering, restoring, and enhancing ecosystems and species at risk across Canada. Many of these actions are taken or funded by ECCC, Parks Canada, and DFO. The following are highlights of projects that took place or continued in 2023.

In 2023-2024, Parks Canada implemented recovery measures in and around the lands and waters it administers, including research, restoration, and public outreach and education activities. Parks Canada invested in the delivery of over 23 projects in partnership with non-governmental organizations, academic institutions, private citizens and Indigenous communities, including the following:

Recovery of at-risk reptiles in and around three national parks in central and eastern Ontario by:

• Building on the success of previous work focused on reducing road mortality of reptiles at Bruce Peninsula National Park
• Expanding the geographic scope of recovery actions across boundaries to include Georgian Bay Islands National Park and Thousand Islands National Park
• Working with partners across central and eastern Ontario to identify road mortality “hot spots” and plan mitigations across the landscape
• Helping to develop the Ontario Turtle Conservation Network under the leadership of the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre
• Protecting vulnerable nests and incubating eggs with partners and citizen scientists
• Educating the public about threats to reptiles through various exhibits and website content
• Recovery of the Black-tailed Prairie Dog at Grasslands National Park by:

• Managing the threat of sylvatic plague, which is one of the primary threats to the Black-tailed Prairie Dog population
• Working with government and academic partners to increase knowledge around disease monitoring and treatment options
• Improving habitat for the Black-tailed Prairie Dog and other species at risk through a variety of approaches including invasive alien species management

5.6.1. Habitat Stewardship Program

The Government of Canada’s Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk (HSP) was established in 2000. This application-based funding program is administered by ECCC (for terrestrial species) and DFO (for aquatic species) and is implemented on a regional basis. Projects funded by HSP are submitted by Canadians and contribute directly to the recovery objectives and population goals of species at risk and prevent others from becoming a conservation concern. The most complete information available for the HSP at the end of 2023 is for the 2022-2023 fiscal year.

HSP for terrestrial species at risk

In 2022-2023, ECCC funded $2,527,696 in 49 new projects and added $836,000 to 18 previously approved projects. Funds already approved in past years for 53 other projects brings the HSP contribution to a total of $6,408,570 for the fiscal year’s 120 projects.

These projects, involving 98 unique funding recipients contributed to the recovery efforts of terrestrial species at risk across Canada. These projects allowed the protection of 72,369 hectares of land, and the improvement of 13,399 hectares of land and 18 kilometers of shoreline. They leveraged additional funds to a total of $13,811,582 (cash and in-kind) to HSP’s $6.4M.

The HSP for aquatic species at risk

In 2022-2023, nearly $4 million dollars were invested in new and previously approved multi-year projects under the HSP for aquatic species at risk. The investments provided support to a variety of stewardship efforts across Canada, and resulted notably in 2051 outreach events, 462 habitat/species surveys/inventories, improvement of habitat, and engagement and participation of 726 partners.

5.6.2. Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk

Established in 2004, the Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk (AFSAR) is an application-based program delivered by ECCC (for terrestrial species) and DFO (for aquatic species). AFSAR focuses on strengthening capacity in Indigenous communities to lead the stewardship of species at risk in support of broader SARA implementation.

Aboriginal fund for terrestrial species at risk

During the 2022-2023 fiscal year, the AFSAR terrestrial stream:

• provided $2.49 million to 27 new and 31 previously approved multi-year Indigenous-led projects; (58 in total)
• leveraged additional funds exceeding $3.2 million (cash and in‑kind)
• supported 58 Indigenous governments, communities, and organizations as recipients

Aboriginal fund for aquatic species at risk

During the 2022-2023 fiscal year, the AFSAR aquatic stream:

• provided over $4 million for 34 new projects and 18 previously approved multi-year projects (52 total)
• leveraged additional funds exceeding $2.5 million (cash and in-kind)
• involved 46 Indigenous organizations and communities as recipients

5.6.3. Critical Habitat Interdepartmental Program

Established in 2020, the Critical Habitat Interdepartmental Program (CHIP) is a directed funding program administered by ECCC. The CHIP encourages federal government departments, agencies, and Crown corporations (other than ECCC, Parks Canada, and DFO) to lead projects aimed at the recovery of species at risk through the conservation and restoration of their habitat on federally administered or owned lands.

During the 2023-2024 fiscal year, the CHIP:

• provided $592,000 towards 11 projects (8 multi-year, 3 new)
• leveraged additional funds of $709,915 (cash and in-kind)
• involved six federal departments and two Crown corporations and their numerous partners (e.g. Indigenous communities, environmental organizations, academics, provincial government, and private landowners)
• supported recovery and conservation efforts for 54 SARA-listed species including 33 CHIP priority species

Overall, funded projects delivered on objectives that include critical habitat identification through surveys, critical habitat restoration through the removal of invasive species, the establishment of a SAR field seed bank, SAR population surveys, native species reintroduction and monitoring, community outreach, and research to increase scientific knowledge pertaining to SAR and their critical habitat.

5.7. Pan-Canadian approach for terrestrial species at risk

ECCC and Parks Canada have continued to work closely with provinces and territories, Indigenous peoples, and other partners to address priority terrestrial species, places and sectors through the implementation of the Pan-Canadian Approach to Transforming Species at Risk Conservation in Canada (Pan-Canadian Approach).

Priority Places

In 2023-2024, the federal government invested up to $26.6 million in 145 Priority Places projects across the country, with additional funding leveraged via matching funds from partners. The projects are being carried out in 12 Priority Places identified collaboratively by federal and provincial and territorial governments and in 17 Community Nominated Priority Places that were identified through open calls for applications.

Example projects supporting the Priority Places objectives in 2023-2024 include:

• Conducting habitat management activities by installing infrastructure (e.g., fencing and signage) to mitigate road mortality of species at risk amphibians and reptiles and undertaking a coordinated approach to outreach and communications between partners and the general public in the Long Point Walsingham Forest Priority Place in Ontario
• The securement and permanent protection of private land containing habitat, and in particular Critical habitat, for multiple species at risk within the Kespukwitk/Southwest Nova Scotia Priority Place. The project also supports targeted outreach and education with private landowners with habitat for species at risk on their properties
• Native prairie habitat enhancement and securement through beneficial management practices implementation, continued delivery of species at risk habitat securement and continued species at risk baseline and monitoring surveys to guide range management plan development and beneficial management practices implementation in the Southwest Manitoba Priority Place

Parks Canada is responsible for protecting and managing the ecosystems found in national parks. National parks overlap with six Priority Places allowing for collaboration with partners to maximize landscape-scale conservation benefits. Parks Canada is also a key partner in at least five Community-Nominated Priority Place initiatives across the country.

Priority Species

In 2023-2024, Priority Species Directed Funding invested $37M in 34 projects across Canada to support on-the ground management actions.

These projects, involving 23 unique funding recipients, significantly contributed to the recovery efforts of the six priority species identified through the Pan-Canadian Approach. These species include Barren-ground Caribou (including the Dolphin and Union population), Peary Caribou, Boreal Caribou, Southern Mountain Caribou, Wood Bison and Greater Sage-Grouse. The projects engaged 29 Indigenous partners, dismantled 144 kilometers of roads, and restored 125 hectares of crucial habitat for priority species. Furthermore, they led to the development of 27 area-based conservation plans to be implemented in collaboration with provincial, territorial and Indigenous partners. Eight of the projects also fostered collaboration with provincial and territorial governments, as part of the fulfilment of existing (or amended) or new (in Manitoba) Conservation Agreements for Boreal and Southern Mountain Caribou under SARA, establishing shared commitments for conservation (see section on Conservation Agreements for additional details). 

All six of the Priority Species occur across Parks Canada-administered places. Parks Canada continues to advance work that support the recovery of priority species by:

• continuing work to support the recovery of Wood Bison including developing better tests for bovine tuberculosis, combining vaccines for bovine tuberculosis and brucellosis, genetic testing for hybridization between Wood and Plains Bison, and biobanking for Wood Bison reproductive material
• initiating construction on the Jasper conservation breeding facility for Southern Mountain Caribou and collaborating closely with Indigenous partners on various recovery activities including forming an Indigenous Advisory Committee in Jasper National Park
• restoring 160 hectares of Greater Sage-Grouse habitat through removal or mitigation of anthropogenic structures (e.g. powerlines, building, fences) fora total of approximately 793 hectares of restored habitat since 2016

Indigenous Partnerships Initiative

ECCC’s Indigenous Partnerships Initiative (IPI) amplifies First Nation, Inuit and Métis partners leadership in conservation of species at risk and culturally significant species in a way that reflects Indigenous peoples’ unique priorities, rights and knowledge in the implementation of the Pan-Canadian Approach and SARA. Note that the latest period for which complete information is available for IPI is 2022-2023. During the 2022-2023 fiscal year, IPI provided $20 million to 47 new and 24 previously approved multi-year projects (71 total); leveraged additional funds that exceeded $6 million (cash and in-kind); and supported 71 Indigenous governments, communities, and organizations as recipients.

Priority Sectors

The Priority Sectors Initiative aims to advance the protection and recovery of species at risk by enhancing beneficial practices and addressing threats by mitigating, minimizing or avoiding harmful practices. The initiative is collaborating with partners and stakeholders across the agriculture, forest and urban development sectors to develop Strategic Conservation Frameworks for Species at Risk. During the 2023-2024 fiscal year, drafting of the Strategic Conservation Framework with the agriculture sector was completed, with significant progress made in advancing conservation action planning with the forest and urban development sectors.

5.8. The Canada Nature Fund for Aquatic Species at Risk

The Canada Nature Fund for Aquatic Species at Risk (CNFASAR) supports the recovery and protection of aquatic species at risk. Since its inception, CNAFSAR has supported 57 projects, with an additional 37 ongoing.

In 2023 the CNFASAR was renewed, providing an additional $39.5 million between April 1, 2023 and March 31, 2026, to continue address priority places and threats to aquatic species at risk. With this funding, the CNFASAR will support an additional 56 projects across Canada. Since 2018, this funding has supported projects that benefit over 150 populations of aquatic species at risk associated with nine priority places, and two marine threats (fishing interactions [includes entanglement and bycatch of aquatic species at risk] or physical and acoustic disturbance [includes vessel collisions and marine noise]).

In 2023, under a four-year agreement signed in 2022, DFO and Fort Folly First Nation continued their work in the Petkoutkoyek (Petitcodiac) watershed. This collaborative restoration project focuses on the release of mature adult Inner Bay of Fundy Atlantic Salmon (listed under SARA as Endangered) into their native rivers to drive recovery. This project includes monitoring and assessment studies, the collection of parr and smolt for rearing in marine sites or the Mactaquac Biodiversity Facility, release of adults and fry in the Petkoutkoyek, and research on increasing marine survival. These works support the end goal of re-establishing a self-sustaining Atlantic Salmon population in the Bay of Fundy.

Parks Canada collaborates with partners working on several projects funded by the CNFASAR that take place in or adjacent to Parks Canada-administered places. For example, Banff, Jasper and Waterton Lakes National Parks work closely with Alberta Environment and Parks to coordinate recovery actions for three native trout species at risk: Westslope Cutthroat Trout (Alberta population), Athabasca Rainbow Trout and Bull Trout (Saskatchewan-Nelson rivers population). Alberta’s Native Trout Recovery program is a four-year fish conservation initiative aimed at recovering populations of native trout in the Eastern Slopes of Alberta.

5.8.1. Framework for Aquatic Species at Risk Conservation

As part of the Nature Legacy Initiative, DFO is developing a Framework for Aquatic Species at Risk Conservation to identify opportunities where use of multi-species approaches may improve the recovery and protection of aquatic species at risk listed under SARA as Endangered, Threatened or Special Concern.

Following the first phase of engagement on key concepts related to multi-species approaches in 2022, DFO completed a second phase of engagement in 2023 on a discussion paper, provided as an intermediary product in the development of the Framework. In total, external engagement in 2023 consisted of 13 nationally and regionally hosted engagement sessions, including public sessions and targeted engagement with Indigenous peoples and provinces and territories. Through this engagement, hundreds of comments were received from organizations and individuals.

DFO plans to incorporate feedback from engagement and finalize the Framework for publication in 2024. The development process for the Framework is helping to guide ongoing transition towards the use of more multi-species approaches to protect and recover aquatic species at risk at DFO.

6. Orders to protect species at risk

6.1. Emergency orders and imminent threat assessments

Under section 80(1) of SARA, the GIC may, on the recommendation of the competent Minister, make an emergency order to provide for the protection of a listed wildlife species. In 2023, the Minister of ECCC formed the opinion that the Small White Lady’s-slipper was not facing imminent threat to its survival or recovery and that the Spotted Owl was facing imminent threat to its survival and recovery. The Minister was then required under subsection 80(2) of SARA to recommend the making of an emergency order to protect the Spotted Owl to the GIC. The Government of Canada declined the making of an emergency order in favour of supporting a collaborative approach with the Government of British Columbia and First Nations.

In addition, the Government of Canada posted the draft Policy on Assessing Imminent Threats under Sections 29 and 80 of the Species at Risk Act – terrestrial species on the Species at Risk Public Registry for a 60-day public comment period.

6.2. Protection orders for critical habitat

Two ministerial orders to protect critical habitat were issued in 2023 by the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans for the following two aquatic species at risk:

• Silver Shiner
• Atlantic Mud-piddock

ECCC published a statement in July 2023 which described how the Minister formed the opinion that some portions of Boreal Caribou critical habitat on non-federal lands in Ontario, and almost all portions in Quebec, are not effectively protected under provincial laws. The statement also concludes that individuals of the species are protected in both provinces. The statement further explains how the Minister recommended the making of an order to protect all unprotected portions of Boreal Caribou critical habitat on non-federal lands in Quebec and Ontario, and that the Government of Canada declined the making of a protection order, at this time. The Government of Canada will continue to pursue a collaborative approach with the governments of Ontario and Quebec, including implementing the conservation agreement with Ontario and encouraging Quebec to release its Caribou Strategy. The Government of Canada will also continue to seek leadership and involvement of Indigenous peoples in the development of Boreal Caribou protection and recovery measures.

7. Permits under SARA

Permits are required for activities that may affect species listed on Schedule 1 of SARA as Extirpated, Endangered, or Threatened by contravening the Act's prohibitions or protection orders, wherever these apply.

The competent minister may enter into an agreement or issue a permit under sections 73 or 74 of SARA for the following:

• scientific research related to the conservation of a listed species, and conducted by qualified persons
• activities that benefit a listed species or are required to enhance its chance of survival in the wild
• activities that incidentally affect a listed species

1. Before issuing these licences, competent departments must ensure that the requirements of SARA section 73(2) to section 73(6.1) are met, and that section 73(7) is complied with after the licence is issued.

ECCC issued 70 permits under section 73 to allow for activities affecting over 55 species, including reptiles, amphibians, birds, vascular plants, arthropods, molluscs and mammals. The total number of permits per type is greater than 70 because 14 permits covered more than one purpose. Of the 70 permits issued:

• 20 allow for scientific research related to the conservation of a species
• 24 allow for activities benefiting a species or required to enhance its chance of survival in the wild
• 40 allow for activities incidentally affecting a species

Eight of these permits were issued for activities carried out in an area affected by an emergency protection order.

ECCC also issued 311 SARA-compliant permits affecting, or with the potential to affect, Threatened and Endangered migratory bird species under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994.

Parks Canada issued a total of 27 permits, 14 of which were SARA-compliant permits issued under the Canada National Parks Act. Of the 27 permits issued:

• 11 were for scientific research related to the conservation of a species
• 2 were for activities benefiting a species or required to enhance its chance of survival in the wild
• 13 were for activities incidentally affecting a species
• 1 was for activities that benefited one species and incidentally affected a different species

DFO issued a total of 218 permits under section 73 of SARA in 2023. Of these 218 permits:

• 56 were for scientific research related to the conservation of an aquatic species
• 34 were for other activities that benefit the species or enhance its chance of survival in the wild (for example, monitoring surveys or marine mammal rescue)
• 128 were for activities that incidentally affected the listed species (including accidental capture while undertaking research on other non-listed species, or fish or mussel relocation during construction activities)

DFO also issues SARA-compliant permits, licences, and authorizations under various regulations made under the Fisheries Act. DFO issued a total of 22,312 licences under the Fisheries Act that also acted as SARA permits. Of these licences:

• 22,253 were commercial fishing licences under the Fisheries Act where incidental catches of White Shark, Basking Shark and Loggerhead Sea Turtles were recognized to be a possibility. Conditions in these fishing licences require mandatory reporting of any species interactions in logbooks, and subsequent release of species back into the water in the manner that causes the least harm. These licences fit under the purpose of SARA section 73(2)(c)
• 23 fishing licences for experimental, scientific, and educational purposes under section 52 of the Fishery (General) Regulations. These licences fit under the purposes of SARA section 73(2)(a) or (c)
• 18 authorizations under section 38 of the Marine Mammal Regulations for disturbances caused in the conduct of beneficial work. These licences fit under the purposes of SARA section 73(a) or (b)
• 18 authorizations under paragraph 35(2)(b) of the Fisheries Act that have the same effect as SARA permits. These permits fit under the purpose of SARA section 73(2)(c)

Explanations for all SARA permits issued by ECCC, Parks Canada and DFO are posted on the Species at Risk Public Registry.

8. Enforcement

ECCC, Parks Canada, and DFO have federal enforcement programs to protect individual SARA-listed species, their residences and their critical habitat by verifying and securing compliance with SARA and regulations made under SARA. They work jointly and in partnership with Indigenous, provincial, territorial, and international authorities.

In 2023, ECCC’s 76 wildlife enforcement officers conducted inspections, investigations, joint operations, and SARA permit verifications across Canada to verify compliance with SARA.

As part of ECCC’s SARA-related enforcement activities in 2023, wildlife enforcement officers:

• conducted 410 inspections
• issued seven warnings, three Compliance Orders, and opened 19 new investigations
• initiated three prosecutions
• concluded three prosecutions totalling $40,000 in penalties

Parks Canada has approximately 100 operational park wardens dedicated to law enforcement activities in all Parks Canada administered places.

In 2023, a total of 73 law enforcement incidents that relate to the protection of species at risk in protected heritage areas were recorded. Of these, 71 resulted in warnings or charges. Parks Canada law enforcement:

• issued five warnings under SARA
• issued a total of 27 charges and 39 warnings under other associated legislative powers

DFO’s enforcement actions for species at risk are carried out by fishery officers who have been trained and designated as enforcement officers under SARA. They incorporate SARA enforcement activities alongside their duties under the Fisheries Act and other federal statutes and regulations.

In 2023, DFO’s fishery officers:

• dedicated over 21,000 hours to patrols, inspections, investigations, court cases, public relations and other duties related to enforcing the prohibitions of SARA
• initiated approximately 227 investigations and spent over 2,000 hours on investigative work related to species at risk
• recorded a total of 84 SARA violations involving species at risk that resulted in fines, seizures, charges, and warnings

8.1. Prosecutions

In 2023, ECCC completed three successful prosecutions totaling $40,000 in fines paid to the Receiver General for Canada. The Court ordered these fines for violations related to the Western Chorus Frog emergency order in Longueuil, Québec. Investigations conducted by ECCC’s wildlife enforcement officers revealed unlawful activities in the order area that could harm the species. In three separate cases, companies pled guilty to either: operating heavy machinery; the operation of motor vehicles other than on roads or paved paths; and dumping soil/gravel in the emergency order area.

9. Agreements and collaboration

Nature agreements

To meet the challenges associated with the biodiversity and climate crisis, the Nature Agreements initiative was launched in 2021 as part of Canada's Enhanced Nature Legacy to establish shared priorities and financial commitments in a collaborative manner, from the perspective that collaboration between Canada, provinces, territories, and Indigenous partners is central to protecting a wide array of natural ecosystems.

The first of the nature agreements – the Canada-Yukon Nature Agreement — was signed in 2022 at COP 15. In 2023, enhanced monitoring work began to improve information gathered and assessments on species at risk in the territory, as well as work towards the development of territorial species at risk legislation, in collaboration with Indigenous peoples. The Canadian Protected and Conserved Area Database (CPCAD) reported, at the end of 2023, that 21.1% of Yukon was deemed protected areas, with a baseline area of over 480,000 km²; since the agreement, an additional 8,400 km² has been reported to CPCAD.

In 2023, ECCC’s Canada Wildlife Service finalized two nature agreements, in the provinces of Nova Scotia and British Columbia:

• In October 2023, the Canada-Nova Scotia Nature Agreement was signed by the Government of Canada and the Government of Nova Scotia with the support of the Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia, to accelerate the provincial goal of conserving at least 20% of the total land and water mass in the province by 2030, and to increase the amount of protected and conserved areas in the province by 82,500 hectares by 2026. The Agreement commits to assessing and identifying priority areas with high biodiversity values to inform conservation planning, and to support the identification of priority areas for stewardship, conservation, and protection
• In November 2023, the Government of Canada, the Government of British Columbia, and the First Nations Leadership Council signed the British Columbia Tripartite Framework Agreement on Nature Conservation. The Framework Agreement commits to protecting at least 30% of terrestrial lands within the province by 2030, including old growth forests and critical habitat for species at risk. The Framework Agreement will also enable restoration of at least 140,000 hectares of wildlife habitat by 2025, and action towards the recovery of species at risk, such as the Spotted Owl and Boreal Caribou. The parties are committed to a distinctions-based approach, recognizing the importance of Indigenous leadership in conservation. Canada and British Columbia will consult and cooperate with First Nations in the identification of protection, conservation, restoration, and recovery measures consistent with commitments under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous peoples

Nature agreement negotiations are continuing with several other parties.

Conservation agreements

The Agreement for the Conservation and Recovery of the Caribou, Boreal Population in Manitoba between the Government of Canada and the Government of Manitoba under section 11 of SARA was finalized and published on the Species at Risk Public Registry on March 1, 2023. The Agreement includes commitments to landscape-level planning, including developing and implementing range plans for all nine ranges in the province; caribou population and habitat monitoring; and engagement with Indigenous peoples and stakeholders on the development and implementation of conservation and recovery measures.

Implementation of conservation measures continued throughout 2023 under the ten previously signed section 11 conservation agreements for Boreal Caribou and Southern Mountain Caribou in the Northwest Territories, the Yukon Territory, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, and Newfoundland and Labrador. These agreements include measures such as: habitat protection, habitat restoration, population management, monitoring, and commitments to develop and implement range plans or similar landscape-level plans.

Two of the conservation agreements for Boreal Caribou expired in 2023:

• The Agreement for the Conservation of the Woodland Caribou, Boreal population with Cold Lake First Nations expired on March 31, 2023
• The Conservation Agreement on the Conservation of Woodland Caribou of the Boreal Population ("Boreal Caribou") in Labrador expired on September 10, 2023

The Agreement for the conservation of the Woodland Caribou, Boreal Population (“Woodland Caribou”) in Saskatchewan was amended on December 20, 2023, to extend its term to March 31, 2025. This additional time allows the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan to finalize negotiations for a renewed conservation agreement.

Negotiations for a conservation agreement for Boreal Caribou and Atlantic-Gaspésie Caribou with the Government of Quebec were put on hold pending release of Quebec’s Stratégie pour les caribous forestiers et montagnards (i.e., a provincial strategy for the management of boreal and Atlantic-Gaspésie caribou).

In 2023, DFO’s Pacific region signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of British Columbia under the 2005 Canada-BC Agreement on Species at Risk to support the recovery of freshwater species at risk in British Columbia.

DFO continues to work with the Cree Nation Government (CNG) under the Conservation Agreement signed in April 2022, pursuant to section 11 of SARA for the conservation of Lake Sturgeon (southern Hudson Bay - James Bay populations), a species of special concern under SARA. The agreement and ongoing efforts recognize the essential role and leadership of the Cree nation for the successful conservation of this species.

Since the signing of the agreement, a working group composed of members of DFO and the CNG has been working on its implementation and the development of the management plan, the final version is expected in 2025.

10. Outreach and education

Parks Canada: Connecting with the public in 2023

Welcoming over 22 million visitors annually, Parks Canada has a unique opportunity to connect with the public and raises awareness about species at risk. This is done through various outreach and education programs including the Integrated Compliance and Law Enforcement Planning Process, which focuses on proactive communication with visitors to highlight the connection between their actions and the effect they have on the protection and recovery of species at risk and their habitat.

DFO raising public awareness on aquatic species at risk in 2023

In 2023, DFO formed a National Outreach Working Group (OWG) to serve as a forum to share information, identify opportunities to conduct national activities, and support national consistency in approaches to outreach. The overarching goal of the Working Group is to raise public awareness and increase general knowledge and understanding of aquatic species at risk.

DFO’s National OWG completed an environmental scan of existing outreach activities across DFO regions and created a national repository to improve upon the sharing of information, to address gaps in available materials, and to track and report on outreach activities.

DFO continues to develop, deliver, and evaluate outreach activities across Canada.

• In continued partnership with Ingenium Canada through a 2021 memorandum of agreement, DFO’s Gulf Region engaged Canadians through outreach and education activities. Recent initiatives included the addition of educational videos and paper-based materials about Wolffish and Winter Skate to the collection of educational materials of aquatic species at risk in Atlantic Canada, and a colouring book of aquatic species at risk in the Gulf Region. An interpretive species at risk exhibit was also launched in June 2023 at Prince Edward Island National Park’s Greenwich Interpretation Centre featuring life-sized models of a White Shark, Winter Skate, Wolffish, and a Leatherback Sea Turtle, in addition to five accompanying museum style panels (one for each species and another on SARA). In November 2023, DFO and Ingenium Canada sent educational material packages to approximately 120 anglophone and francophone middle schools across the Gulf Region, to help students develop a better understanding of local aquatic species at risk and what they can do to help protect them
• DFO also provided information on how to use of SAR recovery documents to find local information on species at risk as well as how to use DFO’s funding programs to support SAR conservation and stewardship efforts. Target audiences in 2023 included stakeholders in the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority and Hamilton Conservation Authority areas, students in training at Fleming College’s Heavy Equipment Operators Course, and other conservation professionals
• DFO in collaboration with Parks Canada, Ocean Wise, and the Royal BC Museum, hosted a meeting in February 2023 for marine educators in Victoria, BC. Meeting attendees represented 18 agencies or organizations, with a shared goal of coordinating efforts to reduce disturbance to at-risk marine mammals through public education, and empowering citizens to undertake threat mitigation measures in alignment with SAR recovery goals. Attending organizations have been pivotal in delivering at-risk marine mammal outreach across BC, raising awareness of disturbance threats, and inspiring behaviour change

11. Consultation and governance

11.1. Indigenous advisory groups

National Aboriginal Council on Species at Risk

As per section 8.1 of the Act, the National Aboriginal Council on Species at Risk (NACOSAR) advises the Minister on the administration of the Act and provides advice and recommendations to the Canadian Endangered Species Conservation Council (CESCC). While CESCC is not currently formally established, the participating Ministers meet regularly.

On November 1, 2023, NACOSAR wrote to the Minister of the Environment with a number of recommendations to advance work on species at risk, including by building on the work of previous councils, and amplifying Indigenous leadership and perspectives on the administration of the Act, federal decision-making processes, wildlife conservation, and resource management. The NACOSAR voiced its support for the Ministerial priority to halt and reverse biodiversity loss while noting the need for legislative amendments to SARA to better recognize the Framework Agreement on First Nation Land Management.

At the NACOSAR meeting held November 8-9, 2023, NACOSAR and government participants engaged in a discussion based on the Council’s letter, including the importance of ecosystem-based approaches to conservation, addressing the negative impact of SARA on Indigenous peoples, and suggested ways to increase integration of Indigenous approaches across the SARA cycle. At the meeting, Parks Canada staff also gave a presentation on ecological corridors. The presentation outlined that ecological corridors are part of a suite of nature-based solutions to fight climate change and reduce biodiversity loss. Parks Canada also highlighted continued collaboration with partners to advance shared objectives, including the recognition of Indigenous stewardship values as a priority goal of the corridor program.

11.2. ECCC’s nature engagement model

As part of the Enhanced Nature Legacy, ECCC continued to implement its engagement model, which seeks to strengthen engagement with external partners, respect varied perspectives, and improve coordination on ECCC nature priorities, including SAR.

At the Nature Advisory Committee (NAC)’s June 1-2, 2023 face-to-face meeting, NAC provided advice to ECCC on advancing federal protection policies for SAR as it relates to Target 4 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. At NAC’s December 7, 2023 meeting, the Committee commented on the role of stewardship in the Pan-Canadian Approach to Transforming Species at Risk Conservation as it relates to advancing the Global Biodiversity Framework. 

In addition, work continued to operationalize three distinctions-based Indigenous Nature Tables, including work on setting of membership, terms of reference and planning for inaugural meetings. The purpose of these co-developed engagement tables is to contribute to the development and provision of strategic advice, recommendations, and innovative solutions on shared nature priorities, including potential species at risk related priorities.

11.3. SARA ministerial round table

The Minister's Roundtable (MRT) convened on October 30, 2023, with a focus on ECCC responses to the species at risk audits undertaken by the CESD. Attendees of the MRT, who were also members of NAC, discussed key SAR issues, including addressing backlogs in action plans and recovery strategies, the importance of ecosystem-based approaches to conservation, and collaboration with other sectors and jurisdictions. ECCC committed to streamlining processes, exploring innovative funding mechanisms, and leveraging partnerships to advance species recovery efforts. Additionally, there was a call by MRT attendees for more inclusive and bottom-up approaches to conservation, acknowledging the need for effective communication strategies. Minister Guilbeault expressed gratitude for the contributions of NAC members and affirmed ECCC's commitment to ongoing collaboration in updating SARA policies. Moving forward, ECCC will continue to engage with the NAC in refining SARA policy frameworks and enhancing communication channels to facilitate meaningful participation from stakeholders.

11.4. Species at Risk Public Registry

The online Species at Risk Public Registry fulfills the requirement under SARA for the Minister to establish a public registry to facilitate access to SARA-related documents. The Registry is an important tool for engaging and informing Canadians on species at risk issues. In addition to providing access to documents and information related to SARA, it provides a forum for Canadians to submit comments on SARA-related documents being developed by the Government of Canada.

Section 123 of SARA identifies documents that must be published on the Registry, including:

• regulations and orders made under the Act
• agreements entered into under section 10 of the Act
• COSEWIC’s criteria for the classification of wildlife species
• status reports on wildlife species that COSEWIC has prepared or has received with an application
• the List of Wildlife Species at Risk
• codes of practice, national standards or guidelines established under the Act
• agreements and reports filed under section 111 or subsection 113(2) of the Act, or notices that have been filed in court and are available to the public
• all reports made under sections 126 and 128 of the Act

Other documents prepared in response to the requirements of SARA, including recovery strategies, action plans, management plans and reports on the progress of recovery strategy implementation, are also published on the Public Registry, along with explanations of why agreements or permits under section 73 or 74 of the Act were entered into or issued.

In 2023, 345 documents were published on the Registry, including 143 permit explanations and 42 documents for public consultation. These documents include SARA and COSEWIC annual reports, consultation documents, COSEWIC status reports and status appraisal summaries, ministerial response statements, recovery documents and listing orders.

12. Additional information

To obtain further information or publications and to submit questions or comments concerning species at risk programs and activities, please contact any of the following:

Environment and Climate Change Canada
Public Inquiries Centre
Place Vincent Massey Building
351 Saint-Joseph Boulevard
Gatineau QC  K1A 0H3
Toll-free: 1-800-668-6767
Email: enviroinfo@ec.gc.ca

Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Communications Branch
200 Kent Street
3rd Floor, Station 13228
Ottawa ON K1A OE6
Canada
Tel.: 613-993-0999
Fax: 613-990-1866
Email: information@pc.gc.ca

For more information on the Species at Risk Public Registry, and to submit questions or comments on the Public Registry, please contact:

SAR Public Registry Office
351 St. Joseph Boulevard, 10th Floor
Gatineau QC, K1A 0H3
Canada
Email: SARAregistry@ec.gc.ca  

13. Annex

13.1. COSEWIC assessments (Batches 1 to 20)

1. At proclamation, 233 species were on Schedule 1.
2. The column total is 654, however there are 662 species on Schedule 1 at the end of 2023. This results from COSEWIC confirming the status of a listed wildlife species while, at the same time, assigning those same individuals to two or more wildlife species, at the same status. This usually takes the form of giving the species new population names. Once GIC has accepted these proposed changes, while no individuals are added to Schedule 1 and their statuses do not change, what was previously listed as one species, becomes listed instead as two or more wildlife species under SARA.

13.2. Response with timelines to the species at risk assessments received from COSEWIC

1. Consultation periods: Normal consultations usually take three months

Extended consultations take longer because a listing could have significant and widespread impacts. “Confirmed” means the current status of the species has been confirmed.

13.3. Species not yet forwarded to GIC