Canada hosted a crucial UN nature summit in Montreal in 2022, spearheaded by the Liberal government to advocate for a global agreement to safeguard ecosystems. Nations worldwide consented to preserving 30% of the Earth’s lands and seas. Canada committed to achieving this milestone by 2030 by doubling the existing protected areas.
Fast forward three years, the scenario has shifted significantly. Former environment minister Steven Guilbeault, instrumental in securing the Montreal deal, resigned from the cabinet due to new initiatives promoting oil and gas resource expansion. Prime Minister Mark Carney’s initial budget scarcely addresses nature, with the government’s focus now on major resource ventures.
This shift has raised concerns among environmental organizations and others that the Carney administration’s change in direction may undo the progress made in nature conservation. Initiatives such as establishing new national parks, expanding protected areas, and supporting the Indigenous guardians program are now uncertain.
James Snider, WWF-Canada’s Vice President of Science, Knowledge, and Innovation, expressed apprehension that biodiversity is losing prioritization in infrastructure decisions. He cautioned against repeating past errors and emphasized the importance of integrating the environment and economy harmoniously.
With Canada halfway towards its 30% conservation target, there is a need to double the protected space within the country in just five years. Despite promises during the recent federal election campaign to enhance conservation efforts, including creating new national and urban parks and sustaining the Indigenous guardians program, the federal budget lacks explicit commitments.
Advocates are eagerly awaiting the details of the government’s forthcoming nature strategy, as outlined by Carney in the House of Commons. The absence of new funding in the budget has raised concerns among environmental advocates about the fate of ongoing conservation projects. Sandra Schwartz, National Executive Director for the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, highlighted the necessity of investments in nature alongside economic development.
Several significant protected areas, including the Seal River watershed in Manitoba, a new national park in British Columbia’s South Okanagan, and the Peel River watershed in Yukon, are in the development stage, involving years of planning and collaboration with Indigenous communities.
Valérie Courtois, Executive Director of the Indigenous Leadership Initiative, stressed Canada’s opportunity to lead by example in proper conservation practices. She highlighted the importance of Indigenous-led conservation efforts and the positive impact of the guardians program on community engagement and language preservation.
The national guardians program, initiated as a pilot project in 2017 and extended with $100 million in 2021, faces funding uncertainty beyond March 31 next year. Courtois remains hopeful for an extension but awaits government confirmation.
Environment and Climate Change Canada, in response to inquiries, emphasized the government’s commitment to collaborating with Indigenous groups, provinces, territories, and various organizations to advance conservation goals without specifying support for Indigenous-led conservation efforts.