In 2022, Canada played host to a crucial UN nature summit in Montreal, spearheaded by the Liberal government in a bid for a global agreement to safeguard ecosystems. Nations reached a consensus to protect 30% of the world’s lands and oceans. Canada committed to achieving this by 2030, intending to more than double the current amount of protected areas.
Fast forward three years, and the situation has shifted significantly. Former environmental minister Steven Guilbeault, instrumental in securing the Montreal deal, has resigned from the cabinet due to new initiatives promoting oil and gas development. Prime Minister Mark Carney’s initial budget lacks emphasis on nature, focusing instead on major resource ventures.
This shift has raised concerns among environmental organizations and others that the Carney administration’s change in direction might undo the progress made in nature conservation efforts. Various initiatives, including new national parks, protected areas, and support for the Indigenous guardians program, which involves Indigenous communities in conservation and research on their traditional lands, are now uncertain.
“I think there is a very real concern that biodiversity is not being prioritized in decision-making concerning new infrastructure,” remarked James Snider, VP of science, knowledge, and innovation at WWF-Canada. “And we risk repeating past mistakes instead of envisioning a future where the environment and economy coexist harmoniously.”
Canada is only halfway to its 30% target for lands and oceans protection, necessitating a doubling of protected areas within five years. During the recent federal election campaign, Carney’s Liberals pledged to ramp up conservation efforts to meet the targets, including establishing new national and urban parks and expanding the Indigenous guardians program, which is set to lose funding by March.
Contrary to these promises, the federal budget does not explicitly allocate new funds for conservation. Carney mentioned a forthcoming nature strategy without providing specifics on its content. Environmental advocates are closely monitoring developments.
“As the government plans ‘once-in-a-generation’ investments in economic development, it must recognize the economic benefits of nature,” emphasized Sandra Schwartz, national executive director of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society.
Several significant conservation projects are in progress, such as the Seal River watershed in Manitoba, a new national park in the South Okanagan in B.C., and the Peel River watershed in Yukon. These projects, involving extensive surveying and planning, have substantial Indigenous community involvement.
“Projects like these require funding and cannot solely rely on philanthropic sources,” noted Schwartz. Ongoing conservation efforts, including research, community consultations, and surveying, essential for establishing parks and conservation areas, are at risk due to potential funding shortages.
Valérie Courtois, executive director of the Indigenous Leadership Initiative, stressed Canada’s opportunity to lead globally in demonstrating effective conservation practices. She highlighted the importance of Indigenous-led conservation, citing the benefits of involving community members, especially youth, in conservation work.
The national guardians program, initiated as a pilot project in 2017 and extended in 2021 with $100 million funding, faces uncertainty as the funding expires next year. Courtois remains hopeful for an extension, acknowledging fiscal constraints but emphasizing the program’s value.
In response to inquiries, Environment and Climate Change Canada affirmed the government’s commitment to conservation targets and collaboration with various stakeholders to achieve these goals.