Canada’s junior nature minister revealed that despite having a parliamentary majority, the Carney government does not currently have any plans to incorporate recent commitments to safeguard the nation’s waters and lands into federal law. Speaking in French at the House of Commons environment committee, Nathalie Provost stated, “Right now, we are not working on that.”
The Nature Accountability Act was introduced by the Trudeau government in 2024 to ensure that the government would be held responsible for meeting the 30×30 nature targets and fulfilling international obligations under the United Nations. However, the legislation was shelved when Canadians went to the polls in 2025.
A spokesperson for Provost reiterated her stance on prioritizing “results” in a subsequent statement. Marie-France Proulx, the director of communications for Provost’s office, emphasized the government’s belief in achieving measurable outcomes through a results-based approach to protect more nature in collaboration with various partners nationwide.
Green Party Leader Elizabeth May raised concerns about the adequacy of the Carney government’s recent $3.8 billion nature strategy but acknowledged it as a step forward. May expressed apprehension about the lack of legislation to ensure accountability in implementing the strategy.
Prime Minister Mark Carney has publicly committed to the 30×30 target of conserving 30% of Canada’s land and water by 2030, aligning with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The proposed 2024 nature bill aimed to mandate the establishment of a national biodiversity strategy and action plan by the environment minister, along with reporting on progress and setting up an advisory committee for independent advice.
Prime Minister Mark Carney told a New York Times reporter that Canada ‘is creating a better investment environment’ compared to other countries when asked how he plans to persuade investments.
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