In 2022, Canada played host to a significant UN nature summit in Montreal, spearheaded by the Liberal government, advocating for a global agreement to safeguard ecosystems worldwide. The nations came to a consensus to protect 30% of the planet’s lands and oceans. Canada committed to achieving this objective by 2030 through a strategy to more than double the existing amount of protected areas.
Fast forward three years, and there have been notable shifts. Steven Guilbeault, the former environmental minister instrumental in securing the Montreal deal, has resigned from the cabinet due to new initiatives promoting the expansion of oil and gas resources. Prime Minister Mark Carney’s recent budget scarcely references nature, with the government concentrating on significant resource ventures instead.
Concerns are now mounting among environmental organizations and others that the apparent change in direction by the Carney administration could undo the progress made in nature conservation efforts. Various projects, including the establishment of new national parks and conservation areas, as well as support for the Indigenous guardians program, face uncertain futures.
James Snider, WWF-Canada’s vice president of science, knowledge, and innovation, expressed apprehension that biodiversity is not receiving sufficient priority in infrastructure-related decision-making processes, potentially leading to a regression in environmental conservation efforts. The risk lies in repeating past mistakes rather than envisioning a future where environmental sustainability and economic prosperity go hand in hand.
Canada is presently only halfway towards its goal of protecting 30% of its lands and oceans, necessitating a doubling of the current protected areas within the country in just five years. During the recent federal election campaign, Carney’s Liberals pledged to enhance conservation endeavors to meet these targets, including the creation of 10 new national parks, 15 urban parks, and an expansion of the Indigenous guardians program, which faces funding depletion by March.
Despite these campaign promises, the federal budget does not explicitly allocate new funding for these initiatives. While Carney stated in the House of Commons that a new nature strategy will be unveiled, details on its content remain undisclosed. Environmental advocates are closely monitoring the developments.
Sandra Schwartz, the national executive director for the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, emphasized the importance of recognizing the economic benefits provided by nature alongside investments in economic development. The completion of ongoing conservation projects, such as research, community consultations, and surveying, necessary for the establishment of parks and conservation areas, could be jeopardized by the current uncertainties.
Valérie Courtois, executive director of the Indigenous Leadership Initiative, underlined Canada’s potential to set an example globally by demonstrating effective conservation practices and providing leadership in this regard. She highlighted the significance of involving Indigenous communities in conservation efforts for successful and sustainable outcomes.
The Indigenous guardians program, launched as a pilot project in 2017 and extended with $100 million in funding in 2021, faces potential funding expiration by March 31 next year. Courtois expressed optimism about a potential extension, citing government recognition of the initiative’s value despite fiscal constraints.
When approached for comment, Environment and Climate Change Canada did not specifically address support for Indigenous-led conservation programs. The department reiterated the government’s commitment to partnering with various stakeholders to advance conservation goals in Canada.