QUESTION PERIOD — Environment and Climate Change
National Biodiversity Strategy
May 2, 2024
Senator Gold, Nature on the Hill was held this week, with representatives of Nature Canada speaking with many of us parliamentarians about the upcoming Canada’s 2030 National Biodiversity Strategy and the nature accountability bill. Canada has long been a leader in nature protection and restoration, having taken a leading role in the development of the Global Biodiversity Framework at COP 15 held in Montreal.
The nature accountability bill is expected to be tabled this year. One of the main concerns Nature Canada has raised is that the bill will not have the teeth it needs, and there won’t be sufficient enforcement mechanisms built into it.
Senator Gold, could you tell us when the government is planning to introduce the strategy and the nature accountability bill? What consequences and course-correction provisions will the government include in the bill to ensure that the act will be effective in protecting Canada’s biodiversity?
Thank you for your question, senator.
Canada is one of the first countries in the world to announce its intent to enshrine nature and biodiversity commitments into law. I’ve been informed that the bill will be focused on providing concrete steps from now until 2030 to implement the commitments the federal government has made. I’m advised that the bill will also include clear and accessible reporting that will enable progress to be assessed and, where necessary, course corrections to be made to stay on track with nature and biodiversity commitments.
However, due to the rules around parliamentary privilege, I cannot speak to specifics in a bill that has not yet been tabled.
Thank you, Senator Gold. We look forward to that, and hopefully, it will have steps like the Canadian Net-Zero Emissions Accountability Act did.
Nature Canada also highlighted the importance of developing a National Biodiversity Strategy that includes everyone, and which incorporates Indigenous knowledge especially to ensure that Canada’s biodiversity strategy is an equitable plan that makes nature accessible for all. Senator Gold, how has the Government of Canada consulted with Indigenous groups across the country to ensure their knowledge, experiences and wishes are accounted for in the strategy?
Thank you.
As you know, the Milestone Document, which lays out the strategy, has been released. It recognizes that Indigenous governments and peoples are rights holders and landowners, and honours their responsibilities for lands, waters and ice through stewardship and the keeping of Indigenous science. They are essential leaders, experts and partners in land, marine and wild species conservation and stewardship.
To your specific question, a series of bilateral meetings has already been held and will continue through the process.
