Protecting Canada’s Natural Wonders Bill
Bill to Amend--Sixth Report of Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources Committee Adopted
December 13, 2023
Moved the adoption of the report, for Senator Galvez.
She said: Honourable senators, I rise today to briefly speak on the sixth report of the Standing Senate Committee on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources that addresses Bill S-14, An Act to amend the Canada National Parks Act, the Canada National Marine Conservation Areas Act, the Rouge National Urban Park Act and the National Parks of Canada Fishing Regulations.
The bill would expand the boundaries of seven national parks and one national park reserve, clarify offences in relation to the discharge of substances in a national park, establish a new national park and change the name of another park.
I wish to thank the members of the committee for their work in bringing this report forward.
In its study, the committee heard from 10 witnesses, including the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, representatives from concerned First Nations and Inuit communities, civil society organizations, an academic and a rancher.
After thoughtful consideration, the committee proposes three amendments to the bill. Two of the amendments make it mandatory, rather than a suggestion, for a park superintendent or, upon their failure to do so, the minister, to order a person to take reasonable measures to prevent, mitigate or remediate harm and to prevent or minimize danger in the park.
The third amendment limits the entry into leases of public lands by the minister in Akami-Uapishku-KakKasuak-Mealy Mountains National Park Reserve to existing cabins and tilts in order to preserve the existing traditional users’ rights while also protecting the ecological integrity of the park reserve.
Colleagues, Bill S-14 will contribute to our commitment to protect biodiversity and 30% of our land by 2030. The proposals were made by Parks Canada in consultation with all the concerned First Nations and Inuit communities, as well as other stakeholders.
The committee has done a careful review of the bill, and I encourage you to support the passage of this bill.
Thank you, meegwetch.
Are senators ready for the question?
Is it your pleasure, honourable senators, to adopt the motion?
Hon. Senators: Agreed.
(Motion agreed to and report adopted.)
Honourable senators, when shall this bill, as amended, be read the third time?
(On motion of Senator Sorensen, bill, as amended, placed on the Orders of the Day for third reading at the next sitting of the Senate.)
