ENVI Committee Report
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Mr. Mark Warawa, M.P. Dear Colleague: On behalf of the Government of Canada, I am pleased to respond to the Standing Committee on Environment and Sustainable Development’s third report Study to provide recommendations regarding the development of a National Conservation Plan. I would ask that you extend my thanks to Committee members and all others who contributed to the development of the National Conservation Plan (NCP). Healthy ecosystems sustain Canada’s economy, provide invaluable environmental services, and contribute significantly to the health and well-being of all citizens. Across all regions of the country, a large number of Canadians—civil society, industry, Aboriginal communities, farmers, hunters and anglers, and governments—are working to ensure the continued health and resilience of Canada’s wild spaces and species. The Government of Canada has a strong record of achievement on conservation, much of which has been advanced in collaboration with various partners and stakeholders, including Aboriginal peoples. In the past six years, the Government has taken steps that will add more than 150 000 square kilometres to Parks Canada’s network. The Government’s conservation efforts have involved some world‑leading accomplishments, such as establishing the world’s first protected area to extend from the mountain tops to the sea floor (Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve and Haida Heritage Site) and the world’s largest freshwater protected area (Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area). Over the past year, our government has announced two new national park reserves, Sable Island in Nova Scotia and Nááts’ihch’oh in the Northwest Territories, bringing Canada’s total number of national parks to 44. The Government has also been actively protecting Canada’s marine environment and ensuring the sustainable use of marine resources. It has established 15 federal marine protected areas (MPAs), such as the Gully MPA off the Nova Scotia coast that protects an immense underwater canyon, and the designation of seven more MPAs is in varying stages of completion. In addition, the Government developed the National Framework for Canada’s Network of Marine Protected Areas (2011), which sets the course to establish 13 bioregional networks that will link the MPAs and other area-based conservation measures in accordance with internationally accepted practices. The Government has also developed the Sustainable Fisheries Framework, which provides the basis for ensuring Canadian fisheries operate in a manner that supports conservation and sustainable use. Outside of protected areas, the Government has funded several programs to increase stewardship on private lands and working landscapes. One such example is the Government’s $225-million contribution to the Natural Areas Conservation Program, which has helped conservation organizations protect more than 3 000 square kilometres of ecologically sensitive land. Our government’s restoration efforts have included significant funding for important freshwater areas, such as an additional $18 million for the second phase of the Lake Winnipeg Basin Initiative and $16 million to address near shore water quality and algae in Lake Erie. Furthermore, the Government spends $54 million annually on restoring the Great Lakes and $15 million annually to implement the St. Lawrence River Action Plan, not including water and wastewater infrastructure funding. In terms of species at risk, since 2000 the Government has provided roughly $113 million to partners and leveraged total investments of almost $390 million in support of over 2 100 conservation projects across Canada, protecting 167 000 hectares of habitat for more than 400 species at risk. Recent species at risk successes include the downlisting of the peregrine falcon, swift fox and sea otter, as well as the re‑introduction of the plains bison and black-footed ferret (thought to have been extinct for most of the 20th century) into Grasslands National Park. The Government also recognizes the value of helping Canadians enjoy our unparalleled natural heritage. We have been connecting Canadians with nature through initiatives like Parks Canada’s “Learn to Camp” program, which is is targeted at urban and new Canadians, and providing support to educational initiatives like Hinterland Who’s Who. Moving forward, the proposed Rouge National U rban Park will be invaluable in connecting urban Canadians to nature, given its proximity to Canada’s largest city and 20 percent of our nation’s population. Despite ongoing work in all segments of society, Canada’s natural habitats and species are still under threat. The NCP will help address the complex challenges facing our ecosystems by bringing Canadians together to find and implement focused, coordinated and creative solutions that make the best use of our collective resources, tools and areas of expertise. The Government is committed to developing an NCP to help create a more coherent national framework for Canada’s conservation efforts. In advancing work on the Plan, it is helpful to see some common themes emerging from the Government’s initial work and the Committee’s report. Consistent with what the Committee heard from partners and stakeholders, the Plan will set out a vision for conservation in Canada that will empower and inspire Canadians to take action. Partners and stakeholders are also supportive of an inclusive definition of conservation that includes protection and conservation of habitat, species and natural resources, as well as notions of sustainable use and working landscapes. Adopting a broad definition of conservation will ensure the Plan is relevant to everyone, including urban Canadians, by encouraging actions related to green urban planning, city parks and green infrastructure such as green roofs. The NCP will build on existing successes and will explore new, innovative and flexible approaches to help reach our conservation goals, which is in line with what the Committee heard. Partnerships will be essential for identifying and implementing these emerging innovative practices. The Government will continue to work with a wide range of Canadians in an effort to collaboratively develop the NCP, as was emphasized in the Committee’s report. The provinces, territories and Aboriginal groups are key partners in our efforts, particularly given Canada’s shared jurisdiction for conservation. Working with them will allow us to learn from their experiences and align our efforts for maximum effectiveness. The Committee’s report represents an important step toward our goal of developing an NCP. Going forward, the Government will continue its dialogue with partners and stakeholders with a view to building the strong partnerships necessary to achieve our shared conservation objectives. Sincerely, The Honourable Peter Kent, P.C., M.P. |