New Nature deal needs co-operation between Ottawa, provinces, First Nations: experts

By The Canadian Press on December 19, 2022.

Observers say the new international agreement signed in Montreal over the weekend to protect what’s left of the world’s biodiversity will require a lot of co-operation between all levels of government.

They say Ottawa will have to work closely with the provinces and territories as well as First Nations governments to meet the targets in the new accord.

Among other goals, the deal commits Canada to setting aside 30 per cent of its lands and waters by 2030 as well as reducing subsidies or tax breaks that encourage biodiversity loss.

Sandra Schwartz of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society says those goals can’t be achieved unless everybody’s on board.

Melanie Snow of Ecojustice says it will be crucial for any legislative moves by the federal Liberals to give other levels of government a voice.

Federal Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault says that legislation will be introduced early next year.

He adds the government will also start looking at phasing out subsidies that are harmful to nature.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 19, 2022.

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