Evidence of meeting #135 for Environment and Sustainable Development in the 44th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was biodiversity.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Liberal
Adam van Koeverden Liberal Milton, ON
This has been a really good debate. I want to thank all of my colleagues from various parties for engaging today and to thank the minister for joining us.
As parliamentary secretary, I didn't engage today, but our colleague and friend Mike Morrice from the Green Party, is here. I would like to ask my colleagues from all parties for unanimous consent to generously provide Mr. Morrice with 90 seconds to ask the minister one question.
Conservative
Dan Mazier Conservative Dauphin—Swan River—Neepawa, MB
[Inaudible—Editor] does it add a total round for everybody, because it's going to take away—
Conservative
Liberal
Adam van Koeverden Liberal Milton, ON
To answer Mr. Mazier's question, I didn't have time today to share—
Conservative
Dan Mazier Conservative Dauphin—Swan River—Neepawa, MB
Do we have agreement to do another round? Does the minister have time?
Conservative
Dan Mazier Conservative Dauphin—Swan River—Neepawa, MB
Will the Liberals agree to just give up their time for Mr. Morrice to ask this question?
Liberal
Liberal
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Francis Scarpaleggia
Welcome back.
Once again, we welcome the Minister of Environment and Climate Change. Joining him for this second hour are Heather McCready, director general, legislative and regulatory affairs; and Basile van Havre, director general, Canadian Wildlife Service.
We will be spending the second half of today's meeting on Bill C-73, An Act respecting transparency and accountability in relation to certain commitments Canada has made under the Convention on Biological Diversity.
Now, without further ado, I will turn the floor over to the minister.
Liberal
Steven Guilbeault Liberal Laurier—Sainte-Marie, QC
Thank you, again, Mr. Chair.
I would like to thank the committee for the invitation to discuss Bill C‑73, an act respecting transparency and accountability in relation to certain commitments Canada has made under the Convention on Biological Diversity, also known as the nature accountability act.
I was very happy to see that Ms. Collins finally let the motion of the prestudy of this bill go to a vote after she worked with the Conservatives to block it several times.
Canada's identity is deeply connected to—
NDP
Laurel Collins NDP Victoria, BC
I'm just so curious that the minister is allowed to present inaccurate information in his opening statement.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Francis Scarpaleggia
I don't know if it's accurate or not, Ms. Collins. I don't know how you voted.
Let's just keep going.
Liberal
Steven Guilbeault Liberal Laurier—Sainte-Marie, QC
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Canada's identity is deeply connected to its natural environment. Our forests, lakes, coastlines and wetlands are more than just landmarks. They are the lifeblood of our economy, culture and communities.
Canada plays a vital role in safeguarding the world's ecosystems. As the second-largest country on earth, Canada stewards 25% of the world's temperate rainforests, 24% of boreal forest and 37% of freshwater lakes, along with the longest coastline in the world. As a result, our domestic action has global implications.
The growing impact of environmental degradation—from biodiversity loss to climate instability—cannot be ignored. Forestry, agriculture, fishing and aquaculture are directly threatened by ecological disruptions, with implications for jobs, food security and public health.
Despite the progress we've made, such as the protection of 300,000 square kilometres of land and inland waters since 2017, our work is far from over. That is roughly half the size of Manitoba, and just two weeks ago, we announced the largest indigenous-led conservation project in the world, Mr. Chair, which will span more than one million square kilometres in the Northwest Territories.
In 2022, Canada played a key role in securing the ambitious Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, known as the GBF. The GBF outlines a 2050 vision of living in harmony with nature and sets four goals for 2050, with 23 global targets to halt biodiversity loss by 2030.
In June 2024, Canada was one of the first countries to publish a national strategy to outline how it will implement these targets domestically. At the same time, the government introduced Bill C‑73 in the House of Commons. This bill reflects Canada’s commitment to advancing efforts to halt and reverse biodiversity loss, by establishing a framework for accountability and transparency in delivering on the GBF commitments and ensuring sustained action at the national level.
If passed, Bill C-73 would codify Canada's commitment to contribute to these global targets, as well as future targets and long-term goals. The bill would require me, as Minister of Environment and Climate Change, as well as future ministers, to develop and submit national biodiversity strategies that align with international commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity. These strategies will outline federal measures and provide opportunities for provinces, territories, indigenous peoples, municipalities and other parties to highlight their actions, ensuring a collaborative approach to biodiversity conservation.
This is essential because no single level of government within Canada can achieve targets alone. Provincial, territorial and indigenous partners, as well as industry and civil society, must work together to secure a prosperous economy based on resilient ecosystems.
This involves ensuring the safety and security of communities, because nature-based climate solutions contribute to both sequestering emissions and mitigating climate change impacts such as heat domes and flooding.
To strengthen accountability, the minister will also be required to prepare national reports that align with international commitments under the CBD, and assess Canada's progress towards global biodiversity targets.
These reports will assess Canada’s progress, highlight where we need to course correct and ensure that we continue to improve. Both the strategies and reports will be tabled in Parliament and made publicly available.
Bill C‑73 places significant emphasis on indigenous leadership. The Government of Canada recognizes that indigenous peoples have long safeguarded the nation’s lands, waters and ice.
As such, Bill C-73 requires the integration of indigenous knowledge into conservation efforts, and mandates respect for indigenous rights, as affirmed by section 35 of the Canadian Constitution and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
To support effective decision-making, the bill also requires that an advisory committee be established. This committee will provide independent advice to the minister on the most effective biodiversity measures to put in place. The committee will ensure that decisions are informed by scientific disciplines, indigenous knowledge, and biodiversity policy expertise at the national and international levels.
The composition of the committee ensures representation from indigenous partners, whose knowledge will complement scientific research, creating a comprehensive approach to biodiversity conservation.
This body can monitor Canada's progress towards achieving biodiversity targets, and recommend course corrections when needed. It will also help ensure the minister can stay aligned with emerging developments in science and policy.
At the heart of this bill lie a number of principles, including the principle of intergenerational equity, meaning that our actions today shape the world we leave for future generations. Bill C-73 ensures that future generations inherit a thriving environment.
The bill does not impose obligations on provinces and territories. It provides a framework for consultations and co-operation across all levels of government and society. Biodiversity conservation is a collective responsibility requiring the participation of governments, industry, indigenous partners, workers, environmental organizations and citizens alike.
To maintain the relevance and effectiveness of this legislation, Bill C-73 mandates a parliamentary review every 10 years. This review cycle aligns with the Convention on Biological Diversity's timeline for setting new global targets, ensuring that Canada's efforts remain responsive to emerging challenges and evolving commitments.
Mr. Chair, Bill C-73 represents a critical opportunity to reaffirm Canada's leadership in biodiversity conservation and environmental accountability. It provides the structure we need to deliver on our commitments, while fostering collaboration and transparency. It is also an opportunity for opposition parties to step up for Canada. This bill is being held up because the Conservative Party of Canada is holding up our important work in Parliament right now. I am calling on all parties to prioritize this bill. I hope we can come together. I look forward to working with all of you to move this important piece of legislation.
Together, we can build a future where nature thrives, ecosystems are restored and citizens have access to a prosperous future.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Francis Scarpaleggia
Thank you, Minister.
We'll do our first six-minute round, starting with Mr. Soroka.
Conservative
Gerald Soroka Conservative Yellowhead, AB
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
Minister, you painted a very nice picture of what Bill C-73 is supposed to do. My concern is about Liberals talking about things that sound so nice and wonderful. This summer, you proved that concern with the mismanagement of the forest system. There was a lack of biodiversity, a lack of prescribed burns, and no getting rid of the mountain pine beetle and dead trees. One-third of Jasper burned.
Could you please explain to us why Canadians should believe this bill is going to protect the biodiversity of our ecosystem when you've proven that you don't have the ability to do it right now?
Liberal
Steven Guilbeault Liberal Laurier—Sainte-Marie, QC
Mr. Chair, the members of the Conservative party should be ashamed of asking these questions. Between 2011 and 2015, there were zero hectares of prescribed burns or mechanical removal around Jasper under their watch. They did nothing for four consecutive years, slashing the budget by $30 million every one of those years for forest management measures around Jasper, Mr. Chair.
Since we've been in power, we've invested in almost a thousand hectares—