The Carney government, despite having a parliamentary majority, currently has no intention to incorporate recent commitments to safeguard the nation’s waters and lands into federal law, as indicated by Canada’s junior nature minister. Nathalie Provost, the state secretary for nature, mentioned in French at the House of Commons environment committee that no efforts are being made in that direction at present.
Introduced in 2024 by the Trudeau government, the Nature Accountability Act was designed to ensure government responsibility in meeting the 30×30 nature targets and international obligations through the United Nations. However, the legislation was shelved when Canadians participated in the 2025 elections.
Following up on Provost’s statement, a spokesperson reiterated the government’s focus on achieving “results.” Marie-France Proulx, the communications director for Provost’s office, emphasized that the current government believes in a results-based approach to deliver measurable outcomes in protecting nature with various partners nationwide.
Green Party Leader Elizabeth May, who raised the question prompting Provost’s response, expressed to CBC News that while the Carney government’s recent $3.8-billion nature strategy was not comprehensive, it was better than nothing. May remarked that having some progress is better than none but highlighted concerns about the lack of legislation to ensure accountability.
Prime Minister Mark Carney has publicly committed to reaching the 30×30 target of conserving 30% of Canada’s land and water by 2030, aligning with the global initiative known as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The 2024 nature bill would have mandated the environment minister to establish and present a national biodiversity strategy and action plan to Parliament, report on actions taken to achieve the targets, and set up an advisory committee for independent advice.
Some believe such measures are essential to monitor progress, make necessary adjustments, and hold governments accountable on environmental issues. Nature Canada, an environmental organization, expressed doubts about the government’s willingness to reintroduce the bill, stating that Provost’s statement confirmed their suspicions. The organization’s policy director, Akaash Maharaj, highlighted the need for stronger legislation with consequences for non-compliance to ensure accountability.
In summary, the government’s current stance on not enshrining environmental commitments into law has raised concerns among environmental advocates, who stress the importance of robust legislation to achieve conservation goals effectively.
