The Carney administration, despite holding a parliamentary majority, has indicated it has no current intentions to incorporate recent commitments to safeguard Canada’s lands and waters into federal law, as stated by the country’s junior minister for nature. Nathalie Provost mentioned during a session at the House of Commons environment committee that there are no ongoing efforts in that direction. In 2024, the Trudeau government introduced the Nature Accountability Act to ensure accountability in meeting the 30×30 nature targets and international obligations under the United Nations. However, the bill lapsed when Canadians participated in the 2025 election.
Following Provost’s remarks, a spokesperson supported her stance by emphasizing the government’s emphasis on achieving “results.” Marie-France Proulx, the communications director for Provost’s office, highlighted the effectiveness of a results-driven approach in collaborating with various partners nationwide to enhance nature protection.
The issue was raised by Green Party Leader Elizabeth May during a discussion with CBC News, where she expressed concerns regarding the inadequacy of the Carney government’s recent $3.8 billion nature preservation strategy. Despite this, May acknowledged the initiative as a step forward, though she voiced apprehensions about the absence of corresponding legislation for accountability.
Prime Minister Mark Carney has publicly committed to the 30×30 goal, aiming to conserve 30% of Canada’s land and water by 2030, aligning with the global 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, along with reporting on progress and forming an advisory committee for expert guidance.
Some organizations, like Nature Canada, anticipated the government’s reluctance to introduce such legislation. Akaash Maharaj, the policy director at Nature Canada, remarked that the bill would have required substantial enhancements to enforce consequences for non-compliance, emphasizing the need for genuine accountability beyond mere appearances.