TORONTO, Oct. 16, 2026 /CNW/ -- The Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature, and the Honourable Nathalie Provost, Secretary of State (Nature), joined provincial and territorial environment ministers and leaders from National Indigenous Organizations in Toronto, Ontario, on October 14 and 15, 2026, to discuss conservation, wildlife, and biodiversity. The meeting was co-chaired by Minister Dabrusin and the Honourable Mike Harris, Minister of Natural Resources, Ontario.
As governments across Canada look for ways to grow the economy, ministers and representatives discussed how healthy ecosystems contribute to long-term prosperity. They explored opportunities to work together to advance economic development while protecting nature and biodiversity, respecting jurisdictional responsibilities, and maintaining strong environmental safeguards.
Partnerships and close collaboration among federal, provincial, and territorial governments are essential for Canada to deliver A Force of Nature: Canada's Strategy to Protect Nature, including achieving our goal of conserving 30% of Canada's lands and waters by 2030 (30x30). Discussions reinforced the importance of innovative conservation approaches, including other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs). OECMs are areas that are not necessarily designated as protected areas, but are managed in ways that deliver lasting, effective conservation benefits alongside other land uses. These areas can contribute to Canada's conservation goals. Provinces and territories have a critical role to play given their responsibilities for much of Canada's lands and natural resources.
Indigenous leadership is at the heart of protecting nature, anchored in traditional knowledge and stewardship. On the second day of the meeting, ministers and representatives from provinces and territories were joined by leaders from National Indigenous Organizations to discuss the importance of meaningful and respectful partnerships with Indigenous peoples in advancing conservation, wildlife, and biodiversity efforts while mutually supporting long-term economic resilience. Participants recognized the critical role of Indigenous governments, communities, and organizations to share Indigenous science and experiences to help advance conservation goals across Canada.
Secretary of State (Nature) Provost led a discussion on the work underway through the Expert Taskforce on Natural Capital Accounting and Nature Financing, including opportunities to mobilize public and private investment in nature. Established earlier this year, the Taskforce's work is relevant to discussions among federal, provincial, and territorial ministers on nature conservation and opportunities to mobilize private investment to support nature-positive outcomes. By improving how nature's value is measured and accounted for, and exploring opportunities to mobilize investments, the Taskforce is helping advance understanding of the links between nature and long-term economic prosperity.
The discussions come ahead of the 17th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17), taking place in Armenia from October 19 to 30, 2026. Minister Dabrusin and Secretary of State (Nature) Provost, along with provincial, territorial, and Indigenous representatives, will highlight Canada's progress on nature conservation at home and engage with international partners to advance implementation of the Kunming– Montréal Global Biodiversity Framework and global efforts to halt and reverse biodiversity loss.
Quotes
"Canada's strength has always been rooted in our connection to nature, and it is by bringing together federal, provincial, territorial, and Indigenous partners that we successfully advance major conservation initiatives. By working collaboratively and drawing on the strengths of our country's diverse landscape, we make meaningful progress toward protecting biodiversity and reaching our 30x30 goals. As the second largest country in the world, Canada's conservation of nature has global benefits, and we look forward to bringing these ambitions to COP17 to drive further partnership."
– The Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature
"Protecting nature is one of the smartest investments we can make in Canada's future, including through our commitment to protect 30% of Canada's lands and waters by 2030. Achieving this goal requires collaboration and recognizing the important roles of provinces, territories, and Indigenous peoples in conservation. Other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs) can also help advance this goal. We must also find new ways to mobilize public and private investment in nature, because protecting our natural assets and building a strong economy go hand in hand. As we prepare for COP17, Canada is demonstrating that conservation and prosperity can advance together through cooperation and shared leadership."
– The Honourable Nathalie Provost, Secretary of State (Nature)
Quick facts
- Just before this meeting, Minister Dabrusin and Secretary of State (Nature) Provost announced $13 million through the Natural Heritage Conservation Program to support the protection of 81,400 hectares of taiga forest and peatlands. The project led by the Nature Conservancy of Canada was achieved through partnership with the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario, businesses, foundations, and private donors, showcasing how important collaboration can be in achieving our shared nature goals.
- On March 31, 2026, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the federal government's new strategy for nature, with an investment of $3.8 billion. A Force of Nature: Canada's Strategy to Protect Nature is based on three pillars for action to harmonize nature protection and economic growth: Protecting Nature in Canada, Building Canada Well, and Valuing Nature and Mobilizing Capital.
- Canada has a vast amount of natural capital, including 24% of the world's boreal forest, 37% of lakes, 25% of wetlands, and approximately 80,000 species. We have both a responsibility to steward these resources, as well as a competitive advantage because of these assets.
Related products
- Prime Minister Carney Launches New Nature Strategy to Protect Canada's Natural Environment
- Co-Chairs' Statement: Meeting of Federal-Provincial-Territorial Ministers Responsible for Conservation, Wildlife, and Biodiversity
Associated links
- A Force of Nature: Canada's Strategy to Protect Nature
- Federal Government Supports Conservation of Northern Ontario's Taiga Forests and Peatlands, Conserving an Area 1.3 Times the Size of Toronto
Environment and Climate Change Canada's X page
Environment and Climate Change Canada's Facebook page
Environment and Natural Resources in Canada's Facebook page
Environment and Climate Change Canada's LinkedIn page
Environment and Climate Change Canada's Instagram page
SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada
Contacts: Amy Falkner, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature, 873-355-9725, [email protected]; Media Relations, Environment and Climate Change Canada, 819-938-3338 or 1-844-836-7799 (toll-free), [email protected]
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