Canada ministers advance conservation collaboration ahead of COP17

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Canada ministers advance conservation

Highlights

Federal, provincial, and territorial ministers in Toronto discuss advancing conservation and biodiversity goals while sustaining economic development and environmental protections.
Officials focus on implementing A Force of Nature strategy to conserve 30% of Canada's lands and waters by 2030 and explore new conservation financing approaches.
Ministers and Indigenous leaders prepare for COP17 in October 2026, where Canada will report on progress toward the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

Toronto talks link conservation with investment

As reported by Canada.ca, federal, provincial and territorial ministers met in Toronto to discuss how to advance conservation, wildlife and biodiversity efforts while supporting economic development and maintaining environmental safeguards. The meeting is co-chaired by Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin and Ontario Natural Resources Minister Mike Harris, with Secretary of State for Nature Nathalie Provost also participating.

Officials discuss how Canada can implement A Force of Nature, the national strategy to protect nature, including the goal of conserving 30% of lands and waters by 2030. Ministers also examine the role of other effective area-based conservation measures, or OECMs, which can deliver lasting conservation benefits without being formally designated as protected areas.

Provost also leads discussion on the Expert Taskforce on Natural Capital Accounting and Nature Financing, which was established earlier this year. The work is aimed at improving how nature's economic value is measured and at identifying ways to mobilize public and private investment for nature-positive outcomes.

Indigenous role and international agenda

Indigenous leadership remains a central part of the discussions, with leaders from National Indigenous Organizations joining the second day of the meeting. Participants highlight the role of Indigenous governments, communities and organizations in sharing traditional knowledge, Indigenous science and stewardship practices to support conservation and long-term economic resilience.

The meeting takes place just before the 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, scheduled in Armenia from October 19 to 30, 2026. Dabrusin, Provost and provincial, territorial and Indigenous representatives are set to present Canada's progress and engage international partners on implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and broader efforts to halt and reverse biodiversity loss.

Our earlier article on an Ontario court case over shoreline work along the Sturgeon River detailed convictions and $175,000 in fines and court-ordered payments after damage to endangered Lake Sturgeon habitat near the Cache Bay Wetland Conservation Reserve. It highlighted how permit compliance and enforcement can directly shape development activity around protected areas, while directing funds toward habitat recovery.

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