Environmental advocates say the biodiversity crisis requires immediate action.
Ottawa / Traditional Territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabeg People
Leading environmental lawyers and advocates are welcoming new legislation proposed by the federal government. natural liability law But they say that’s not enough to ensure Canada meets its international obligations to halt and reverse nature loss.
The proposed legislation confirms Canada’s commitment to contribute to achieving the goals and objectives of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which Canada and other signatories agreed to at the 2022 United Nations Conference on Biological Diversity (COP15). However, it does not specify these goals in law or actually require Canada to achieve them.
“Canada played a leading role on the international stage in hosting COP15, helping secure global commitment to goals that could make or break us for nature,” said Anna Johnston, staff attorney at the West Coast Environmental Law Association. . “Now is the time to see if we actually achieve our goals for land and sea. “This law is a good start, but we need to put meat on the bones.”
New legislation introduced in the House of Representatives today would require the federal government to develop a plan to achieve the global goals and publicly report on progress. But experts say that by failing to legally confirm that the global goals are Canadian goals and by allowing officials to submit vague documents, the law leaves Canada unable to actually meet its obligations.
“Like throwing a bucket of water at a burning house, Bill C-73 will do little to stop and reverse nature loss by 2030,” said Rodrigo Estrada Patiño, program director at Greenpeace Canada. “To truly meet the goals and targets of the Global Biodiversity Framework, ensure that decisions made across government are met and prioritize indigenous rights and overall access to nature, this Bill requires significant amendments to the current version. “I need this.”
Advocates call for strengthening legislation to ensure the federal government ensures the credibility of biodiversity planning and reporting, that laws and measures respect Indigenous rights and support Indigenous-led initiatives, and that federal decision-makers cannot damage biodiversity. We are urging cooperation with other parties. Canada’s ability to protect nature.
“No country has fully achieved its goals under previous international agreements,” said Josh Ginsberg, director of the Ecological Justice and Environmental Law Clinic at the University of Ottawa. “This bill shows that the government is serious about changing the trend and protecting nature. But without stronger action, success is far from certain. The bill should require measurable domestic goals that specify what Canada must achieve and when. “Achieving results that fit nature requires specific, legally enforceable reporting standards.”
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For more information, please contact:
Anna Johnstone | West Coast Environmental Law Staff Attorney
604-340-2304, [email protected]
Marie-Christine Fisette | Greenpeace Canada Media Director
514 972-6316, [email protected]
Josh Ginsberg | Lawyer, environmental justice
613-876-1935, [email protected]
