Good morning! Welcome back to Queen Street Analytics' weekly roundup of regulatory developments, legislative discussions, political announcements and other government-related news regarding the environment, climate change, and fish, wildlife and habitat conservation.

Every Monday, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

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Start Date: 2025-04-13
End Date: 2025-04-19

Top Headlines

Main Stories

Conservatives Announce Fisheries Plan

Rick Perkins unveiled the Conservative Party's Canada First Fisheries Plan in West Dover, Nova Scotia. Key points include prioritizing scientific assessments for fishery stocks, restoring law and order by ensuring compliance with DFO regulations, and protecting harvester rights through market-value transactions for quota access. The plan aims to support sustainable fisheries and enhance management decisions for the upcoming fishing season.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Nova Scotia Releases Coastal Management Bylaws

Nova Scotia's government introduced new land-use planning bylaws to protect coastal properties from climate change effects. These bylaws offer municipalities options to regulate development, including setting minimum building elevations and creating buffer zones against coastal erosion. The initiative is supported by $1 million funding over three years to assist municipalities in adopting these regulations.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

More Provincial Announcements

Ontario Intensifies Deer Protection Enforcement

Ontario's government convicted six individuals for illegal deer hunting activities under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, resulting in fines totaling $14,750. The enforcement underscores the province's commitment to safeguarding deer populations and ensuring compliance with hunting regulations.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.ontario.ca

Saskatchewan's Environmental Assessment for Irrigation Project

The Water Security Agency of Saskatchewan has self-declared the Westside Irrigation Rehabilitation Project for provincial environmental assessment. This decision formalizes ongoing engagement with rights holders and stakeholders. KPMG LLP's analysis suggests the project could boost GDP by $5.9 billion and generate over 30,000 jobs.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.saskatchewan.ca

Nova Scotia's Coastal Protection Resources

New resources and funding were announced to aid coastal communities in Nova Scotia in adapting to climate change.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.novascotia.ca

New Brunswick Launches FireSmartNB Program

New Brunswick initiated FireSmartNB to educate residents on wildfire prevention as the wildfire season approaches.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www2.gnb.ca

Manitoba Hosts First Fishers Summit

Manitoba invites commercial fishers to a summit aimed at discussing the province's freshwater fishery future.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: news.gov.mb.ca

Public Officials' Social Media

Jonathan Wilkinson on Impact Assessment Act

MP Jonathan Wilkinson highlighted the provincial substitution under the Impact Assessment Act, citing Cedar LNG's swift review.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Mel Arnold Criticizes Fisheries Management

MP Mel Arnold criticized the Liberal government's fisheries management, pledging a Conservative focus on science and harvester rights.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Ryan Williams on CEPA and ZEV Mandate

MP Ryan Williams noted the Canadian Environmental Protection Act's role in approving the zero-emissions vehicle mandate.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• CBC News: Concerns over grounded vessel posing threats to fisheries in Newfoundland.
• The Star: Proposed U.S. endangered species rule change causes environmentalist alarm.