Good morning! Welcome back to Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest 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: 2025-03-01
End Date: 2025-03-08

Top Headlines

Main Stories

Canada Recognizes Five Sites as Conservation Areas

On March 6, 2025, the Canadian government announced the recognition of five sites as Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs), expanding the country's conservation network. These sites include Rideau Canal, Navy Island, and Fort George in Ontario; Grosse-Île in Quebec; and Ya Ha Tinda Ranch in Alberta. This initiative aims to conserve biodiversity and contribute to Canada's goal of protecting 30% of its lands and waters by 2030. These areas, managed for various purposes, play a crucial role in maintaining healthy ecosystems and supporting wildlife.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Aquatic Species Protection in British Columbia

The Canadian government has allocated $4.79 million to ten projects under the Canada Nature Fund for Aquatic Species at Risk in British Columbia. Announced on March 5, 2025, by Minister Diane Lebouthillier, these projects target species in the Fraser and Columbia River watersheds, addressing habitat restoration, invasive species threats, and marine impacts like bycatch. The effort focuses on species like the Rocky Mountain Ridged Mussel and BC's iconic Killer Whales, aiming to strengthen conservation and recovery.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canada and Manitoba Collaborate on Nature Protection

On March 7, 2025, Canada and Manitoba signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop a nature agreement supporting habitat protection and climate adaptation. This initiative, announced by Minister Steven Guilbeault, aims to conserve 30% of Manitoba's land and water by 2030, including Indigenous-led conservation efforts. The agreement underscores a commitment to biodiversity protection and increased climate resilience.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Federal Actions on Southern Resident Killer Whale

On March 6, 2025, Canada's Minister of Fisheries, Diane Lebouthillier, and Minister of Environment, Steven Guilbeault, proposed measures to protect the Southern Resident killer whale. These include increased vessel approach distances and adjusted salmon fishing closures. The proposal will undergo consultations with Indigenous groups and stakeholders, aiming to enhance the species' recovery and mitigate threats such as underwater noise and reduced prey availability.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Canada and Quebec Expand Marine Conservation Efforts

On March 7, 2025, Canada and Quebec confirmed plans to expand the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park and study a new marine park at Anticosti-Mingan. This initiative, led by Ministers Steven Guilbeault and Benoit Charette, aims to protect 19% of Quebec's marine areas, enhancing biodiversity conservation and supporting regional economies. The expanded protection will include critical habitats for marine life, including tidal marshes and ecosystems within the St. Lawrence Estuary.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Important Updates

Secondary Stories

Funding for Softwood Lumber Innovation in Nova Scotia

The Government of Canada and Nova Scotia announced $36.8 million for 142 projects under the Atlantic Fisheries Fund, enhancing innovation and sustainability in the softwood lumber sector.

Sources: Announcements: www.canada.ca

Consultation on Genetically Modified Fish

Canada is assessing three genetically modified fish under the Environmental Protection Act, inviting public comments from March 8 to April 6, 2025.

Sources: Gazette, Part I: www.gazette.gc.ca

Assessment of Boric Acid Environmental Impact

The Canadian government has assessed boric acid and its salts, identifying potential environmental harm from certain industrial processes.

Sources: Gazette, Part I: www.gazette.gc.ca

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Report Published

Canada's report on PFAS concludes these substances pose environmental and health risks, excluding fluoropolymers from this assessment.

Sources: Gazette, Part I: www.gazette.gc.ca

December Lumber Production Decline Reported

Statistics Canada reported a 16.6% decrease in lumber production in December 2024 compared to November, with a 2.4% drop from the previous year.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: www.statcan.gc.ca

Notice on Softwood Lumber Exports to US

Global Affairs Canada issued a notice regarding policies for softwood lumber exports to the US, addressing allocation holders and excluded companies.

Sources: Open Government Data Set: open.canada.ca

Provincial Announcements

Alberta Invests in Invasive Species Prevention

Alberta's 2025 budget proposes $18.2 million over five years to prevent aquatic invasive species, expanding inspection stations and K-9 units.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www.alberta.ca

New Brunswick Supports Redfish Fishery

New Brunswick and the federal government announced $3.4 million to support the development of the redfish fishery on the Acadian Peninsula.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www2.gnb.ca

BC Premier Responds to US Lumber Tariffs

BC Premier David Eby criticized the US decision to double anti-dumping duties on Canadian softwood lumber, calling it unjustified and biased.

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

New Brunswick Sets Deadline for Ice-Fishing Shelters

New Brunswick requires ice-fishing shelters to be removed by March 15 due to warming temperatures and potential environmental hazards.

Sources: Provincial Announcement: www2.gnb.ca

Federal Funding for BC Wildfire Recovery

Canada announced over $35 million to assist BC's recovery from 2024 wildfires, supporting infrastructure restoration and community resilience.

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

Public Officials' Social Media

Steven Guilbeault on Marine Park Expansion

Steven Guilbeault announced the expansion of the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, emphasizing its role in protecting beluga habitats.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Patrick Weiler Engages with Invasive Species Council

MP Patrick Weiler highlighted the work of the Sea to Sky Invasive Species Council in monitoring European Green Crabs in Squamish.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

Robert Black Celebrates Land Transfer to Rouge Park

Senator Robert Black celebrated the transfer of Pickering Airport Lands to Rouge Urban National Park, supporting agriculture and climate efforts.

Sources: Social Media: x.com

What We're Reading This Week

• Global News: Highlighting efforts to protect unique environmental sites.
• CTV News: Maritime forestry industry faces challenges from tariffs.
• CBC News: BC Premier addresses threats from softwood lumber tariffs.
• CTV News: Potential for increased tariffs on Canadian lumber imports.