Canada hosts almost 400 species of migratory birds, and they are an important component of Canadian biodiversity. Their health reflects the health of the natural ecosystems that support us all. Birds across the country are emblematic of Canadians' love of nature, and a vital sign of the health of the environment. They are also an important part of Indigenous communities' way of life, culture, and livelihood.
As Canadians mark Environment Week, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, today announced it is modernizing the Migratory Birds Regulations (MBR) as part of the Government of Canada's commitment to protecting and conserving migratory birds. The regulations are in addition to Canada's commitment to protect 25 percent of lands and waters by 2025, working toward 30 percent by 2030.
The changes will make it easier for Canadians to understand and comply with the regulations, first enacted in 1918, and will improve the government's ability to effectively manage and protect migratory birds in Canada. The modernized MBR will also ensure that Indigenous Peoples are accurately represented and that their existing harvesting rights, recognized and affirmed under the Constitution Act, 1982, are reflected. This includes the right to use, gift, sell, or exchange feathers; the right to hunt, gift, or exchange migratory birds; and the right to harvest their eggs.
The modernization of the MBR responds to the current challenges facing migratory birds. The modernized MBR will offer a balanced approach between protecting birds, hunting, land use, and conservation. It is the result of many years of collaborative work and consultations with provinces and territories, Indigenous Peoples, partners, hunters, and other stakeholders.
The modernized regulations were published in the Canada Gazette, Part II, on June 8, 2022, and will come into force on July 30, 2022. The current Migratory Birds Regulations remain in effect until then.
