Boreal Caribou is a species only found in Canada. However, the most recent national population estimate shows its populations are declining, primarily threatened by habitat loss and degradation. The federal, provincial, and territorial governments share the responsibility for ensuring caribou survival and long-term recovery. Caribou play a significant role in the culture and history of Indigenous peoples in Canada and are at the heart of boreal forest biodiversity.
Today, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, announced steps taken in Ontario to protect Boreal Caribou habitat under the federal Species at Risk Act. After forming the opinion in early 2023 that some portions of the Boreal Caribou's critical habitat on non-federal land in Ontario are not effectively protected, the Minister has recommended a critical habitat protection order in the province, as required under the Species at Risk Act.
The Government of Canada believes, at this time, that continuing to collaborate closely with the Government of Ontario will lead to the best conservation outcomes for the species. The Government of Canada is closely following the implementation of the Agreement for the Conservation of Caribou, Boreal Population in Ontario, which was signed with the provincial government in April 2022. While the agreement outlines a number of measures to facilitate the conservation and recovery of species, of note is a commitment for the two governments to collaborate on expert-led validation of evidence-based approaches to manage self-sustaining populations and demonstrate continued alignment with federal-provincial Boreal Caribou conservation frameworks, where appropriate. Ontario has until the mutually agreed-upon timeline of April 2024, to demonstrate equivalency of approach between provincial measures and the federal framework. Provided that Ontario successfully puts in place the necessary measures and achieves results through the Boreal Caribou Conservation Agreement, further steps under the Species at Risk Act would not be taken at this time.
To date, the province has demonstrated its commitment to implementing necessary conservation measures and has initiated population monitoring and held engagement sessions with stakeholders and Indigenous peoples. In March 2023, Ontario announced an investment of up to $29.4 million over four years to aid on-the-ground restoration, protection, and other conservation activities, including monitoring, science, and research in Ontario. Canada is prepared to commit to further financial assistance to support these conservation activities going forward.
