Local conservation efforts in Northern Ontario could be derailed as federal funding for Parks Canada faces a steep decline.
Recent budget documents reveal that Parks Canada is bracing for $450 million in cuts and lapsed funding over the next two years, a move that could significantly undermine Canada’s commitment to protect 30 per cent of its land, water and oceans by 2030.
The cuts, which include the elimination of more than 800 full-time positions, are expected to have far-reaching consequences for conservation efforts across the country, including the Sault Ste. Marie region.
Ron Prickett, president of Sault Ste. Marie Naturalists, expressed concern about the potential impact of these cuts.
“Any cuts to conservation efforts are a step backwards in our collective efforts to conserve our environment,” he said.
“To protect endangered species, to reduce our carbon footprint, to turn over this great country to our grandchildren better than we found it.”
Sault Ste. Marie could see ongoing and planned conservation projects affected by the reductions.
“The Sault Ste. Marie, Garden River area is one of the national priority areas for ecological corridors,” said Tony Morris, conservation policy and campaigns director of Ontario Nature.
Partnered with Garden River First Nation, Algoma Highlands Conservancy and the City of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario Nature has “received ecological corridor funding to advance conservation planning in the region," Morris said.
“Since the program funding has lapsed, there is no confirmed funding beyond fiscal year 2025/2026 to continue this important work.”
According to a poll conducted by Environics and commissioned by Greenpeace Canada, 84 per cent of Canadians believe the federal government must do more for the environment.
Established in 1911 as the world’s first national park service, Parks Canada manages 37 national parks, 172 national historic sites and other protected areas.
The agency’s operations generate an estimated $5 billion in gross domestic product annually and provide 46,000 direct and indirect job opportunities each year.
Morris emphasized the role that local entities play in achieving conservation goals.
“Municipalities, land trusts and local conservancies can play a significant role in achieving the 30 x 30 target,” he said.
Canada has already committed to protecting 30 per cent of land, water and oceans by 2030, however Morris pointed out the need for provincial leadership.
“The provincial government should play a significant role, as 87 per cent of Ontario’s area is provincial Crown Land,” he said.
“Yet, the Government of Ontario has still not committed to 30 x 30 despite the Ontario Biodiversity Strategy and the province’s own Protected Areas Working Group recommending the government commit.”