Statement: Federal Audit shows we can protect 30% of nature by 2030, so why is the federal government hitting the brakes?

Three orcas in a row, next to the coast — Photo: Three orcas in a row, telegraph cove at Vancouver island, British Columbia, Canada. By Jeroen

Economy | Government and Policy

Sandra Schwartz | November 6, 2025

Ottawa, ON – The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS) is urging the federal government to act swiftly on the findings of today’s audits from the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development, which clearly outlines both the urgency and the opportunity to protect Canada’s land, ocean and freshwater.

The audit confirms that the road to achieving 30% protection of land, freshwater and ocean habitats by 2030 is within reach; however, with funding for nature set to disappear in March 2026 and no new funding in the 2025 budget, the government is veering off track and putting that goal at risk.

“This report points to what is possible,” said Sandra Schwartz, National Executive Director, CPAWS. “Canada has the tools, the knowledge and the public support to protect 30% of our land, ocean and freshwater. What’s needed now is the political will and long-term, stable funding to finish the job.”

Significant groundwork has already been laid in a number of new marine protected areas and national marine conservation areas, and there has been significant progress on land and freshwater conservation; five Nature Agreements have been signed with provinces and territories, as well as Project Finance for Permanence (PFP) agreements with Indigenous people in the Northwest Territories, Nunavut and British Columbia.

If federal funding is discontinued, we cannot progress with more key initiatives like these, and projects that have been in the making for years could come to an abrupt halt—wasting years of research, relationship building and resources.

Protected Areas: Canada’s Natural Infrastructure

Protected areas are more than lines on a map; they are vital systems that feed communities, sustain fisheries, store carbon, and support rural and coastal economies. They also filter our water, reduce flood risks, and help prevent wildfires.

The report also reinforces CPAWS’ position that protected areas are nation-building infrastructure. Nature’s assets underpin our long-term prosperity. The report states a strong, country-wide network of protected areas creates certainty with respect to infrastructure planning and decision-making as the federal government seeks to expedite approvals for projects of national importance.

“This is about building the foundation for Canada’s future,” said Chris Rider, National Director Conservation, CPAWS. “Real nation building isn’t just about building new projects—economic growth and environmental sustainability are symbiotic. Our communities rely on nature’s assets to support their livelihood and wellbeing. If we compromise safeguards for natural systems to fast-track development, the job is only half done.”

Marine Protected Areas: Closing the Gaps

Canada’s ocean economy contributes billions annually. Healthy ecosystems produce more fish, supporting jobs and food security. Protected seafloor habitats store carbon and buffer coastal communities from extreme weather. Marine environments attract visitors, support local businesses and provide living laboratories for marine science and research.

“If we stop now, we’re wasting years of time and resources that have already been invested,” adds Alex Barron, National Director Ocean, CPAWS. “The government has worked with Indigenous partners and communities to select sites that need protecting. Staying the course with consistent funding is the only way to continue this work and close the loopholes, prohibit destructive activities like bottom trawling and ensure marine protected areas are large enough and properly monitored. Only then, can our oceans and communities flourish.”

CPAWS Calls for Immediate Action

For Canada to have healthy oceans, land and freshwater alongside a thriving economy, CPAWS urges the federal government to:

Invest long-term funding to maintain momentum and partnerships built under Budget 2021, including stable and sufficient federal funding for Indigenous partners.
Align all marine protected areas with the MPA Protection Standard by closing regulatory loopholes and prohibiting destructive activities like bottom trawling, oil and gas exploration, dumping, and deep-sea mining inside the boundaries of marine protected areas.
Ensure that protected areas are large enough to support ecosystem recovery and sustained with robust monitoring.
Implement cooperative management in new and existing protected and conserved areas, to ensure that Indigenous peoples can achieve effective and meaningful participation in decisions that affect them, their communities and territories.

CPAWS hopes these gaps will be addressed swiftly to ensure protected areas fulfill their role as a cornerstone of Canada’s climate and biodiversity strategy. Just as importantly, they must deliver real benefits for people—supporting livelihoods and the vibrant communities that depend on them.

“This is a defining moment for Canada,” added Schwartz. “We have a clear path to protect 30% of nature by 2030. Let’s seize it. Protecting nature is crucial to securing Canada’s future. Our window is closing—we can still create a legacy that will benefit generations to come, but the time is now.”

Sandra Schwartz
National Executive Director,
Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society