Nature Canada
Swainsons Thursh

Re: Amendments to Modernize the Migratory Birds Convention Act

Nature Canada is delighted that ECCC is promulgating long-overdue amendments to correct flaws to regulations under the Migratory Birds Convention Act. Most significantly, the amendments will:
establish clarity around prohibitions for killing, harming, capturing birds or destroying their nests;
ensure Indigenous Treaty and self-governance rights align with section 35 of the Constitution;
modernize provisions for managing migratory bird harvest; and protect additional essential habitat (beyond breeding sites) key to migratory bird species such as the keystone species, the Pileated Woodpecker.

Migratory bird populations in Canada are in crisis. Decades of conservation science have determined that one quarter (3 billion) of North America’s birds have been lost over the past 50 years. Their absence, along with the ecosystem services they provide, is a significant loss for nature and Canadians, rendering our environment less resilient to environmental stress. We need policies and practices that will not only protect nature but also restore nature.

The new regulations are good for bird and biodiversity conservation. We applaud the important work that the Canadian Wildlife Service has done in preparing the amendments and assure you that Nature Canada fully supports their promulgation and implementation.

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