Last week in the House of Commons, I spoke alongside my colleagues on M-15: Conservation Donations, a motion introduced by a new Liberal MP from Quebec. You can watch my speech here.
This motion raises the important idea of donating private property for conservation. While it sounds great in theory, it fits into a broader government agenda that aims to limit land use across Canada.
For many, the idea of conservation donations is appealing. As Conservatives, we believe in taking care of our land, air, and water for future generations. Hunting, fishing, and trapping are also vital parts of our relationship with the land.
Everyone talks about conservation. It’s a shared value across political lines. However, where we differ from the government is how to achieve it.
As the Shadow Minister for Hunting, Fishing, and Conservation, I believe in making land available for sustainable activities. The Liberal approach of shutting down land for resource development isn’t productive.
In 2022, during COP 15 in Montreal, the Liberal government committed to preserving 30% of Canada’s land and water by 2030 and 50% by 2050. This means vast areas that could be used for resource development would be unavailable. Current proposals would also change access for outdoor activities like hiking and fishing.
Before these commitments, Canada already had nearly 16,000 protected areas, covering over 12% of our land and freshwater and nearly 14% of marine areas, according to Protected Planet. The government’s latest announcements push us closer to that 30% target, yet there’s still concern about the approach.
It’s crucial to take a realistic, science-based view of conservation. Ideologically driven plans often fall short. For context, science-backed conservation methods were effective during the Conservative government under Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
Moreover, Canada’s use of land is already restricted. About 89% is Crown land, managed by the government, allowing limited personal use. Another 7% is designated for agriculture, crucial for our food supply. In total, 96% of Canada is either Crown land or agricultural, leaving only 4% available for development. This tight squeeze is a significant reason for the housing crisis we face.
We need responsible conservation efforts like those of Ducks Unlimited, promoting voluntary easements, or the Nature Conservancy of Canada, which supports farming alongside conservation.
Instead, what’s happening now is a restrictive Liberal strategy that limits our land and resources. They recently campaigned on transforming Canada into an energy superpower, yet their actions could block access to vital resource-rich areas.
The 30×30 and 50×50 initiatives, while well-intentioned, may lead to more land being locked away from future development. Drawing boundaries around such large swaths of land while we face a housing crisis and infrastructure challenges makes little sense.
Conservation is important, but it should be balanced with economic growth and community needs. Canadians are capable of managing land responsibly without extreme limitations imposed by distant policymakers. We must remember our obligations to the people living here in Canada.
