We write as civil society organizations, which work collaboratively with Indigenous groups, governments, industry, and coastal communities to support Canada in reaching its commitments to protect the marine environment in Atlantic Canada (Waponahkik). While we are pleased that Canada’s “A Force of Nature” has been released, we are highly concerned that efforts in Atlantic Canada have stalled as a result of provincial government opposition and that opportunities to leverage federal commitments to support industrial development are not being taken to support conservation.

We are among the conservation and environmental non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from across the country that worked with your government for over four years to help modernize the Fisheries Act, one of Canada’s oldest laws. The Fisheries Act is also one of Canada’s strongest environmental laws, particularly following the 2019 modernization and restoration of lost protections that occurred in 2012. We have continued working in good faith with your department to implement the Act and to protect fish and fish habitat.