Ecojustice has played a pivotal role in advocating for and strengthening Canada’s Nature and Biodiversity Accountability Act, a critical piece of legislation aimed at addressing the nation’s biodiversity crisis.
Since the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework was agreed upon in 2022, Ecojustice has worked tirelessly to hold Canada accountable for its commitments to nature protection. This advocacy gained momentum during the Montreal Biodiversity Conference, which underscored the urgency of strong federal laws to protect ecosystems and species at risk. During this conference, the federal government committed to the Nature Accountability Act.
The proposed Nature and Biodiversity Accountability Act is designed to ensure transparency and government accountability in meeting biodiversity targets, such as protecting 30 per cent of lands and waters by 2030. It would establish clear reporting mechanisms, binding commitments, and integrate Indigenous rights, recognizing the central role of Indigenous stewardship in protecting biodiversity.
Ecojustice has been instrumental in shaping this initiative, collaborating with legal experts to draft the framework and mobilizing public support through petitions and advocacy campaigns. Our legal expertise has provided the foundation for the legislation, with an emphasis on incorporating robust accountability mechanisms to bridge the gap between global commitments and domestic implementation.
Despite these efforts, the Act remains stuck in pre-study in Parliament, facing delays that threaten Canada’s ability to meet its biodiversity goals. Ecojustice continues to advocate for urgent action, highlighting the worsening biodiversity crisis — over 1,200 species are at risk in Canada — and the growing global pressure on Canada to lead by example.
