Federal, provincial and territorial representatives meet on conservation and biodiversity

The governments of Canada and Ontario hosted federal, provincial and territorial ministers and representatives responsible for conservation, wildlife and biodiversity in Toronto, Ontario, on October 16, 2026, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada.

Participants discussed ways to balance economic growth with conservation, wildlife and biodiversity priorities while respecting jurisdictional authorities and environmental safeguards.

The meeting also covered the federal objectives of A Force of Nature: Canada's Strategy to Protect Nature, implementation of the Kunming–Montréal Global Biodiversity Framework and development of Canada's 2030 Nature Strategy.

Presentations addressed nature financing, natural capital accounting, invasive species and the integration of economic and conservation objectives.

Federal, provincial and territorial participants also met with leaders from National Indigenous Organizations to discuss collaboration on conservation, wildlife and biodiversity projects. British Columbia attended as an observer.

Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to meet regularly on conservation, wildlife and biodiversity governance in Canada. Nova Scotia was identified as the incoming co-chair with the federal government for the next ministerial meeting.