Co-chairs’ statement: Meeting of Federal–Provincial–Territorial Ministers responsible for Conservation, Wildlife, and Biodiversity

October 16, 2026 – Toronto, Ontario

The governments of Canada and Ontario welcomed federal, provincial, and territorial ministers and representatives responsible for conservation, wildlife, and biodiversity to Toronto to share practical and innovative approaches and best practices to conserve nature, safeguard wildlife, and protect biodiversity while enabling economic prosperity across Canada.

At a time when jurisdictions across Canada are working to accelerate economic development, participants discussed the importance of a thriving environment as a pillar of a strong economy. Ministers and representatives explored ways to collaborate to balance economic growth with conservation, wildlife, and biodiversity priorities while respecting jurisdictional authorities and upholding environmental safeguards as we move forward with generational infrastructure investments.

Participants shared understandings of how global economic uncertainty is redefining the ways that the provincial, territorial, and federal governments, and our partners, can help nature and our economy thrive together. This discussion refines how the federal government will approach collaboration with partners to meeting the federal objectives of A Force of Nature: Canada's Strategy to Protect Nature, implement the Kunming–Montréal Global Biodiversity Framework, and develop its 2030 Nature Strategy.

During the meeting, participants welcomed members from the Expert Taskforce on Natural Capital Accounting and Nature Financing to kick off discussions on innovative ways to attract public and private investments. Participants then heard from the Invasives Species Centre and the Government of Yukon on how protecting biodiversity is not only an environmental priority but also contributes to Canada’s long-term economic prosperity. With threats such as invasive species carrying potentially significant economic costs, strong federal, provincial, and territorial collaboration is increasingly important.

The meeting concluded with presentations from the Government of New Brunswick and the Forest Stewardship Council on how to meaningfully integrate economic and conservation objectives. These panel discussions raised considerations for ministers and representatives on how strategic planning and aligning priorities and policies, as well as harnessing existing tools such as other effective area-based conservation measures, can have exponential impacts that benefit all Canadians.

Provincial, territorial, and federal ministers and representatives also met with leaders from National Indigenous Organizations, who led focused exchanges on how collaboration with Indigenous partners through meaningful and respectful partnerships can broaden the reach of efforts to advance common objectives for conservation, wildlife, and biodiversity projects while mutually supporting long-term economic resilience for Indigenous communities and Canada as a whole.

Reflecting on the discussions of the last two days, through continued federal, provincial, and territorial leadership and collaboration we can advance the conservation of nature, wildlife, and biodiversity alongside generational investments in economic development. By sharing practical approaches, best practices, and innovative solutions, we can help create the conditions to conserve nature, safeguard wildlife, and protect biodiversity while supporting a strong economy in Canada.

Gearing up for COP17, this meeting set the stage for Canada to highlight its global leadership in halting and reversing biodiversity loss while continuing to advance economic development opportunities. To that end, federal, provincial, and territorial ministers remain committed to working together on shared objectives for the conservation and sustainable use of Canada’s biodiversity, in accordance with each government’s priorities and jurisdiction.

Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to meeting regularly to discuss important developments in the governance of conservation, wildlife, and biodiversity in Canada. The next ministerial meeting will see Nova Scotia as the incoming co-chair alongside the federal government.

Quick facts

• Provinces and territories were represented by the Yukon, the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador. Observers were present from Quebec and British Columbia.