Let's Talk: National Marine Conservation Areas General Regulations

What we heard from Indigenous peoples, stakeholders, and the general public

We are pleased to share that Parks Canada has released a What We Heard Report on proposed general regulations for national marine conservation areas (NMCAs). The report can be found at www.letstalknmcas.ca.

Why is Parks Canada developing regulations for national marine conservation areas (NMCAs)?

Parks Canada is developing new regulations under the Canada National Marine Conservation Areas Act to help protect and manage NMCAs. Experience at existing sites like Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve and Haida Heritage Site has shown that regulations are needed. The NMCA program at Parks Canada is growing, with seven new marine establishment proposals underway.

Engaging with Indigenous peoples and the general public

The What We Heard Report is a summary of feedback from Indigenous and public engagement that took place between April 11 and October 15, 2023. Parks Canada engaged with Indigenous peoples, provinces, territories, industry, non-governmental organizations, and many others on five summary papers that described the regulatory proposal. We received feedback from 73 organizations and individuals representing most regions of Canada, especially coastal regions and the Great Lakes. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their views on the regulatory proposal.

Next steps

The regulations will be drafted this spring and published for review and comment in Canada Gazette Part I in Winter 2024. Our goal is to have these regulations come into force by 2026.