Canada and Quebec Commit to Protect and Conserve Nature

Audubon applauds new agreement that protects important bird habitat and supports Indigenous-led conservation
Eastern Screech Owl on a stump.

An important intergovernmental milestone has been achieved with the signing of the Canada-Quebec Nature Agreement on March 10, 2025. Through this federal-provincial Nature Agreement, the Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec have agreed to advance the protection and conservation of nature throughout Quebec. This includes creating and expanding protected and conserved areas and supporting Indigenous leadership in biodiversity conservation.  

“It is great to see the Canada and Quebec governments taking steps towards fulfilling their promises to protect biodiversity for migratory birds, for the people of Quebec, and for the entire planet,” said Jeff Wells, Vice President of Boreal Conservation at Audubon. “The new investments made by both jurisdictions are significant and necessary, reflecting the fact each government has a role to play in achieving 30% protections by 2030.”  

Protecting vital ecosystems and important bird habitat in Quebec helps to conserve biodiversity and fight climate change, moving Quebec and Canada closer to their commitments of conserving 30% of lands and waters by 2030. Significantly, nearly a third of the federal funding promised under this agreement is aimed at supporting Indigenous-led conservation initiatives. Audubon will be following their progress with a view to encouraging Indigenous involvement in the implementation of Quebec’s 2030 Nature Plan, per Quebec’s commitments as the Nature Agreement is rolled out. Audubon’s Boreal Conservation program will continue to work with our Indigenous partners in Quebec and the rest of Canada to ensure they have the support needed to reach their conservation goals.