Fish and Fish Habitat Protection Program multi-wave engagement
The Fish and Fish Habitat Protection Program (FFHPP) launched a multi-wave engagement process in fall 2020. The goal: provide opportunities for Indigenous Peoples, provinces and territories, and interested parties to help shape the conservation and protection of fish and fish habitat.
On this page
Background
In 2018, the Government of Canada proposed amendments to the Fisheries Act.
- Royal Assent: June 21, 2019
- Provisions in force: August 28, 2019
The modernized Act strengthens protections and supports the sustainable development of Canada’s aquatic resources. FFHPP launched multi-wave engagement to:
- support implementation of these provisions
- promote openness, transparency and collaboration
- advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples through renewed relationships based on rights, respect and partnership
Multi-wave engagement
Engagement followed complementary paths:
- Broad engagement with Indigenous Peoples, partners and interested parties
- Targeted engagement exclusively with Indigenous Peoples, communities and organizations
Methods included:
- virtual open houses and sessions
- online questionnaires and feedback forms
- written submissions
- digital materials on the engagement platform
Regional teams also held discussions to ensure local perspectives were considered. Feedback informed the development of policies, frameworks and codes of practice.
Wave 1 (December 2020 to December 2021)
Topics
- modernizing offsetting and fish habitat banking policies
- cumulative effects on fish and fish habitat
- Fisheries Act Registry
- proposed Prescribed Works and Waters Regulations
- interim codes of practice
- draft engagement framework
Wave 1 outcomes
- What we heard report: Wave 1 Fish and Fish Habitat Protection Program
- Fisheries Act Registry
- Engagement framework
- Codes of practice for:
Wave 2 (November 2021 to January 2023)
Topics
- draft Cumulative effects on fish and fish habitat position statement
- Death of fish position statement
- Existing facilities and structures position statement
- proposed Prescribed Works and Waters Regulations
- Ecologically significant areas framework
- draft Framework for aquatic species at risk conservation
- Framework to identify fish habitat restoration priorities
Outcomes
- What we heard report: Wave 2 Fish and Fish Habitat Protection Program
- Position statement for the management of death of fish (other than fishing) under the Fisheries Act and the Species at Risk Act
- Position statement for the management of existing facilities and structures under the Fisheries Act and the Species at Risk Act
- Framework for identifying, establishing and managing ecologically significant areas
- Framework to identify fish habitat restoration priorities
- Position statement for the consideration of cumulative effects in support of decision making on Fisheries Act authorizations concerning fish and fish habitat protection
Wave 3 (April 2023 to March 2024)
Topics
- draft Policy for applying measures to offset harmful impacts to fish and fish habitat
- draft Guidelines for establishing and managing fish habitat banks
- new interim standard
- new interim codes of practice
- Framework for aquatic species at risk conservation
Outcomes
Page details
- Date modified: