The Provincial Government is recommending the expansion of protected areas in Ontario, a cause which is very important for QFN to support. We commend the province for its continued efforts in safeguarding Ontario’s habitats and biodiversity. In order to provide support, QFN is responding to the Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO-019-9306). We also encourage you to send your own submission to the Environmental Registry of Ontario and/or contact your MPP and the Premier’s office.
For your convenience, quick summaries and links to the ERO have been provided in the chart below. An ERO account is not needed to submit a response, but those who choose to create a free account will be able to track their comments. Your personal information will not be made public.
If you have any questions or comments, please contact me.
Regards,
Elizabeth Churcher
QFN Corresponding Secretary
Consultation on Expanding Protected Area Project
ERO #019-9306
Submissions to this ERO are due on November 24th 2025.
Summary of Purpose: We need to offer comments that will urge the province to commit to further expanding Ontario’s protected areas.
Key Messages for Input:
-Protected areas offer a practical and effective approach to conserving biodiversity and ecosystems that sustain us, while enhancing our resilience.
-Protected areas provide jobs and recreational opportunities for residents.
-Protected areas are a fundamental component of our national identity.
Ontario has only approximately 11% of land and water protected which is a significant shortfall from established targets. The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, the Ontario Biodiversity Strategy, and the Canada’s 2030 Nature Strategy all identify as the target “conserving 30% of lands and waters by 2030.
-Ontario needs to support pan-national efforts to halt and reverse biodiversity decline. Approximately 20% of B.C., 17% of Quebec and 16% of Alberta is considered protected.
-86% of Ontario residents support the creation of parks and protected areas. The recent 2025 Abascus Data found that 91% of Canadians overwhelmingly agree that nature is one of the country’s most