Protected areas are very…

Protected areas are very important for the following reasons and we applaud the expansion of them:
-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.

We view the expansion of protected areas as an absolute necessity for the following reasons:
- 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 2030 federal Nature Strategy all identify as their 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 valuable economic assets