Nature remains the strongest symbol of Canadian identity, according to a recent poll. In 2022, Canada committed to protecting 30% of its land, inland waters, and coastal waters by 2030 to safeguard biodiversity—a global goal known as “30 by 30”.
Ontario, however, is lagging far behind. The province has protected only 10.9% of its land—well below provinces like British Columbia, Quebec, and Alberta—and has yet to commit to any specific target for land protection. Nationally, Canada has protected just 12.8% of its land and 11.4% of its waters, showing how far we have to go to meet our 2030 goals.
While the Ontario government acknowledges that demand for camping and outdoor recreation has surged in recent years—and has added more campsites to existing parks—it is simultaneously reducing the size of several protected areas. Portions of Wasaga Beach Provincial Park are being privatized, and sections of French River and Grundy Lake Provincial Parks are being carved away to expand Highway 69.
About 87% of Ontario’s land is Crown land managed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. This vast landscape is essential if Ontario is to help Canada meet its 2030 biodiversity goals. Yet current actions suggest the province is moving in the opposite direction—putting development ahead of conservation at a time when protecting nature has never been more urgent.
Let’s start putting pressure on both the provincial and federal governments to live up to their commitments. Contact your Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) to share why protecting nature and achieving 30 by 30 matters to you. And let’s hold our federal representatives to Mr. Carney’s promise to protect 30% of Canada’s land and water by 2030—reach out to your MP and make your voice heard.
-Pete Smith