Question Period Note: 2021-22 Supplementary Estimates (B)

2021-22 Supplementary Estimates (B)

These Supplementary Estimates, the first being presented following the 44th general election, are seeking a total increase of $202.3 million to the Department’s authorities.

Of this amount, $192.5 million and $9.8 million are being sought respectively for our voted and statutory appropriations.

The $192.5 million sought through voted appropriations is primarily for the: implementation of Canada’s new marine conservation targets; conservation of Canada’s lands and freshwater; protection of species; advancement of Indigenous reconciliation and increasing access to nature; and, continued implementation of the British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund and the Québec Fisheries Fund.

Funding to implement Canada’s new marine conservation targets ($96.3 million)
This is new funding to support meeting the Government’s marine conservation target to protect 25 per cent of marine areas by 2025.

It builds on the previous marine conservation target to achieve 10 per cent by 2020, which Canada surpassed in 2019 with 13.81 per cent marine and coastal protection.

This funding will be used to: establish new marine protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures; negotiate impact and benefit agreements with Inuit organizations; and, initiate a marine spatial planning process in the Western Arctic.

Funding to conserve Canada’s land and freshwater, protect species, advance Indigenous reconciliation and increase access to nature Project ($42.2 million)
This expands on the previous Nature Legacy initiative by responding to the biodiversity crisis, and pressures for sustainable recovery and well-being of Canadians.

In line with protecting 25 per cent of Canada’s lands and freshwater by 2025, the goals are to: strengthen the protection and recovery of species at risk and their habitats; advance reconciliation through Indigenous leadership in conservation; and, support healthy natural infrastructure and increased access to nature.

To achieve these goals, funding will be used for provincial and territorial engagement, Indigenous leadership and engagement, and private sector action.

Funding for the British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund and Quebec Fisheries Fund ($19.5 million)
The British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund and Quebec Fisheries Fund represent two out of the three active fisheries funds in Canada.

Fisheries funds are a collection of regionally based contribution programs designed to keep Canada’s fish and seafood sector sustainable and innovative, while also meeting the growing demands of a worldwide market.

Both the British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund and Quebec Fisheries Fund are jointly funded by the federal government and their respective province. Funding is cost split 70:30 between the federal government and the provincial governments.

• These Supplementary Estimates are the second of three planned supplementary exercises for 2021-22. They also represent the first opportunity to seek Parliamentary approval for supplemental funding following September’s 44th general election.
• With a Fall election and the new Parliamentary session opening in late November, these Estimates will be tabled at a later date than usual, shortening the study period in Parliament.
• As a result, Treasury Board Secretariat launched a directed Supplementary Estimates (B) where only urgent funding requirements were considered for inclusion in these Estimates.
• These Supplementary Estimates (B) are presenting a total increase of $202.3 million, which is comprised of $192.5 million and $9.8 million in voted and statutory appropriations respectively.
• The $192.5 million in voted authorities includes 13 items and represents an increase to our spending levels, over and above what was approved in the Main Estimates.
• The increase to our voted authorities is mainly attributed to:
• Funding to implement Canada’s new marine conservation targets ($96.3 million);
• Funding to conserve Canada’s land and freshwater, protect species, advance Indigenous reconciliation and increase access to nature Project ($42.2 million); and
• Funding for the British Columbia Salmon Restoration and Innovation Fund and Quebec Fisheries Fund ($19.5 million).

None