Species at Risk (SAR) Legislation & Program Renewal Project PFLA AGM June 8th, 2018 www.engage.gov.bc.ca/speciesatrisk/

Why a New Approach is Needed Current = inconsistent, risks federal intervention, internal challenges, generally poor results To date, governments have been challenged to develop truly effective SAR legislation because it requires… Real shared-stewardship and behaviour change, and Strong and well-supported leg/policy solutions that support implementation/stewardship We want to learn from our partners and stakeholders and build solutions with them

Key Lessons Learned (ON, Can.) High administrative burden & slow administrative process Intention for achieving better outcomes for SAR has sometimes been missed (where best to spend resources?) Need more focus on implementing recovery actions Legislated timelines should be more flexible Resulting in ‘consultation fatigue’ Risk of court challenges that further delay timelines Need more ‘off-ramps’ for difficult examples One size does not fit all. Legislation works for certain species but not for others (e.g. wide-ranging species with sig. consequences) Staff are putting energy into the process. Should be able prioritize efforts to where they will be most effective. 3

SAR Renewal Project: Building a Program… Mandate: Enact an endangered species law & harmonize other laws to ensure they are all working towards the goal of protecting our beautiful province Strategy & Governance Framework Sustainable Funding Model - adequate annual, long-term funding Legislative Framework - for SAR that will support positive conservation outcomes Supporting Policies & Implementation Framework Priorities for conservation Effective species recovery program Stewardship program Services & systems

Legislation Protection measures Assessment committee Protection measures Flexible options for specific situations Recovery strategies Consider socio – economic and cultural values Mitigation and conservation offsets Voluntary stewardship Incentives for stewardship and compliance Crown and private land Effective penalties for non-compliance Monitoring and Reporting Compliance Adequately recognizes Indigenous reconciliation

Working Principles stop the decline of B.C.’s most vulnerable species, and improve their status over time; engage Indigenous people and stakeholders throughout development of the legislation/regulations/policy; support vibrant communities and livelihoods; operate transparently, openly, and cooperatively; support sound decision-making; not use a lack of definitive scientific information as a reason to postpone species protection if there are significant threats; minimize administrative burden for government and those impacted by the legislation, to the extent possible.

Developing SAR Legislation for BC: an Open Policy Approach Overall Sub-project Objectives Develop species-at-risk legislation and an implementation plan that is effective, understood & well supported Build trust & support from Indigenous peoples, stakeholders, affected citizens and government counterparts Create an atmosphere of collaboration, iteration, & willingness to protect & recover species at risk over the long-term An open Policy Approach involves: Being open to new ideas Seeking solutions through… Understanding the needs of users Working with experts & engaging on new knowledge Involving citizens Being iterative – testing policy & improving as you progress

Current Focus = Engagement Multi-staged Approach Better understand people’s perspectives Identify potential impacts of the policy and hopefully find innovative solutions Refine solutions and ensure support for implementation Engagement Streams Focus on Indigenous peoples Focus on stakeholders Focus on public dialogue

Engaging with Indigenous Peoples Engagement started in spring 2018 (now) We are working with FLNR to engage through existing platforms and a series of ‘bundled’ regional workshops across the province These discussions will inform how we move forward with engagement beyond the workshops We will provide written materials & invite written feedback, phone calls, or participation in workshops

Engaging with Stakeholders & the Public Spring-Fall 2018 Bundled meetings with targeted stakeholders Multi-stakeholder workshop (next week) Public & stakeholder dialogue on Engage BC Fall 2018 Input from engagement with Indigenous peoples, stakeholders, & public will inform intentions paper Opportunity to comment on intentions paper Agriculture ENGO Forestry Local Government Mining Outdoor recreation Oil and Gas

Input and Involvement Via Formal/Informal Engagement Input to policy development through: June 13/14 workshop and feedback Formal submissions to Engage BC site Direct requests (like today) Input on intentions paper(s) Ongoing input into policies and regulations as developed

Questions/Discussion