Wildlife Act Review

Fish, wildlife and habitat conservation in British Columbia is significantly underfunded, with current investments falling far short of what is needed to protect and restore ecosystems across the province
Protecting Wildlife Habitat
Protecting wildlife and habitat in British Columbia

300,000+ British Columbians

The strength of our advocacy comes from our diversity. By bringing together traditionally separate groups under a shared respect for nature, we ensure that the provincial government hears the collective voice of BC’s outdoor community. Healthy habitats mean abundant wildlife, thriving fish populations, and a vibrant future for outdoor recreation.
BC Nature
Fraser Valley Salmon Society
Ducks Unlimited Canada
BCWF
28
Organizations

Why We Need Dedicated, Stable Funding for Wildlife

The Wildlife Act must establish conservation of wildlife and habitat as a legislated objective that guides decisions across government. Equally important is the establishment of a dedicated conservation fund. Fish, wildlife and habitat conservation in British Columbia is significantly underfunded, with current investments falling far short of what is needed to protect and restore ecosystems across the province. 

Our asks are:

  • Legislated Objectives for Wildlife and Habitat
  • Dedicated, Stable Funding
  • Independent Science, Transparency, and Clarity
  • Governance Reform and Accountability
  • Wildlife Stewardship Council
  • Fraser Valley Angling Guide Association
  • BC Fishing Tourism Association
  • Commercial Bear Viewing Association
  • British Columbia Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers
  • BC Trappers Association
  • Fraser Valley Salmon Society
  • Watershed Watch Salmon Society
  • Wilderness Tourism Association of BC
  • BC Federation of Fly Fishers
  • Traditional Bowhunters of BC
  • Coast to Cascades Grizzley Bear Intiative
  • Wildsight
  • The Steelhead Society of British Columbia
  • Outdoor Recreation Council of BC
  • WSSBC
  • United Bowhunters of BC
  • Guide Outfitters Association of BC
  • CPAWS BC
  • BC Federation of Drift Fishers
  • BC Nature
  • Yellowstone to Yukon
  • Hunters for BC
  • Great River Fishing
  • Ducks Unlimited Canada
  • Raincoast Conservation Foundation
  • BCWF
  • Skeena Wild

1. Legislated Objectives for Wildlife and Habitat

Core Position: The Wildlife Act must establish conservation of wildlife and habitat as a legislated objective that guides decisions across government.

Key Asks:

  • Legislated objectives that allow the Wildlife Act to influence activities impacting habitat
  • Include cumulative effects assessments in setting objectives
  • Create species density objectives per wildlife population unit
  • Regulatory framework based on umbrella species that triggers government action, including mandated monitoring and enforcement

2. Dedicated, Stable Funding

Core Position: Modern wildlife legislation requires more predictable, dedicated funding that links provincial revenue to provincial expenditure on wildlife and habitat.

Key Asks:

  • Use HCTF as a robust conservation fund under the Wildlife Act
    • What does it do? Restoration, research, conservation, enhancement, on-the-ground stewardship – making things better for fish and wildlife
    • What does it NOT do? Inventory, monitoring, planning, provincial responsibilities
  • Direct key revenues (licenses, fines, commercial use fees) into this fund
  • Follow through with the promise to double the license surcharge flowing to HCTF
  • Follow through on MWAC recommendations for funding needs (e.g., Together for Wildlife, Conservation Lands Program)
  • Explore new forms of funding (e.g., industry charges, fines, hotel tax…) to direct revenue to wildlife conservation

3. Independent Science, Transparency, and Clarity

Core Position: Wildlife decisions must be based on transparent, independent science.

Key Asks:

  • Allow for/encourage multiple independent data sources beyond provincial government data sets when making wildlife decisions. 
  • Improve data access and establish stronger vetting procedures to assess the quality and credibility of scientific data used
    • Create an independent review or screening mechanism to avoid “data wars” where government, industry, or other parties fund competing low-quality or biased science
  • Clarity on ambiguous and/or outdated terms within the Act (e.g., critical wildlife habitat, wildlife harassment, hunting expedition, ownership of/rights to wildlife) 
  • Transparent process for reconciling conflicting data sources (government, industry, Indigenous).
  • Define minimum standards for wildlife inventory and monitoring

4. Governance Reform and Accountability

Core Position: Wildlife governance must be transparent, accountable, and inclusive.

Key Asks:

  • Defined decision authorities and clear lines of responsibility
  • Formal advisory roles for stakeholder groups
  • Province-wide consistency in guidelines and interpretation
  • Clear communication between federal and provincial species at risk listings, accountability to action on species at risk
  • Commitment to the creation of species at risk legislation
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Our Partners Span British Columbia

The Fish, Wildlife and Habitat Coalition of BC is comprised of multidisciplinary experts whose diverse knowledge and experience strengthen conservation efforts across the province. We are 28 organizations representing more than 300,000 British Columbians. Take a look at our partners' list and discover how you are represented!
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