British Columbia is home to some of the most iconic and unique species of plants and animals in Canada and as a resident of the North Shore, I know how deeply we appreciate nature in our community and our Province. We must acknowledge however that we are in a biodiversity crisis - species at risk have declined by an average of almost 60% in the last 50 years.

Of particular concern is the Spotted Owl - with only one breeding pair left in the wild, it is an endangered species, one that plays an important role in the old growth forests that it calls home. Bird population data is a crucial metric of ecosystem health. Historically, the decline of species like the Bald Eagle, or the Peregrine Falcon, have alerted researches to particular dangers within an ecosystem.

Without any support, the Spotted Owl has a very limited chance at recovery.

British Columbia and the Federal Government have had a long history of cooperation and collaboration on issues such as conservation, climate action and environmental protection. Now, we are continuing that record of achievement with a new bilateral Nature Agreement that would see $4 million in funding for strengthened conservation efforts province wide, including specific protections for the Spotted Owl.

As a part of this agreement, the provincial government has committed to an updated recovery plan for the Spotted Owl, and a strategy to release those currently living in captivity back into the wild. Crucially, the province has also agreed to defer any further timber harvesting in the Spuzzum and Utzlius Watersheds - a major habitat for the Spotted Owl and the home of the last known mating pair left in the wild.

This agreement will see a collaborative approach between Canada, British Columbia, Indigenous nations and other groups. Alongside new specific protections for the Spotted Owl, it will also pioneer new pilot projects to enhance our environmental protection programs. These projects will strengthen protection of endangered species and their habitats, and help build a comprehensive approach to our efforts against biodiversity loss.

Reinforcing our support for the Spotted Owl and strengthening our conservation program is a critical part of our work towards protecting 25% of our lands and oceans by 2025.

With this new bilateral agreement, the Federal and Provincial Governments are underlining a simple fact - the time to protect our natural ecosystems and fight biodiversity loss is now.