Parks Canada Agency

Parks Canada Agency's Forward Regulatory Plan: April 1, 2019 – March 31, 2021

Regulations Amending the National Parks of Canada Wilderness Area Declaration Regulations (Riding Mountain National Park, La Mauricie National Park, Banff National Park, Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site and Prince Edward Island National Park)

Description of the objective

Enabling Act: Canada National Parks Act - Sub-section 14 (1)

Under the Act, any area of a national park or a national park reserve that exists in a natural state or that is capable of returning to a natural state may by regulation, be declared to be a wilderness area. The Minister may not authorize activities to be carried out in a wilderness area that are likely to impair the wilderness character of the area. Development and use that is inconsistent with the wilderness character is prohibited.

The proposed Regulations would add new wilderness areas in the following five national parks: Riding Mountain National Park (Manitoba), La Mauricie National Park (Quebec), Banff National Park (Alberta), Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site (Nova Scotia) and Prince Edward Island National Park (Prince Edward Island).

Indication of business impacts

There are no expected business impacts.

Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic, international)

The Parks Canada Agency is responsible for the management of lands and waters under its administration. Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic and international) do not apply to this proposed regulatory amendment (or regulations) as all proposed activities will be undertaken on Parks Canada lands and/or waters. The Parks Canada Agency continues to seek opportunities to work with municipal, provincial/ territorial, federal and international partners; as well as incorporate best practices from other jurisdictions in the development and modernization of the Agency’s regulatory suite.

These regulations do not fall under any specific formal regulatory work plan including, but not limited to: the Canadian Free Trade Agreement Regulatory Reconciliation and Cooperation Table, the Canadian-European Union Regulatory Cooperation Forum, and the Canada-United States Regulatory Cooperation Council.

Public consultation opportunities

Public consultations about the proposed wilderness areas were held during the development of the management plans for four of the national parks between 2007 and 2016 and the development of the Lake Louise Ski Area Site Guidelines in 2015. Members of Indigenous groups and communities located in or surrounding the national parks were included in all consultations.

The target date for pre-publication of the proposed amendments in the Canada Gazette, Part I, is Fall 2020, for a 60 day comment period.

For Further Information

• Riding Mountain National Park – 2007 Management Plan
• La Mauricie National Park – 2010 Management Plan
• Banff National Park – Lake Louise Ski Area Site Guidelines 2015
• Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site – 2010 Management Plan
• Prince Edward Island National Park – 2017 Management Plan

Departmental contact

Date the regulatory initiative was first included in the Forward Regulatory Plan

April 1, 2012

National Parks of Canada Wild Animal Regulations

Description of the objective

Enabling Act: Canada National Parks Act - Sub-section 16 (1)

Parks Canada is proposing National Parks of Canada Wild Animal Regulations to replace the current National Parks Wildlife Regulations. The National Parks of Canada Wildlife Regulations were developed in 1981 before the establishment of most national parks in northern Canada, and do not take into account economic commitments made under land claim agreements or increased visitation to northern parks where the risk of polar bear encounters is high.

The proposed amendments to the Regulations would:

1. Enhance protection of all wild animals and their dwelling places;
2. Respect obligations under various land claim agreements, impact and benefit agreements or park establishment agreements; and
3. Enhance visitor safety in national parks where polar bears are present by establishing certain categories of park users authorized to carry and use firearms for self-protection and the protection of others from bears.

Indication of business impacts

There may be business impacts. The "One-for-One" Rule and/or the Small Business Lens may apply.

Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic, international)

The Parks Canada Agency is responsible for the management of lands and waters under its administration. Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic and international) do not apply to this proposed regulatory amendment (or regulations) as all proposed activities will be undertaken on Parks Canada lands and/or waters. The Parks Canada Agency continues to seek opportunities to work with municipal, provincial/ territorial, federal and international partners; as well as incorporate best practices from other jurisdictions in the development and modernization of the Agency’s regulatory suite.

These regulations do not fall under any specific formal regulatory work plan including, but not limited to: the Canadian Free Trade Agreement Regulatory Reconciliation and Cooperation Table, the Canadian-European Union Regulatory Cooperation Forum, and the Canada-United States Regulatory Cooperation Council.

Public consultation opportunities

During 2011, extensive consultations were held with key stakeholders across Canada and communities in Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, the Yukon, Labrador and northern Manitoba. The public was also invited to provide on-line comments through a Parks Canada consultation website.

There will be further opportunity for consultation on the proposed amendments after publication in the Canada Gazette, Part I. The target date for pre-publication of the proposed amendments in the Canada Gazette, Part I, is Spring 2020, for a 60 day comment period.

Departmental contact

Date the regulatory initiative was first included in the Forward Regulatory Plan

April 1, 2012

Land Use Management Regulations

Description of the objective

Enabling Act: Canada National Parks Act - Sub-section 16 (1)

The four major national parks regulations that govern the standards and processes for construction and renovation in national parks (National Parks Building Regulations, National Parks of Canada Cottages Regulations, National Parks Signs Regulations, and the Town of Jasper Zoning Regulations) need to be updated to reflect current construction codes and to ensure consistency with comparable processes elsewhere in Canada. The Land Use Management Regulations would consolidate provisions of the existing regulations.

The proposed regulations would provide an open and transparent planning permit process for redevelopment proposals in areas already designated for recreational and visitor services. It would provide updated compliance and enforcement tools, revised zoning standards, and clear opportunities for public input throughout the permit process, to ensure consistency with municipal and provincial/territorial approaches from across Canada.

Indication of business impacts

There may be business impacts. The "One-for-One" Rule and/or the Small Business Lens may apply.

Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic, international)

The Parks Canada Agency is responsible for the management of lands and waters under its administration. Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic and international) do not apply to this proposed regulatory amendment (or regulations) as all proposed activities will be undertaken on Parks Canada lands and/or waters. The Parks Canada Agency continues to seek opportunities to work with municipal, provincial/ territorial, federal and international partners; as well as incorporate best practices from other jurisdictions in the development and modernization of the Agency’s regulatory suite.

These regulations do not fall under any specific formal regulatory work plan including, but not limited to: the Canadian Free Trade Agreement Regulatory Reconciliation and Cooperation Table, the Canadian-European Union Regulatory Cooperation Forum, and the Canada-United States Regulatory Cooperation Council.

Public consultation opportunities

Over the summer and fall 2018, Parks Canada conducted extensive public consultations, based on a discussion paper of land use planning best practices, in order to determine key principles stakeholders wished to see reflected in new regulations. These conversations included online engagement as well as in-person meetings across a broad selection of Parks Canada places. Consultation material, as well as a What We Heard Report is available online. There will be an opportunity for the public to provide further input on draft regulations and interpretative guidelines once they have been prepared.

The target date for pre-publication of the proposed amendments in the Canada Gazette, Part I, is Spring 2020, for a 60 day comment period.

For further information
National planning permit process - About the consultations

Departmental contact

Date the regulatory initiative was first included in the Forward Regulatory Plan

April 1, 2012

Regulations Amending the National Parks of Canada Fishing Regulations

Description of the objective

Enabling Act: Canada National Parks Act - Sub-section 16 (1)

Amendments to the Regulations are required periodically to reflect changes in the aquatic ecosystem and conservation strategies to maintain sustainable populations of fish species in national parks. Amendments are also required to update technical terms and reflect the establishment of new national parks and obligations in new park establishment agreements.

Indication of business impacts

There are no expected business impacts.

Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic, international)

The Parks Canada Agency is responsible for the management of lands and waters under its administration. Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic and international) do not apply to this proposed regulatory amendment (or regulations) as all proposed activities will be undertaken on Parks Canada lands and/or waters. The Parks Canada Agency continues to seek opportunities to work with municipal, provincial/ territorial, federal and international partners; as well as incorporate best practices from other jurisdictions in the development and modernization of the Agency’s regulatory suite.

These regulations do not fall under any specific formal regulatory work plan including, but not limited to: the Canadian Free Trade Agreement Regulatory Reconciliation and Cooperation Table, the Canadian-European Union Regulatory Cooperation Forum, and the Canada-United States Regulatory Cooperation Council.

Public consultation opportunities

Parks Canada will be seeking input from interested Canadians on the proposed Regulations. Consultations will include communications with key stakeholders and opportunities for the public to comment on-line through a Parks Canada consultation website.

The target date for pre-publication of the proposed amendments in the Canada Gazette, Part I, is Winter 2020, for a 60 day comment period.

Departmental contact

Date the regulatory initiative was first included in the Forward Regulatory Plan

October 1, 2013

National Marine Conservation Areas General Regulations

Description of the objective

Enabling Act: Canada National Marine Conservation Areas Act, 2002

New general regulations for marine conservation areas under the Canada National Marine Conservations Areas Act would provide clear requirements and expectations for the management of marine conservation areas; including with respect to: issuing permits, leases and licenses; the protection of ecosystems and elements of ecosystems; protection of cultural resources; and restricting or prohibiting activities for conservation or public safety purposes.

Indication of business impacts

There may be business impacts. The "One-for-One" Rule and/or the Small Business Lens may apply.

Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic, international)

The Parks Canada Agency is responsible for the management of lands and waters under its administration. Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic and international) do not apply to this proposed regulatory amendment (or regulations) as all proposed activities will be undertaken on Parks Canada lands and/or waters. The Parks Canada Agency continues to seek opportunities to work with municipal, provincial/ territorial, federal and international partners; as well as incorporate best practices from other jurisdictions in the development and modernization of the Agency’s regulatory suite.

These regulations do not fall under any specific formal regulatory work plan including, but not limited to: the Canadian Free Trade Agreement Regulatory Reconciliation and Cooperation Table, the Canadian-European Union Regulatory Cooperation Forum, and the Canada-United States Regulatory Cooperation Council.

Public consultation opportunities

Parks Canada will seek input from interested Canadians on the proposed Regulations. Consultations will include communications with key stakeholders in marine conservation area communities.

The target date for pre-publication of the proposed amendments in the Canada Gazette, Part I, is Fall 2020, for a 60 day comment period.

Departmental contact

Date the regulatory initiative was first included in the Forward Regulatory Plan

April 1, 2017

Heritage Wreck Regulations

Description of the objective

Enabling Act: Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act (assented to February 28, 2019, coming into force July 2019), Section 131 (1)

The Wrecked, Abandoned or Hazardous Vessels Act (WAHVA) authorizes the Minister responsible for Parks Canada and the Minister of Transport to jointly recommend the making of regulations respecting the protection and preservation of wrecks that have heritage value. There is currently no legal protection at the federal level for heritage wrecks in Canadian waters.

The proposed regulations would provide legal protection for heritage wrecks in all Canadian waters and would:

1. Define wrecks or classes of wrecks that have heritage value, including ocean war graves;
2. Create a framework of protections to preserve wrecks of heritage value, including ocean war graves;
3. Define permitting requirements for activities directed at heritage wreck; and
4. Authorize the designation of enforcement officers and specify their powers.

Indication of business impacts

There may be business impacts. The "One-for-One" Rule and/or the Small Business Lens may apply.

Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic, international)

The Parks Canada Agency and Transport Canada have joint regulation making authority for the protection of heritage wreck in Canadian waters. The Parks Canada Agency and Transport Canada continue to seek opportunities to work with municipal, provincial/ territorial, Indigenous, federal and international partners; as well as incorporate best practices from other jurisdictions in these regulations.

These regulations do not fall under any specific formal regulatory work plan including, but not limited to: the Canadian Free Trade Agreement Regulatory Reconciliation and Cooperation Table, the Canadian-European Union Regulatory Cooperation Forum, and the Canada-United States Regulatory Cooperation Council.

Public consultation opportunities

Authorities to make regulations for the protection of heritage wrecks were previously included under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 (CSA, 2001). Consultations on proposed regulations were held in 2004-2005 with provinces and territories.

Parks Canada will recommence work on the proposed regulations with the updated authorities under WAHVA, and seek input from interested Canadians through public to be held in 2019. Consultations will include communications with the Provinces / Territories and key stakeholders, and opportunities for the public to comment on-line through a Parks Canada consultation website.

There will be further opportunity for consultation on the proposed regulations following pre-publication in the Canada Gazette, Part I. The target date for pre-publication of the proposed amendments in the Canada Gazette, Part I, is Winter 2020, for a 75 day comment period.

Departmental contact

Date the regulatory initiative was first included in the Forward Regulatory Plan

April 1st, 2018

Ministerial Orders to Protect Critical Habitat on Lands under Parks Canada Agency's Management not described in the Canada National Parks Act

Description of the objective

Enabling Act: Species at Risk Act, 2002 (SARA)

Critical habitat is the habitat necessary for the survival or recovery of a listed endangered, threatened or extirpated species on Schedule 1 of SARA. SARA requires that the critical habitat of all listed species, when found on federal lands, be legally protected against destruction within 180 days after it is identified in a finalized SARA recovery strategy or action plan.

From time to time, Parks Canada will make Ministerial Orders to protect critical habitat on lands that are under the Agency's authority, but that are not described under the Canada National Parks Act.

Indication of business impacts

There may be business impacts. The "One-for-One" and/or the Small Business Lens may apply.

Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic, international)

The Parks Canada Agency, Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans are responsible for the protection of critical habitat of threatened or endangered species under the Species at Risk Act. Regulatory cooperation with domestic (municipal, provincial/ territorial, federal) partners are sought on a case-by-case basis in accordance with obligations under the Act.

These regulations do not fall under any specific formal regulatory work plan including, but not limited to: the Canadian Free Trade Agreement Regulatory Reconciliation and Cooperation Table, the Canadian-European Union Regulatory Cooperation Forum, and the Canada-United States Regulatory Cooperation Council.

Public consultations opportunities

The recovery documents that identify critical habitat are prepared in cooperation with affected decision makers (e.g., other departments, provincial, territorial and First Nation governments) and in consultation with landowners and other directly affected persons (e.g., municipal governments, lease holders).

Parks Canada will consult with Indigenous groups and key stakeholders in the development of Ministerial Orders before and after publication in the Canada Gazette, Part I. These consultations are anticipated to occur during the 2019-2021 time period. The nature and extent of consultations will depend upon the cultural significance of the species and the potential economic impact the designation and protection of critical habitat could have upon activities in national parks.

The proposed Ministerial Orders will be published in the Canada Gazette, Part I. The requirements for putting forward a Ministerial Order for protecting critical habitat are set out in the enabling legislation.

As the files are ongoing, target dates for publication follow legislative requirements following the identification of critical habitat.

For further information

Species at risk public registry

Departmental contact

Date the regulatory initiative was first included in the Forward Regulatory Plan

April 1, 2014

Miscellaneous Amendment Regulations to Address Concerns of the Standing Joint Committee for the Scrutiny of Regulations

Description of the objectives

Enabling Act: Canada National Parks Act, 2000

On an ongoing basis, the Standing Joint Committee for the Scrutiny of Regulations reviews Parks Canada regulations for errors, omissions, discrepancies, and Official Language concordance. Issues identified by the Committee are brought to the attention of the Parks Canada Agency and amendments to the regulations will be made, as deemed necessary, to address the recommendations of the Committee.

The purpose of the Miscellaneous Amendment Regulations to Address Concerns of the Standing Joint Committee for the Scrutiny of Regulations is to make clarifications and corrections to provisions within existing regulations and to make the links between sections of various regulations more apparent. They are also intended to clarify and facilitate the interpretation of Parks Canada regulations in order to ensure sound management of protected heritage places.

Indication of business impacts

There are no expected business impacts.

Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic, international)

The Parks Canada Agency is responsible for the management of lands and waters under its administration. Regulatory cooperation with domestic (municipal, provincial/ territorial, federal) partners are sought on a case-by-case basis with respect to recommendations on Parks Canada Agency regulations from the Standing Joint Committee for the Scrutiny of Regulations.

These regulations do not fall under any specific formal regulatory work plan including, but not limited to: the Canadian Free Trade Agreement Regulatory Reconciliation and Cooperation Table, the Canadian-European Union Regulatory Cooperation Forum, and the Canada-United States Regulatory Cooperation Council.

Public consultation opportunities

These amendments to the regulations would not be controversial and are generally “housekeeping” in nature, addressing items identified by the Standing Joint Committee for the Scrutiny of Regulations. No public consultation on the proposals under the Miscellaneous Amendment Regulations to Address Concerns of the Standing Joint Committee for the Scrutiny of Regulations are required.

The proposed amendments will be published in the Canada Gazette, Part II. As the Committee’s work is ongoing, target dates for publication are to be determined.

For further information

Information on the Standing Joint Committee for the Scrutiny of Regulations

Departmental contact

Date the regulatory initiative was first included in the Forward Regulatory Plan

April 1, 2012

Consult the Parks Canada Agency’s Acts and Regulations web page for:

• a list of acts and regulations administered by the Parks Canada Agency
• further information on the Parks Canada Agency’s implementation of government-wide regulatory management initiatives

Consult the following for links to the Cabinet Directive on Regulation and supporting policies and guidance, and for information on government-wide regulatory initiatives implemented by departments and agencies across the Government of Canada:

• Federal regulatory management
• Learn more about regulatory cooperation

To learn about upcoming or ongoing consultations on proposed federal regulations, visit:

Consulting with Canadians