MBP E-Newsletter June 10/2022 by ManitobaBeefProducers

E-Newsletter dsfsfa An update from MBP June 10, 2022

mbbeef.ca

Stop Health Canada’s proposed front-ofpackage labelling for ground beef

It’s good for the economy. Canadian farmers and ranchers produce high-quality, nutritious, accessible and affordable ground beef, feeding Canadian families and providing them with the necessary nutrients to stay healthy. THE ISSUE Health Canada’s warning label is inconsistent.

Health Canada is proposing regulations that would require ground beef sold in stores to carry a “high in” saturated fat warning label. This could lead consumers to believe that ground beef is unhealthy when in fact, it’s a nutrient-rich, wholesome source of protein that Canadians rely on. Ground beef is a foundational food for Canadian families and a staple in households from coast to coast to coast. It’s one of the most affordable, convenient, and accessible sources of proteins available to Canadians. Now, more than ever, we need to ensure Canadians continue to have access to affordable, accessible, and whole, nutritious foods, like ground beef. With inflation costs and food prices rising, we can’t afford Health Canada’s proposed warning label on ground beef. It risks affordability and has far-reaching negative economic and nutritional impacts on Canadians, especially the most vulnerable. THE FACTS It’s good for you. Ground beef is a nutrient-dense protein that contributes iron, zinc, vitamin B12, and other essential nutrients that our bodies rely on. Canadians rely on ground beef to feed their families because it’s affordable, accessible, and nutrient-rich.

Health Canada wants to put a warning label on ground beef, a natural whole food offering consumers a source of vital nutrients, including fats. At the same time, some highly processed, sugary and high in saturated fat foods like soda, chips and cookies are exempt from Health Canada’s labels. It doesn’t make sense. No other country is doing it. No other country has required single-ingredient products like beef to have warning labels. If Health Canada succeeds with its label, Canada will be the only jurisdiction in the world to place a health warning label on ground beef. It will negatively impact consumer health. Health Canada’s objective is to increase consumer health, but reductions in ground beef consumption will not impact Canadians’ overall saturated fat intake. Ground beef is a minor contributor to the overall saturated fat Canadians are consuming. Instead, it will affect the most vulnerable populations, including women and children, who require important nutrients from ground beef. TAKE ACTION Join thousands of Canadians fighting for Canadian farmers and ranchers and opposing warning labels on the ground beef we love.

For reliable information and resources please visit:

The Disaster Financial Assistance Program and Livestock Losses On May 9, 2022 the Manitoba government announced Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) related to damages to infrastructure, private residences, farms or small businesses due to spring flooding. DFA will also assist with verified livestock losses. The following information has been provided by the provincial government and Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) to help producers as they consider making a claim under the DFA program. •

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DFA will provide assistance to farms that have experienced livestock losses as a result of spring flooding in 2022. To qualify for DFA, your farm must have yearly gross revenues of between $10,000 and $2 million and employ no more than 20 full time workers. It must be an owner-operated business and the owner-operator must be the day-to-day manager. The farm cannot be a hobby farm. In the DFA application form, producers should note the number and types of cattle lost, e.g. calves, fed steers, fed heifers, bulls, etc. Under the DFA program criteria, a veterinary certificate is required to verify that the losses were a direct result of the event. This is non-negotiable. o Note: The cost to obtain the veterinary certificate can be submitted as a DFA eligible cost o For losses that happened some time ago, the producer should contact their veterinarian, explain the situation, and obtain the needed certificate. Manitoba Beef Producers has helped develop a template that vets can use to support the producer’s DFA application and this information is being circulated to them. In the veterinary certificate the cause of loss needs to be attributed to the ‘2022 spring flood’ and the date of loss should be stated. This form is also available on the “DFA for Farm” page on the EMO website under “Step 2: Apply and mandatory documents.” See: https://www.gov.mb.ca/emo/dfa/farm.html Assistance for livestock losses will be calculated as follows: o Is based on the Wildlife Damage Compensation program for predation losses (MASC). See: https://www.masc.mb.ca/masc.nsf/fact_sheet_679_wildlife_damage_livestock.html o Will provide a price per pound for livestock losses. The price is based on the Canfax value on the date of loss (www.canfax.ca) o Different types of cattle are priced differently on Canfax, so therefore the farm will need to provide details on the type of livestock that were lost as well as the animal’s weight. o For calf losses, the compensation will provide assistance based on a 500 lb. cow. Producers should also examine the DFA eligibility criteria related to infrastructure damage to determine if there are any other losses for which they may be eligible to seek compensation. You have 90 days from the announcement of a DFA program to submit an application form to Manitoba EMO. The application deadline for the spring 2022 DFA program is August 8, 2022. For complete program details and to download the DFA application form, go to: https://www.gov.mb.ca/emo/dfa/farm.html Frequently asked questions about DFA: https://www.gov.mb.ca/emo/dfa/faq.html To view a video on how to apply for DFA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0S_STwXlP0 For upcoming program webinars see: https://www.gov.mb.ca/emo/pdfs/2022_dfa_webinars_pr.pdf For other inquiries contact Manitoba’s Emergency Measures organization as follows: o Toll Free: 1-888-267-8298 Fax: (204) 945-4929 Email: dfa@gov.mb.ca

Premier Heather Stefanson Announces New Minister of Natural Resources and Northern Development (June 9, 2022 Province of Manitoba News Release)

Premier Heather Stefanson welcomed one new member to the provincial cabinet following a swearing-in ceremony at the Manitoba Legislative Building. Greg Nesbitt, MLA for Riding Mountain, enters cabinet as minister of natural resources and northern development. “I am excited to welcome Greg to our cabinet team,” said Stefanson. “Minister Nesbitt is longtime business owner and community leader and understands the importance rural economic development plays in building a strong and vibrant province. I am confident Minister Nesbitt will play an important role as we continue with our efforts for economic recovery and growth and building hope and opportunity for all Manitobans.” The announcement follows the resignation of former minister Scott Fielding. The premier thanked Fielding for his years of service as a cabinet minister and wished him well as he explores new opportunities in the private sector.

Greg Nesbitt’s Biography Greg Nesbitt was first elected as the MLA for Riding Mountain in September 2016 and reelected in April 2019. He has previously served as the legislative assistant to the minister of health, seniors and active living. Nesbitt is a long-time business owner, community leader and volunteer, and is passionate about creating opportunities for young families to establish roots in rural Manitoba. Nesbitt owned and published newspapers in the Riding Mountain area for over 40 years and has a long history of involvement with both the Manitoba and Canadian community newspapers associations. Nesbitt has served in a variety of leadership roles within the community including as a founding member of the Shoal Lake Regional Airport Authority, long-time coach and manager of various local minor and senior hockey teams, and volunteer firefighter with the Shoal Lake Fire Department. Nesbitt resides in Shoal Lake with his partner and is a proud father and grandfather.

tuesday, June 28th

Mulvihill AMCP Community Pasture

Pasture Manager: MBP Organizer:

Justin Hogue 204-214-0107 Ray Bittner 204-768-0010

MANITOBA BEEF PRODUCERS

Predation Management 2022 Field Days SPONSORED BY

Manitoba Beef Producers Livestock Predation Prevention Pilot Project TIME:

Manitoba Trappers Association (MTA) Trapper: Randy Sigurdson

10:00 AM to Noon

• Traps, techniques and tips required to remove predators in summer and out of pelt season.

DIRECTIONS:

• What you can do as a land owner to make the trapping process more successful

On PTH #6 go north to Mulvihill. Turn east on Road 133N and go 4.5 km east to Road 28 W, 2.5 km north. GPS 50.9851, -98.1159 SNACKS AND DRINKS WILL BE PROVIDED

Manitoba Conservation Officer and Wildlife Biologist • Know your legal rights as landowner to defend your property from predators. • Predator removal permit process • Biology of predators and their habits

MASC Adjustor: TBA • The process of making a successful claim for lost or injured livestock • How to determine what predator is responsible

Problem Predator Removal Program Details • Manitoba supports MTA trappers to come to your farm to remove predators that have caused property loss or risk.

For more information of the Livestock Predation Prevention Project and other Risk Mitigation Practices please visit https://mbbeef.ca/

CONTACT Raymond Bittner, Livestock Predation Lead Manitoba Beef Producers rbittner@mbbeef.ca | 204-768-0010

All livestock producers and trappers are

WELCOME. When predators take a bite out of your livestock,

WHAT DO YOU DO? Topics being covered include: • How to get compensated for predator losses (MASC) • Know your legal rights to defend your property from predators (Manitoba Conservation) • Gain insights into predator behavior (Manitoba Conservation wildlife biologist) • Problem Predator Removal Program (Manitoba program) • Trapper advice on how to make predator removal more successful (Manitoba Trappers Association)

Local Events Community Pastures

Note: Events are outdoors in field, so bring all-weather clothes.

Tuesday, June 21st

Ethelbert AMCP Community Pasture

Ukraina Corrals

Pasture Manager: Warren Jacobson 204-742-3295 MBP Organizer: Ray Bittner 204-768-0010

TIME:

Manitoba Trappers Association (MTA) Trapper: Gord Hannibal

Thursday, June 23rd pansy Community Pasture

Pasture Manager: MBP Organizer:

Dick Schroeder 204-427-3133 Ray Bittner 204-768-0010

TIME:

Manitoba Trappers Association (MTA) Trapper: Chris Lund

10:00 AM to Noon

• Traps, techniques and tips required to remove predators in summer and out of pelt season.

10:00 AM to Noon

• Traps, techniques and tips required to remove predators in summer and out of pelt season.

DIRECTIONS:

• What you can do as a land owner to make the trapping process more successful

DIRECTIONS:

• What you can do as a land owner to make the trapping process more successful

AMCP Corrals On PR# 273, 5 KM east of Hwy #10, South side OR AMCP Corrals on PR#273, 19km east of HWY #20 South side. GPS 51.4490, -100.2875 SNACKS AND DRINKS WILL BE PROVIDED

MASC Adjustor: TBA • The process of making a successful claim for lost or injured livestock

On Hwy 59 south of St Malo, 1 km south of Rosa Hall, Hall. Turn east on Road 16 N, go 5.5 km, corrals on north side. GPS 49.2370, 96.7473

• How to determine what predator is responsible

Problem Predator Removal Program Details • Manitoba supports MTA trappers to come to your farm to remove predators that have caused property loss or risk.

Livestock Producers attending will be registered to win a

$300 Vet Consultation and Assessment

MASC Adjustor: TBA • The process of making a successful claim for lost or injured livestock • How to determine what predator is responsible

SNACKS AND DRINKS WILL BE PROVIDED

Problem Predator Removal Program Details • Manitoba supports MTA trappers to come to your farm to remove predators that have caused property loss or risk.

Annual Forages for Greenfeed, Silage and Grazing season crops and are higher yielding compared to proso millets. Both foxtail and proso types are suitable for hay/green feed production, providing excellent quality feed when cut at the proper stage, shortly after heading. However, during cool years, barley and oats will typically produce higher forage yields than millet. (June 10, 2022 information supplied by Manitoba Agriculture) In 2021, Manitoba was quite dry with large

areas of agro Manitoba receiving 52-76 percent normal precipitation, and 96-121 percent of normal heat units. This year has been the opposite with above average precipitation falling across all of Manitoba and some areas have received over 300 percent normal rains in May. To help manage the wet conditions and delayed seeding, livestock producers can grow annual forage crops that can be cut for silage, greenfeed or used for grazing. Planting annual cereal crops for green feed or silage is an option for late season planting. They can provide high energy feed for livestock within a reasonable period of time. Cereals can be used for summer pasture within 4 to 6 weeks of seeding, however, it is important to graze above plant growing points to maintain quick regrowth. If moisture removal is the main objective this summer, harvesting the crop as greenfeed, silage, or swath grazing is recommended. Post-harvest regrowth can provide late season grazing; however, regrowth is dependent on sufficient moisture and fertility availability. Annual crops are more efficient moisture users compared to their thirsty perennial forage cousins. Corn needs three inches of water to produce one tonne of dry matter compared to over six inches for alfalfa and timothy. Barley needs about four inches and oats is just under five inches of water used per tonne of dry matter yield produced. This is why during the recent dry years, annual forage crops still yielded reasonably well but the perennial forage crops suffered more. Plants such as corn, millet and sorghum are warm season crops that have the best heat tolerance, and are the most efficient users of moisture and nitrogen when compared to annual cool season cereals commonly grown for feed. Millets have produced excellent forage yields in Manitoba when hot July and August temperatures are experienced. Foxtail millets are longer

When growing annual crops, earlier seeding usually produces higher yields, whether it is being grown for silage or for grain. Corn is a very high yielding crop that can be grown for silage or grazing but requires optimal fertility and weed control and a longer growing season. Oats, barley or triticale can be grown for greenfeed, silage or swathed for grazing. Seeding a mix of a winter cereal and a spring cereal can be used for grazing in the spring or it can be cut for greenfeed and the winter cereal will regrow and can be grazed later in the summer/fall. Fall rye and winter wheat are typically used for grazing since their regrowth is much better than spring cereals. Winter cereals are not the best option for producing greenfeed or silage because they require an over-wintering period to produce tillers and to head out. Adding cover crops or Italian rye grass to the cereals will provide more forage for later summer or fall grazing. Higher sugar levels and a lower buffering capacity (less calcium) makes it easier to convert annual forage crops into well fermented silage. Perennial forages can be ensiled but conditions have to be closer to ideal to make a high quality feed. Harvesting annual forage crops Annual crops harvested on a timely basis make excellent quality feed and may be harvested as a greenfeed, chopped silage or a baled silage. Advantages of harvesting feed as silage include: 1) lower nitrate levels by 30-50%, 2) silage harvest is less weather dependent, and 3) less field and storage/weathering losses. Harvesting cereals for greenfeed or silage at the optimal time will maximize quality and yield. Most annual crops (barley, triticale) should be harvested at early dough stage or late milk (oats) when being cut for forage. The days required for maturity for forage harvesting will be approximately 10 days to two weeks earlier than for grain harvest with barley maturing the earliest followed by oats and then triticale.

Annual Forages for Greenfeed, Silage and Grazing Optimal harvest stage for annual crops cut for greenfeed or silage Crop Oats Barley Spring or Fall Rye Triticale Spring or Winter Wheat Foxtail Millet Peas

Proper harvest stage Late milk Soft dough Early dough Soft dough Early dough Early heading First pods wrinkle

Sorghum sudangrass July 20, 2021 at Manitoba Crop Development Centre (MCDC) near Carberry

MCVET Annual Forage trial at Carberry’s MCDC In 2021 Manitoba Agriculture conducted four research trials one at each of the Crop Diversification Centres near Arborg, Roblin, Melita and Carberry to compare the yield and quality of a number of annual crops grown for feed. We would like to thank the dedicated staff at each of those locations for carrying out this research work. As well we would like to thank our partners on the project the Manitoba Beef Producers, Manitoba Seed Growers Association and the Manitoba Crop Variety Evaluation Team (MCVET). You can find last year’s results on page # 113 of the 2022 Seed Manitoba guide.

For more information contact your nearest Manitoba Agriculture office or Shawn Cabak at 204-239-3353 or shawn.cabak@gov.mb.ca

Manitoba Government Provides Additional $3 Million Investment in Watershed Districts Program (June 10, 2022 Province of Manitoba News Release)

The Manitoba Government is increasing its investment by $3 million in the important work of Manitoba’s Watershed Districts Program, Environment, Climate and Parks Minister Jeff Wharton announced. “Our government is proud to support the Watershed Districts Program, which plays a vital role in building Manitoba’s climate resiliency and improving the health of our watersheds,” said Wharton. “We are pleased to partner with our 14 Watershed Districts in this successful program, which is essential to ensuring prudent management of Manitoba’s water resources.” The Watershed Districts Program is a voluntary partnership between Manitoba and municipal governments based on local, grassroots decision-making, the minister noted. This year, the province will expand program support by $570,000, for a total of $6.443 million. The Manitoba government is also establishing the Manitoba Watershed Districts Capacity Fund, administered in trust by The Winnipeg Foundation. Annual revenues from this new $2.5 million fund will provide a stable source of funding to support technical work, operations, communications, governance and watershed planning efforts for districts and the Manitoba Association of Watersheds. “Manitoba Association of Watersheds (MAW) is proud to support watershed districts and appreciates the establishment of the Manitoba Watershed Districts Capacity Fund,” said Garry Wasylowski, MAW board chair. “Part of our vision is to ensure that Manitoba’s watershed districts have the tools and

resources they need to be effective managers of water and land throughout the province, and this newly established fund is a critical resource to help us accomplish this goal.” The establishment of the new fund, along with the increased program funding, build on the Manitoba government’s previous commitments to watershed districts. As of April, 109 municipalities were partners in the program, covering 88,438 square kilometres of municipal Manitoba. In addition, the minister highlighted the release of a new video showcasing Growing Outcomes in Watersheds (GROW) projects implemented by producers in four watershed districts at https://youtu.be/EF5TxanLyBA. “Without the hard work of participating producers and local watershed districts, these and many other local GROW projects would not be possible,” Wharton said. “The new video is an important communication tool for the province, districts and producers to share information on our collaborative work through GROW to improve water quality, build resilience to flood and drought, sequester carbon and enhance wildlife habitat.” As the local delivery agents for GROW, watershed districts provide agricultural producers with opportunities to enhance ecological goods and services on working landscapes. “We are seeing more extreme events from last year’s drought to this year’s spring rains and floods,” said Harold Janzen, member, Seine Rat Roseau Watershed District. “When the government announced GROW, for us, it was gold, as we now have a program that is

Manitoba Government Provides Additional $3 Million Investment in Watershed Districts Program sustainable and provides a significant boost in long-term funding. Recent expansion efforts by Manitoba furthers our ability to deliver watershed-based programming to more landowners in Manitoba.”

More information on the Watershed Districts Program including GROW delivery is available at www.manitobawatersheds.ca.

Canada Invests $11.3 Million To Increase Biodiversity Conservation In UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, Including Riding Mountain Biosphere Reserve (June 10, 2022 Environment and Climate Change Canada News Release) All Canadians depend on

nature for clean water to drink and air to breathe, food to eat, and quality spaces to enjoy outdoors. The rapid decline of biodiversity undermines the foundations of the Canadian economy, food security, health, and quality of life. Stopping biodiversity loss is vital in its own right, but it is also vital to protect species at risk; combat climate change; and rebuild a strong, sustainable economy. Today, Julie Dabrusin, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources and to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, on behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, announced that the Government of Canada will invest $11.3 million over three years from Canada’s Enhanced Nature Legacy to increase biodiversity conservation efforts in nineteen UNESCO biosphere reserves across Canada. These biosphere reserves range from Clayoquot Sound in British Columbia to Riding Mountain in Manitoba, Ontario’s Niagara Escarpment, the Manicouagan-Uapishka Biosphere Reserve in the Baie-Comeau region of Quebec, and New Brunswick’s Fundy Biosphere Reserve. Over the next three years, partners will work together to restore, maintain, and enhance biodiversity conservation in the buffer zones— the areas surrounding the core protected areas—of each biosphere reserve. This investment will help the biosphere reserves continue their conservation work, which could include biodiversity research, documentation,

and land management practices, as well as stakeholder engagement to increase awareness around other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs) and Canada’s conservation goals. Ideally, they will achieve positive biodiversity outcomes equal to those of a protected area, and if they are successfully recognized as OECMs, they could be counted toward Canada’s conservation goals. Moving forward, the Government of Canada will continue to work with conservation partners to identify additional opportunities to support biodiversity conservation. Investing in biosphere reserves is an example of bringing people and communities together to address the biodiversity crisis, support sustainable economic development, and foster healthy relationships with nature. Quotes “Biosphere reserves are a model for how communities can connect with nature in healthier and more sustainable ways. They inspire and empower Canadians to work together to address global challenges such as biodiversity loss and climate change. By investing in Canadian biosphere reserves, we are advancing important conservation work in areas rich with cultural and biological diversity.” – The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change “This funding from Environment and Climate Change Canada demonstrates a pivotal chapter in the history of the network and of the Canadian Biosphere Reserves Association. To use the words from the biosphere reserves

Canada Invests $11.3 Million To Increase Biodiversity Conservation In UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, Including Riding Mountain Biosphere Reserve themselves, this is a chance to renew partnerships, enhance capacity within the organization, and create more biodiversity outcomes in Canada’s nineteen UNESCO biospheres.”

federal, provincial/territorial, and municipal government grants and donations from private foundations and individuals. •

There are currently 727 biosphere reserves in 131 countries that belong to the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. There are about 257 million people living in biosphere reserves worldwide. In Canada, over 2.5 million people live in biosphere reserves.

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Buffer zones are the areas surrounding or adjoining the core area(s) that encourage activities compatible with sound ecological practices and can reinforce scientific research, monitoring, training, and education.

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The Government of Canada has committed to conserving 25 percent of lands and inland waters in Canada by 2025, working toward 30 percent of each by 2030. Canada is also committed to working to halt and reverse nature loss by 2030 [in Canada] and to achieve a full recovery for nature by 2050.

– Kate Potter, Executive Director, Canadian Biosphere Reserves Association Quick facts •

Biodiversity encompasses the interconnection between all living things, including human beings, and their relationships with each other.

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Biosphere reserves are internationally designated areas that bring people together with nature in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way. They support the conservation of biodiversity and encourage people to learn about and take stewardship actions for sustainable development.

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Canada’s biosphere reserves are recognized by the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme. Each of the biosphere reserves in Canada has a variety of funding sources, including

Related products

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Canada’s Greenhouse Gas Offset Credit System

Associated links

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Canada’s Greenhouse Gas Offset Credit System

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Carbon Pollution Pricing: Considerations for facilitating Indigenous participation in the Federal Greenhouse Gas Offset System

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Greenhouse Gas Offset Toolkit

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Output-Based Pricing System

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Canada’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan

Reminder: AgriStability 2022 Enrollment Deadline Extended to June 30, 2022 As a reminder, in late April the federal government announced that the AgriStability enrollment deadline for the 2022 program year has been extended from April 30 to June 30, 2022. This extension allows farmers more time to sign up and take advantage of the support available under the program. This step, agreed to by federal, provincial, and territorial governments, will enable the program to help more farmers manage the impact of challenges facing many farm operations, such as production loss, disease outbreak, increased costs and changing market conditions. Farmers experiencing losses are encouraged to apply for interim payments under AgriStability for more rapid support. In these uncertain times, this extension gives producers additional time to consider their risk management needs. Producers have access to a comprehensive suite of Business Risk Management (BRM) programs, including AgriStability, to help manage significant risks that threaten the viability of their farms and are beyond their capacity to manage. BRM programs are often the first line of support for producers facing disasters. Farmers are encouraged to make use of these programs to protect their farming operation and contribute to a more resilient Canadian agriculture sector. AgriStability is a margin based program designed to help producers manage large income declines. For more information, please visit the AgriStability website.

Background Information AgriStability is delivered by the federal government in Manitoba. It is one of the business risk management programs under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. It protects Canadian producers against large declines in farming income for reasons such as production loss, increased costs and market conditions. AgriStability is a margin based program designed to help producers manage large income declines. Each year, you must enrol in the program, pay your fee and submit a form by the applicable deadlines. You may receive a payment if your production margin in the current year falls below your historical reference margin by more than 30%. Use the AgriStability Benefit Estimator to help you understand how the program works and to calculate an estimated benefit. For more information on participating, visit Who is eligible? and How to apply. Or call: Toll-free number: 1-866-367-8506 Fax: 1-877-949-4885 TDD/TTY: 613-773-2600 Hours of operation 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST, Monday to Friday

Canada improves regulations that protect migratory birds in Canada (June 9, 2022 Environment and Climate Change Canada News Release) Canada hosts almost 400

species of migratory birds, and they are an important component of Canadian biodiversity. Their health reflects the health of the natural ecosystems that support us all. Birds across the country are emblematic of Canadians’ love of nature, and a vital sign of the health of the environment. They are also an important part of Indigenous communities’ way of life, culture, and livelihood. As Canadians mark Environment Week, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, today announced it is modernizing the Migratory Birds Regulations (MBR) as part of the Government of Canada’s commitment to protecting and conserving migratory birds. The regulations are in addition to Canada’s commitment to protect 25 percent of lands and waters by 2025, working toward 30 percent by 2030. The changes will make it easier for Canadians to understand and comply with the regulations, first enacted in 1918, and will improve the government’s ability to effectively manage and protect migratory birds in Canada. The modernized MBR will also ensure that Indigenous Peoples are accurately represented and that their existing harvesting rights, recognized and affirmed under the Constitution Act, 1982, are reflected. This includes the right to use, gift, sell, or exchange feathers; the right to hunt, gift, or exchange migratory birds; and the right to harvest their eggs. The modernization of the MBR responds to the current challenges facing migratory birds. The modernized MBR will offer a balanced approach between protecting birds, hunting, land use, and conservation. It is the result of many years of collaborative work and consultations with

provinces and territories, Indigenous Peoples, partners, hunters, and other stakeholders. The modernized regulations were published in the Canada Gazette, Part II, on June 8, 2022, and will come into force on July 30, 2022. The current Migratory Birds Regulations remain in effect until then. Quotes “Birds are the chorus that comes with Canadians’ love of nature. Their protection concerns us all. When the rules are clearer, it is easier for everyone to take the right actions. Modernizing the Migratory Birds Regulations will improve the ability to protect birds and complement conservation actions taken by our government. It’s also an important step in reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, to which our government is committed.” – The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Selected Excerpts from the Accompanying Backgrounder: Protecting nests when they have conservation value Nests play an important role in birds’ lives, most specifically for reproductive success and population viability. The former MBR protected the nests of all migratory birds (total of 393 species) at all times, for as long as they existed. For many species, this provided more protection than was required. This approach had limitations and its application lacked flexibility. The modernized MBR protect nests when they are used by migratory birds, mainly during the vital nesting period. This means that the nests of most species may now be destroyed when they are not in use, that is, they do not contain

Canada improves regulations that protect migratory birds in Canada a live bird or viable eggs. However, year-round protection will continue to be provided for the nests of eighteen species of migratory birds known to reuse them year after year. The MBR allow for the destruction, disturbance, removal, or relocation of these nests if the criteria set out in the regulations have been met.

that nest provided a written notice to the Minister a number of months beforehand that corresponds to the number of months set out in column 3 of the relevant Table to that Schedule for the species, and o

As per the Migratory Birds Regulations (MBR) Prohibitions 5 (1) A person must not engage in any of the following activities unless they have a permit that authorizes them to do so or they are authorized by these Regulations to do so: •

(a) capture, kill, take, injure or harass a migratory bird or attempt to do so;

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(b) destroy, take or disturb an egg; and

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Exceptions (2) However, the following may be damaged, destroyed, removed or disturbed without a permit: •

(a) a nest shelter, eider duck shelter or duck box that does not contain a live bird or a viable egg;

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(b) a nest that was built by a species that is not listed in a Table to Schedule 1 if that nest does not contain a live bird or a viable egg; and

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(i) the person who damages, destroys, removes or disturbs

(ii) the nest has not been used by migratory birds since the notice was received by the Minister.

Schedule 1 contains 18 species whose nests are reused, thus protecting these nests year-round, and establishes the minimum number of months for which the nest must have been unoccupied by a migratory bird before the protection can be lifted. The time clock for the period starts on the day that the Minister receives a notification from the proponent who wishes to damage, destroy, disturb or remove the nest. For those species included in Schedule 1, the level of protection for their nests remains consistent with the MBR, in that they are protected year-round. However, under the MBR 2022, there is now a mechanism for abandoned nests of these species to be damaged, destroyed, disturbed or removed in a manner that is within the law, providing enhanced flexibility and regulatory certainty. The species included in Schedule 1, with designated wait times, include some of the following which are found in Manitoba: •

Great Egret — 24 months

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Great Blue Heron — 24 months

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Cattle Egret — 24 months

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Green Heron — 24 months

Canada improves regulations that protect migratory birds in Canada •

Snowy Egret — 24 months

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Pileated Woodpecker — 36 months

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The Government of Canada is protecting habitat for migratory birds by making progress toward conserving 25 percent of lands, freshwater, and oceans in Canada by 2025, and 30 percent by 2030.

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The Government of Canada, with the provinces and territories, secured and restored at least 48,900 hectares of wetlands from 2020 to 2021 through the North American Waterfowl Management Plan.

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The Government of Canada committed $1.2 million to international conservation actions in twenty-two countries from 2018 to 2021. By collaborating with over eighty-five partners internationally, the Government has helped preserve 42,000 hectares of high-quality migratory bird habitat.

To see the Migratory Birds Regulations in its entirety, go to: https://www.gazette.gc.ca/rppr/p2/2022/2022-06-08/html/sor-dors105eng.html Quick facts •

Environment and Climate Change Canada is an international leader in bird science, monitoring, and conservation, and is committed to the long-term conservation of biodiversity.

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In Canada, the protection of migratory birds falls under the Migratory Birds Convention Act and its Migratory Birds Regulations. Birds listed as species at risk are also protected under the Species at Risk Act.

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The country seasonally hosts approximately 393 species of migratory birds. It is prohibited to capture, kill, take, injure, or harass a migratory bird in Canada.

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Environment and Climate Change Canada works cooperatively with individuals, other levels of government, stakeholders, and industries to minimize the risk of harming migratory birds, achieve compliance with the law, and maintain sustainable populations of migratory birds.