Wildlife Act Review

The province has initiated a review of the Wildlife Act, in accordance with the commitment made in Action 12 of the Together for Wildlife Strategy priorities such as:

• Reconciliation with Indigenous peoples
• Setting objectives
• Improving wildlife stewardship outcomes
• Ensuring effective and accessible service delivery
• Dedicating funding

In addition to these priority areas, there are also several administrative updates needed to support the proper functioning of the Wildlife Act.

This work will also support the implementation of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, specifically Section 3 which requires the government take all measures necessary, in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous peoples, to ensure the laws of British Columbia are consistent with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

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Wildlife Act Review status updates

Last Updated: October 25, 2023

The Province drafted a discussion paper with technical experts on the First Nations-B.C. Wildlife and Habitat Conservation Forum and in consultation with advisory bodies and other B.C. Government Ministries. The discussion paper groups the many Wildlife Act issues that were elevated by rights and title holders, interested parties and B.C. Government staff into policy themes and forms the basis for the targeted engagement discussions with stakeholders, other ministries and right and title holders.

Targeted engagement with rights and title holders, advisory bodies and other B.C. Government Ministries began this the fall of 2023 and will be followed by further consultation and engagement when policy intentions are further refined.

It is anticipated that recommendations for legislation will be advanced in the spring of 2026.

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Review process

In alignment with the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, the review work will be done in consultation and cooperation with Indigenous peoples. Recognizing the breadth of topics that will need to be explored in the review of the Wildlife Act, the Province is taking a phased approach to collaboration and consultation with Rights and Title holders to ensure all challenges and opportunities are considered.

The First Nations-B.C. Wildlife and Habitat Conservation Forum will assist in the development of the policy intentions paper. The review will also proceed in partnership with other key advisory bodies like the Minister’s Wildlife Advisory Council, the Provincial Hunting and Trapping Advisory Team, other non-government organizations, as well as other B.C. Government Ministries.

To ensure all voices are heard, a targeted engagement is planned to finalize the policy intentions.

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Policy themes

The review will cover the following policy themes:

• Reconciliation with Indigenous peoples
• Objective setting
• Hunting, angling, trapping and commercial activities
• Fish and wildlife habitat, conservation lands and stewardship
• Compliance and enforcement
• Funding, administration, miscellaneous updates and corrections

Principles of United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and reconciliation will be considered throughout all themes.

The list above is not meant to be exhaustive and may change as a result of ongoing engagement and consultation efforts.