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Minister's Wildlife Advisory Council

Last updated on August 28, 2026

The Minister’s Wildlife Advisory Council supports the implementation of the Together for Wildlife strategy.

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About the council

The Minister’s Wildlife Advisory Council was announced in August 2020 to support the implementation of the Together for Wildlife strategy. The council provides independent advice and support to the Minister on strategic issues and priorities which strengthen stewardship of wildlife and habitat in B.C. In particular, the council focuses on oversight of government work to implement the Together for Wildlife strategy including advice on legislation and policy.

The council includes individuals with a wide range of experience in natural resource stewardship and passion for wildlife and habitat. Drawn from across the province, they include First Nations, the general public, local government, academia, natural resources and other industry sectors, conservation organizations and the provincial government.

For more information, visit the Meet the Minister’s Wildlife Advisory Council page.

Guiding principles

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Accountability

Members are accountable to the Minister through the Co-Chairs and commit to upholding the operating principles and provisions of the Council’s terms of reference.

 

Clear, consensus-based recommendations

To understand and contribute to the development of wildlife and wildlife habitat stewardship policy and guidance, using clear language and striving to address all concerns, incorporate different perspectives and have common ownership of issues and solutions.

 

Cooperation

A commitment to anticipate, prevent, or alternatively minimize conflict and dispute with respect to the implementation of the Council’s Terms of Reference, by establishing clear lines of communication and resolving differences quickly (consult Conflict Resolution Process in the Terms of Reference).

 

Healthy ecosystems

Improving and protecting the health of ecosystems also improves and protects the social and economic health of communities.

 

Integrate knowledge for durable solutions

Developing shared understandings and focus on common goals (for example, abundant wildlife populations) and seek ways to integrate technical, scientific, local and Indigenous knowledge into wildlife and wildlife habitat stewardship, creating durable solutions for future generations.

 

Reconciliation

To advance reconciliation and work respectfully with First Nations participants to understand Indigenous interests, worldviews and Aboriginal Rights and Title as it relates to wildlife and wildlife habitat stewardship.

 

Working effectively

To collaborate with each other in a respectful and transparent manner, building trust, for the benefit of wildlife and the ecosystems on which we all depend and by providing advice, knowledge, transparency and input in a timely manner.

Current work and priorities

Together for Wildlife Strategy priorities

The Minister’s Wildlife Advisory Council is focused on the following priorities in implementing the Together for Wildlife strategy:

  • Advancing reconciliation, honouring the commitment to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the B.C. Declaration Act
  • Creating a strong, collaborative vision for the stewardship of wildlife and habitat in B.C.
  • Providing advice for the Wildlife Act review
  • Supporting provincial approaches for objectives setting
  • Advising on approaches to achieving ample permanent, dedicated funding for wildlife and habitat stewardship
  • Develop recommendations that support wildlife and habitat conservation efforts and that reduce the impacts of human activity on wildlife, for example roads and highways.
  • Continued collaboration with the First Nations B.C. Wildlife and Habitat Conservation Forum and Provincial Hunting and Trapping Advisory Team
  • Communication with First Nations and stakeholders, for example through annual Wildlife Dialogues

Documents and dialogues

Meeting minutes

Below are the meeting minutes for 2026 and 2025:

Meeting minutes have been recorded since the council’s implementation in 2020. For past minutes, email: fishandwildlife@gov.bc.ca.

Minister letters

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2025

 

2024

 

2023

 

2022

 

2021

Minister's Wildlife Advisory Council (MWAC) Dialogue Reports

Each year the Council hosts annual “Wildlife Dialogues” sessions with First Nations and interest holder groups. Dialogue agendas are formed with input from invitees. Feedback received in the dialogues contributes to the advice MWAC provides to the Minister and in setting the Council’s annual priorities.

Summary reports from the dialogues:

Terms of reference

Terms of Reference Minister's Wildlife Advisory Council (PDF, 232KB)

Remuneration

Remuneration for appointees to Ministry and Crown Agency Boards is governed by Treasury Board Directive 2/24 (PDF, 300KB) and administered by the Appointee Remuneration Committee. The MWAC has been designated a Level 1 board with an exception to remunerate at Level 2 rates.

Contact information

Government staff act as Secretariat for the council.

Send inquiries to fishandwildlife@gov.bc.ca with the subject line: Inquiry, Minister’s Wildlife Advisory Council.