The Regulations Amending the Wildlife Area Regulations and the Environmental Violations Administrative Monetary Penalties Regulations address key updates to the management and accessibility of the Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area (NWA) in Québec. The Cap Tourmente NWA, established in 1978 along the north shore of the St. Lawrence River, spans 2,308 hectares and was created to protect a significant bulrush marsh that serves as a migratory stopover for the Greater Snow Goose (GSG).

Historically, the area implemented a controlled fall hunt program for migratory game birds, first introduced in 1972 and formalized as a conservation measure in 1981, to prevent intensive grazing by the GSG on the marsh. Recent biological monitoring by the Department of the Environment, however, has shown that grazing pressure on the bulrush marsh has stabilized due to changes in the behavior of the GSG and a stabilization of its population since the 2000s. The monitoring results indicate that the hunt program is no longer required as a conservation measure to maintain the health of the bulrush marsh.

Another significant issue addressed in the amendments concerns entrance fees to the Cap Tourmente NWA. Unlike other National Wildlife Areas across Canada, which offer free access to encourage Canadians to connect with nature, Cap Tourmente has historically charged fees to enter the site and to access naturalist services. These fees, introduced in 1985 and formalized in 1995, were originally intended to offset the higher operational costs associated with providing additional visitor services. However, maintaining fees is inconsistent with federal initiatives such as Canada’s Nature Legacy, which aims to increase opportunities for Canadians to experience nature, and the Strategic Program Plan and Vision to 2030 for the Protected Areas Program, which seeks to promote public engagement and appreciation for Canada’s protected areas network.

The proposed amendments also incorporate updates to the Environmental Violations Administrative Monetary Penalties Regulations by removing references to the hunt program, entrance fees, and incidental service charges. Following the repeal of the hunt program, the general prohibition on hunting, fishing, or trapping set out in subsection 3(1) of the Wildlife Area Regulations would apply at all times throughout the NWA, except where activities are specifically authorized under permits issued pursuant to section 4 of the Regulations. These changes support the Government of Canada’s broader commitments to wildlife conservation, ecosystem protection, and public engagement with natural spaces. By eliminating outdated conservation measures and financial barriers, the amendments ensure that the Cap Tourmente NWA continues to be managed effectively, scientifically, and inclusively, while encouraging Canadians to explore and appreciate the country’s national wildlife areas.

Overall, the amendments aim to represent a strategic update to federal wildlife and environmental policy, reflecting both ecological evidence and national priorities for public access, conservation, and environmental stewardship.

Canada (Proposed) October 1, 2025
Disclaimer: Insights are for informational purposes only and do not reflect RRI’s official position or constitute legal opinion.