Review the changes to the Fisheries Act made by the previous government, restore lost protections, and incorporate more modern safeguards.

An Act to amend the Fisheries Act and other Acts in consequence

Parliament of Canada June 21, 2019

This enactment amends the Fisheries Act to, among other things, (d) provide measures for the protection of fish and fish habitat with respect to works, undertakings or activities that may result in the death of fish or the harmful alteration, disruption or destruction of fish habitat, including in ecologically significant areas, as well as measures relating to the modernization of the regulatory framework such as authorization of projects, establishment of standards and codes of practice, creation of fish habitat banks by a proponent of a project and establishment of a public registry; [...]

Bill C-68 received royal assent on June 21, 2019.

Feds Introduce Legislation to Restore Fish Habitat Protection

Nature Canada February 06, 2018

Today in Parliament, federal Fisheries Minister Dominic LeBlanc introduced amendments to the Fisheries Act, including provisions to restore important habitat safeguards and strengthen enforcement measures, as well as clarify authorizations for projects or proposals that may damage habitat. Most importantly, the prohibition on altering, damaging or destroying fish habitat would be restored.

The amendments make good on the 2015 election pledge by the Trudeau Liberals to restore lost protection for fish habitat. The legislation would also be modernized by providing for "fisheries management orders" that add regulatory tools and broaden the government’s ability to limit harmful fishing practices. New long-term area-based fisheries closures would better protect marine biodiversity and protect vulnerable stocks of fish. New whale protection provisions are also included.

Bill C-68 is currently in its first reading as of February 06, 2018.