Briefing Note: Legal Landscape of Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) in Ontario

This briefing note reviews the legal mechanisms which may support the establishment of Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) in Ontario. This review was undertaken to better understand the strengths and weaknesses of Ontario’s approach to protected areas and its applicability to IPCAs. Informing this analysis were considerations such as level of protection, opportunities for Indigenousgovernance and decision-making authority for matters relating to boundaries, oversight and permitteduses. This briefing note builds upon the David Suzuki Foundation’s 2018 report “Let Us Teach You – Exploring Empowerment for Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas in B.C,” and adopts its framing of IPCAs and recognition that IPCAs can be a means for advancing reconciliation.

Prepared by
Kerrie Blaise, Legal Counsel

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