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Policy & Legal Context (Plain Language)
This collection brings together key legal and policy resources that shape marine protection and Indigenous-led conservation in Canada. These materials help make complex frameworks more accessible, including Indigenous law, federal legislation, and co-governance approaches relevant to MPAs and IPCAs.
Oceans Act – Consolidated TextAuthoritative federal legislation governing Oceans Act MPAs, including legal basis for designation, regulation, and management.
Establishing Oceans Act MPAs – DFOFederal guidance outlining the process for establishing MPAs, including Areas of Interest and designation steps.
Marine Conservation Targets (MCT) – Funding & Policy OverviewOverview of federal investments and policy approach to achieving Canada’s marine conservation targets.
Ocean Opportunity: Co-governance in Marine Protected Areas in Canada (WCEL, 2017)Backgrounder outlining opportunities for Indigenous–Crown co-governance in marine protected areas.
Indigenous Laws in the Context of Conservation (WCEL, 2021)Report exploring how Indigenous laws are applied in conservation, including marine examples and governance implications.
Parks Canada – Spectrum of Cooperative Management AgreementsOverview of cooperative governance models and agreements used across protected areas.
