Policy and Regulations

Environment Canada develops and implements policies and regulations to protect migratory birds, their eggs and their nests.

The Migratory Birds Convention Act and Regulations
Environment Canada is responsible for implementing the Migratory Birds Convention Act, which provides for the protection of migratory birds through the Migratory Birds Regulations.

Hunting Regulations
Hunting of migratory birds is one of many outdoor activities that depend on healthy habitat and species populations. Environment Canada’s Migratory Bird Regulations ensure these birds remain abundant in their natural habitats by setting annual hunting seasons and bag limits for each species.

Incidental Take
The inadvertent harming, killing, disturbance or destruction of migratory birds, nests and eggs is known as incidental take. Incidental take, in addition to harming individual birds, nests or eggs, can have long-term consequences for migratory bird populations in Canada, especially through the cumulative effects of many different incidents. Environment Canada works cooperatively with individuals, governments and industries to minimize the risk of incidental take effects to migratory birds, to achieve compliance with the law and to maintain sustainable populations of migratory birds.