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
Unfortunately, many birds, nests and eggs are inadvertently destroyed at industrial sites, in urban environments and by resource exploitation activities. This inadvertent destruction is called incidental take and is illegal. Environment Canada is working to decrease incidental take by developing guidance that helps landowners, activity managers and industry representatives to avoid incidental take.