Table of Contents
MINISTRY OVERVIEW
Ministry Vision, Mission and Mandate
The Ministry of Natural Resources is the steward of Ontario’s provincial parks, forests, fisheries, wildlife, mineral aggregates, petroleum resources and the Crown land and waters that make up 87 per cent of the province.
The ministry envisions a healthy environment that is naturally diverse and supports a high quality of life for the people of Ontario through sustainable development. The ministry’s mission is to manage our natural resources in an ecologically sustainable way to ensure that they are available for the enjoyment and use of future generations. The ministry is committed to conserving biodiversity and using natural resources in a sustainable manner.
The following are the ministry’s core activities 1:
Biodiversity Management
- Provide provincial leadership and oversight in the conservation of Ontario’s biodiversity. This includes the management of fish and wildlife resources; species at risk; fish culture, stocking and aquaculture; resource monitoring, assessment and allocation; research, fish health and control of pathogens; conservation officer delivery of natural resource and public safety law enforcement; and enhancing fishing and hunting opportunities. This mandate area has significant linkages with all other areas of the ministry.
Natural Heritage and Protected Area Management
- Provide leadership and delivery in the management and protection of natural heritage in Ontario. This includes identifying significant natural heritage features and landscapes and determining effective ways to protect them, including the establishment of provincial parks and conservation reserves; policy to influence the development of municipal official plans and bylaws; identification and confirmation of areas of natural and scientific interest; planning and management of natural heritage systems; providing sustainable outdoor recreation opportunities and education on natural heritage; delivery of the Ontario Parks program, including provincial parks operations and providing tourism opportunities; and research.
Crown Land, Water, and Non-Renewable Resource Management
- Provide leadership and delivery in the management of Crown lands, water resources, and non-renewable resources. This includes being accountable for the sale, disposition and stewardship of the Crown lands in Ontario and ensuring their use is sustainable; for the management of water resources through flood, low water, and drought management, including the protection of the Great Lakes; for the management and regulation of surveys and the surveying profession within the province; and for the protection and extraction of aggregate, oil, gas and salt resources in Ontario.
Renewable Energy
- Support the provincial commitment to renewable energy and facilitate the availability of Crown land for renewable energy projects, including water, wind, solar and biomass.
Forest Management
- Provide leadership and oversight to support the sustainable use of forests for a healthy forest products sector and thriving forest-dependent communities. Management of Ontario’s forests includes policy and program development; intergovernmental co-operation on national forestry initiatives; Crown forest management planning, renewal and protection from pests; and monitoring, auditing, information management and public reporting.
Emergency and Forest Fire Management
- Provide leadership and program delivery for the protection of people, property and communities threatened by forest fires, floods and other natural resource emergencies. This includes planning and delivery of MNR’s emergency management program, and aviation services for the Ontario government.
Land and Resources Information and Information Technology Cluster
- Provide leadership and program delivery in the development and application of information management and information technology for five client ministries: Natural Resources; Aboriginal Affairs; Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs; Environment; and Northern Development, Mines and Forestry. Ensure the delivery of an integrated Information Technology infrastructure to facilitate and streamline government operations through electronic service delivery and enhance government service through e-business and e-government.
Ministry Administration
- Provide leadership for corporate strategic business planning and reporting, including fiscal controllership, sustainable infrastructure management, strategic human resources, organizational performance, supply chain management, legal counsel, communications and other administrative services in support of the ministry’s activities. These functions support the ministry so that it can effectively deliver on results, priorities and core programs while remaining within its financial and human resource allocation.
Key Priorities and Results
The ministry’s corporate priorities for 2011-12 are:
- Ensure the implementation of legislation to protect the boreal forest and implement community-driven land-use management planning in Ontario’s Far North, working closely with the Minister of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry and the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs
- Implement the Endangered Species Act, including the plan for protecting caribou habitat in the boreal forest
- Develop a plan to make aggregates development in Ontario more environmentally and economically sustainable
- Support the efforts of the Ministry of the Environment and contribute to the government’s climate change action plan, including planting 50 million trees by 2020 and ensuring that forest management practices for managing carbon are leading edge
- In pursuit of the Open Ontario Plan, work with the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry to ensure the province capitalizes on the economic opportunity represented by the Ring of Fire
- Deliver on the government’s green energy agenda
- Lead the government’s response to the past use of the herbicide 2,4,5-T by ministries and agencies in Ontario
- Work with the Ministry of the Environment to implement key legislation related to water quality and conservation, and to improve the ecological integrity of the Great Lakes
- Coordinate and enhance the protection of natural heritage in southern Ontario
- Support the efforts of the Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs in working with Aboriginal peoples and First Nations to build a stronger, more positive relationship
- Achieve organizational excellence through leadership renewal, engaged staff and an inclusive, diverse, safe and healthy workplace.
In pursuing these goals, the ministry contributes to the achievement of the government’s key commitments, priorities and results.
Meeting Government Commitments
The government is working towards a more prosperous Ontario by seeking to grow the green economy and to enhance the province’s business climate. The ministry is working with the Ministry of Energy to implement the Green Energy Act and facilitating increased energy generation from wind, water, bio-energy and other opportunities. It is also providing outdoor recreation opportunities and seasonal jobs, which stimulates demand for related businesses. The ministry will work with the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry to ensure the province capitalizes on the economic opportunity represented by the Ring of Fire. It will also support Open for Business, Ontario’s three-year program to create faster, smarter and streamlined government-to-business services that make Ontario more attractive for business development while protecting the public interest.
The government is committed to a greener Ontario by protecting air, water and green space, and protecting Ontarians from natural resource emergencies. In pursuing its goal of a healthy natural environment for Ontarians, the ministry is contributing to the government’s climate change strategy by planting 50 million trees in southern Ontario by 2020, and ensuring sustainable forest practices. The ministry is also putting Ontario’s Biodiversity Strategy into action. The ministry is implementing the Endangered Species Act, including protecting caribou habitat in the boreal forest. It will develop a plan to make aggregates development in Ontario more environmentally and economically sustainable. The ministry is leading the government’s response to the past use of the herbicide 2,4,5-T by ministries and agencies in Ontario and has set up an Independent Fact-Finding Panel. The ministry is coordinating and enhancing efforts to protect natural heritage lands in southern Ontario. The ministry will promote stewardship across Ontario.
The ministry will work with the Ministry of the Environment on implementing water quality and conservation legislation and on efforts to improve the ecological integrity of the Great Lakes. It will also continue to support the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan.
To make Ontarians safer in their communities, the ministry protects people, property and communities from natural resource emergencies. The ministry works to make Ontarians safe from natural resource hazards, such as forest fires and floods. The ministry also works to control invasive species, rabies and wildlife diseases, clean up hazard lands such as mid-Canada radar sites and the Hawkesbury lagoon, and rehabilitate abandoned oil and gas wells.
The government is committed to a stronger, more positive relationship with First Nations. The ministry will develop and implement a long-term plan that protects the boreal region in the Far North working closely with the ministries of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry and Aboriginal Affairs, northern and Aboriginal communities, resources industries and environmental groups. It will also work with First Nations to implement community-driven land use management planning in the Far North that will enable the region’s resources to contribute to a more prosperous, healthy and sustainable future for its people, the communities and the entire province.
In pursuing its corporate priorities, the ministry continues to be well-aligned to support the government’s key commitments, priorities and results. The ministry’s commitment to: growing the green economy; enhancing the province’s business climate; and achieving organizational excellence for improved public service helps achieve a more prosperous Ontario. In enhancing a healthy natural environment for Ontarians; contributing to climate change mitigation and adaptation; leading the government’s response to the past use of herbicide 2,4,5-T; protecting people, property and communities from natural and human-made hazards; offering recreational opportunities in Ontario Parks; encouraging hunting and angling opportunities for Ontario’s diverse communities; and working with the Ministry of the Environment to implement water quality and conservation legislation, the ministry is helping build a greener Ontario. By working to protect key ecological features of the Far North while enabling environmentally sustainable economic development that respects First Nation rights, the ministry supports efforts to develop a stronger and more positive relationship with First Nations.
Diagram 1: Ministry Contribution to Government Priorities and Key Results
Diagram 1: Ministry Contribution to Government Priorities and Key Results (PDF, 155 KB)
Ministry Programs
Biodiversity Management
The ministry will work with the Ontario Biodiversity Council in reviewing and renewing Ontario’s Biodiversity Strategy. The strategy is an overarching plan to protect Ontario’s rich natural heritage of plants, animals and ecosystems and use our natural resources sustainably. Through the involvement of people from across Ontario, the strategy will help ensure clean air and water, abundant wildlife and places for recreation.
The ministry continues to implement the recommendations of the Auditor General’s Report on the Fish and Wildlife Program. It will continue to implement the new moose management policy, as well as look at ways to improve the resident tag draw system. Beginning in 2011, the ministry is putting in place a new Moose Tag Transfer Policy which no longer allows consecutive moose tag transfers. It is working to reduce human-wildlife conflict by continuing to implement the Human-Deer/Human-Wildlife conflict strategies. The first modern day elk hunt in Ontario will take place in the Bancroft-North Hastings area in the fall of 2011.
The ministry continues to implement the Endangered Species Act. A Caribou Conservation Plan is being implemented, and an approach to protecting caribou habitat is moving forward. The ministry is committed to streamlining the permitting process for developers and landowners to do work in areas where endangered species live while continuing to protect these species. It is also working with farmers on ways to allow haying and use of pasture land to continue while protecting bobolink, a threatened bird that nests in grasslands and hay fields.
The ministry will develop and implement a long-term plan that protects the boreal region in Ontario’s Far North, working closely with the ministries of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry and Aboriginal Affairs, northern and Aboriginal communities, resource industries and environmental groups. This includes the Far North Act, which will ensure the protection of at least 225,000 square kilometres of the Far North boreal region and allow for sustainable development of the region’s natural resources. The ministry will also work with the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry to ensure the province capitalizes on the economic opportunity represented by the Ring of Fire.
Invasive species pose a significant threat to Ontario’s biodiversity and affect our natural environment, society and economy. The government is pursuing a number of projects and partnerships to control invasive species on the land and in our waters.
The ministry has drafted an Ontario Invasive Species Strategic Plan to guide implementation of An Invasive Alien Species Strategy for Canada in Ontario. In addition, the ministry:
- monitors forest health and works with the federal government and other partners to manage pests and invasive plants that threaten our forests;
- acts to eradicate aquatic invasive species that infect Ontario’s water bodies, including Water Soldier in the Trent River and Water Chestnut in Voyageur Provincial Park;
- monitors for invasive species which pose a threat in neighbouring jurisdictions, including the presence of Asian carp in the United States; and
- has a long-term partnership with the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters that has delivered extensive programs to raise awareness of invasive species and how to prevent their spread.
The ministry will work with the Ministry of the Environment and other ministries to respond and adapt to climate change, while building a cleaner, greener and healthier Ontario. This includes implementing specific actions from Ontario’s Climate Change Action Plan 2007 and Climate Ready: Ontario’s Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan 2011-2014. As part of the plan, the ministry is working with partners to plant 50 million new trees by 2020. To date, eight million trees have been planted as part of this commitment.
Under the new Ecological Framework for Recreational Fisheries Management in Ontario, Fisheries Management Zone advisory councils have been set up in 13 zones. These advisory councils are supporting fisheries management planning initiatives across the province. Two Fisheries Management Zone plans have been completed with two more anticipated to be completed in 2011-12. A broad-scale fisheries monitoring program will be continued.
The ministry has launched Fish-ON Line, a web-based application that anglers can use to find information on Ontario’s vast fisheries resource. It has information on more than 13,000 lakes in the province, including fish species information, angling regulations, fish stocking records and lake characteristics. The Ministry will continue to enhance and add information to the application, providing a new and valuable service to anglers.
The ministry is working with the federal government to establish an Invasive Species Centre at the Great Lakes Forestry Centre in Sault Ste. Marie. The centre will promote cooperation, collaboration and efficiencies in invasive species management and help coordinate provincial, national and international efforts to address the spread of invasive species and the negative effects they can have on the health of Ontario’s ecosystems and economy.
The ministry will continue to be vigilant in controlling rabies and other fish- and wildlife-borne diseases. Although the raccoon rabies strain has been eliminated from Ontario, monitoring will continue. To control Ontario fox strain rabies, the ministry will continue its vaccine bait distribution program using Ontario’s rabies vaccine, ONRAB®.
The ministry is leading the government’s response to the past use of the herbicide 2,4,5-T by ministries and agencies in Ontario and has set up an Independent Fact-Finding Panel.
The ministry will implement an automated licensing system that makes fish and wildlife licences available through the Internet, an automated toll-free phone system and Point of Sale terminals at licence issuers and Service Ontario counters. A pilot project will run in the fall with full implementation of the system expected in the winter of 2011-12.
The ministry will continue to manage Ontario’s commercial and recreational fisheries to ensure they provide sustainable ecological and economic benefits. It will complete construction work on the substation at Normandale Fish Culture Station and begin work on the main station. Fish culture stations will provide about eight million fish for stocking purposes.
The ministry continues to deliver professional law enforcement to protect Ontario’s natural resources for present and future generations. The rate of compliance with resource laws and regulations has remained relatively constant at over 92 per cent since 2003-04.
Natural Heritage and Protected Area Management
The ministry will continue implementation of the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act and regulations to enhance protection and ecological integrity of Ontario’s provincial parks and conservation reserves.
Guidelines to support the new Ontario’s Protected Areas Planning Manual will be released to the public. The ministry will also release the first State of Ontario’s Protected Areas Report.
The ministry will continue to expand partnerships to conserve natural spaces, and make it easier for southern Ontario landowners to voluntarily protect and restore natural areas on private property.
Stewardship will continue to be promoted across the province. Through resource stewardship, the ministry safeguards the public interest in Ontario’s resources and acts as the steward of our natural legacy.
The ministry is finalizing a number of park management plans. The management planning process for the Spanish River Signature Site Park and Nagagamisis Provincial Park will take place in 2011-12. The Wabakimi and Quetico Provincial Park Management Plan processes will continue.
Ontario Parks will continue to invest in park infrastructure to improve public safety and enhance the recreational and educational experience for visitors.
Parks visits have averaged 10 million visits per year since 2005-06. Park visitation was up 87,265 visitors in 2010-11 compared to 2009-10. While there was an increase in day use of 7.4 per cent, camping was down by 3.6 per cent. Total park visitation in 2010-11 was 9,534,678, which is below the previous five-year average.
Crown Land, Water and Non-Renewable Resource Management
The ministry will develop a water management framework to clarify its role relative to other Ontario ministries dealing with water. Administering the Conservation Authorities Act, the Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act, providing technical and policy advice about water budgeting, surface water monitoring and the regulation of water levels on inland waters (dam management and operations) are important components of the ministry’s water mandate. It is also the lead for ensuring healthy aquatic ecosystems.
The Ministry will provide policy and program advice to a number of government and stakeholder initiatives, such as:
- dam management guidelines, including public safety around dams
- Conservation Authorities Liaison Committee to address Open for Business commitments to the building industry
- binational Great Lakes initiatives, such as implementing the Great Lakes Charter Agreement through regulations under the Ontario Water Resource Act, including consumptive use, baseline and cumulative effects guidelines for the draft Intra-basin Transfer Regulation
- Great Lakes and St Lawrence Cities Initiative
- Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement renegotiation
- Canada-Ontario Agreement Respecting the Great Lakes Ecosystem
- renegotiation and participation in both the Lake Ontario and St. Lawrence River Regulation plan review and the International Upper Great Lakes Study of the International Joint Commission.
The ministry will develop a plan to make aggregates development in Ontario more environmentally and economically sustainable. The ministry will be releasing a response to the State of the Aggregate Resource in Ontario Study, following a careful review of the study and of the recommendations of the Advisory Committee.
The ministry will work on the remediation of the Mid-Canada Line radar sites under a cost-sharing agreement with the federal government. It will also begin work on the cleanup of the Hawkesbury lagoon. Work will continue to decommission abandoned oil and gas wells in the province to ensure protection of the environment and local residents.
The ministry will continue to provide leadership and program delivery in the development and application of geographic information for natural resource management and decision-making, such as the protection of the boreal forest in Ontario’s Far North and preservation of natural heritage in southern Ontario.
The ministry will also contribute to the government’s Information and Information Technology initiative by making land information available through a suitable infrastructure.
Renewable Energy
The ministry will continue to work with the ministries of Energy and Environment to implement the Green Energy Act and facilitate increased energy generation from wind, water, bio-energy and other opportunities. It will implement a strategic policy approach on how Crown land is used to support provincial renewable energy targets. The ministry will also continue to work with industry, stakeholders, communities and the public to foster environmentally sound renewable energy development, advance science and research and facilitate community economic benefits.
Forest Management
The ministry will continue to provide leadership and oversight in the sustainable management of Ontario’s Crown forests. The ministry will enhance its focus on forest renewal efforts through a number of initiatives, including ongoing improvements to the operation of the Forest Renewal and Forestry Futures Trusts in maintaining the sustainability of Ontario’s Crown forests and the continued development of revised silviculture guides.
The ministry intends to release for public review and to finalize the draft Forest Management Guide for Boreal Landscapes, which provides direction on ecosystem-based management approaches for forest managers. The Independent Forest Audit approach, which addressed compliance and effectiveness of forest management activities, will also be reviewed. Fourteen independent forest audits will be undertaken by third-party auditors. The State of the Forest Report and the Forest Resources of Ontario will be finalized in 2011-12.
The ministry will also support the efforts of the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry as it provides for a more competitive forest industry in Ontario through the forest tenure and pricing review. It will support government-wide effort related to climate change, with an emphasis on managing carbon through forest management practice. It will provide information and technical support to the current review of the use of the herbicide 2,4,5-T in Ontario.
Emergency and Forest Fire Management
The ministry will maintain the protection of people, property and communities from forest fires, floods and other natural-resource emergencies. Construction on the new Dryden Aviation and Aerial Fire Operations building will be completed, with occupancy planned for summer 2011. The ministry will continue to invest in the modernization of fire management facilities in Armstrong, Haliburton, North Bay, Ranger Lake, Crocker Lake, Red Lake and Thunder Bay.
The ministry will continue to implement an emergency management program meeting the requirements of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act while advancing the program to a comprehensive level. Construction will begin in Sault Ste. Marie on a $6.2-million state-of-the-art flight training centre for pilots of CL-415 heavy water bombers. This facility will save money as pilots will no longer need to travel to Quebec for training.
Ministry Wildfire Containment and Suppression has been above 94 per cent since 2003-04. Wildfire Containment and Suppression shows the percentage of fires that were under control by 12:00 local time the day after they were reported to the ministry or held to four hectares or less in size.
Land and Resources Information and Information Technology (I&IT) Cluster
The mandate of the Land and Resources I&IT Cluster is to provide and manage strategic services in the lifecycle management of its five client ministries’ IM&IT assets, and to offer and manage the delivery of a comprehensive set of IM&IT products and services to the ministries. The cluster serves the following ministries, which work collaboratively with LRC to achieve this mandate: Natural Resources; Aboriginal Affairs; Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs; Environment; and Northern Development, Mines and Forestry.
The cluster:
- seeks opportunities across the ministries to streamline and leverage solutions and services to maximize business value
- provides business solutions that deliver results
- executes responsibilities with a focus on maintaining and/or increasing overall service levels at the overall lowest possible per unit costs for IM&IT products or services
- leverages and optimizes the use of both human and capital resources
- ensures that its activities support MAA, OMAFRA, MOE, MNR and MNDMF, and take into consideration the overall IM&IT direction set out by the Office of the Corporate Chief Information Officer (OCCIO) and other recognized corporate IM&IT governance bodies
- provides stewardship of the IM&IT assets.
Corporate Management
The ministry’s administration program provides the corporate focus to advance the OPS modern controllership agenda. The program:
- supports the ministry so that it can effectively deliver on results, priorities and core programs while remaining within its financial and human resource allocation
- leads enhanced accountability in MNR through strengthened internal controls such as effective application of Directives, Delegation of Authority and cost containment strategies
- leads controllership initiatives to support compliance with government Directives related to Transfer Payments, Special Purpose Accounts, Procurements and Agencies, Boards and Commissions
- leads organizational excellence through leadership renewal, engaged staff and an inclusive, diverse, healthy and safe workplace
- develops strategies and guidelines that support innovation and actions to green ministry operations, aligned with government direction and MNR’s role as a conservation organization, and
- leads the corporate strategic business planning and reporting to support government decision-making.
Table 1: Key Performance Measures and Achievements
| Performance Measures | 2008-09 Achievement |
2009-10 Achievement |
2010-11 Target* |
2011-12 Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rate of compliance with resource laws and regulations | 93.8% | 94.3% | 94.6% (actual) |
93.0% |
| Wildfire containment and suppression | 96.8% | 95.9% | 94.0% (actual) |
96.0% |
| Number of acres and total percentage of Ontario’s land and water area formally identified for a level of protection equivalent to regulation | 5,667,687 acres or 2.1% (baseline) |
5,668,687 acres or 2.1% |
5,669,687 acres or 2.1% |
5,670,687 acres or 2.1% |
| Percentage of Independent Forest Audits recommending Sustainable Forest Licence extension (without conditions) | 100% | 80% | 100% (actual) |
85% |
| Number of Crown Land Renewable Energy Projects Requiring MNR Authorizations (review, permits, tenure)** (NEW for 2011-12) |
n/a | n/a | 30*** | 58 |
| Number of Private Land Renewable Energy Projects Requiring Review, Confirmation Letter, and Comments for Renewable Energy Approval or Class Environmental Assessment** (NEW for 2011-12) |
n/a | n/a | 98*** | 201 |
* 2010-11 achievement data are usually not available at time of printing. Those that were available are marked as “actual.”
** Estimates represent projects currently contracted under the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) program, as well as other procurement types - Renewable Energy Standard Offer Program (RESOP) and Renewable Energy Supply 1, 2, 3. They do not reflect the unknown potential future workload that will result from the Ontario Power Authority’s biannual review of Economic Connection Test projects that will likely result in more FIT contracts. This additional workload will be quantified in out-year targets in future RbP submissions, as required.
*** The 2010-11 baseline numbers are an estimate of the workload that can be reasonably expected.
Ministry Organization Chart
Ministry Organization Chart (PDF, 48 KB)
Legislation
Aggregate Resources Act
- Regulates the operation of pits and quarries in designated parts of Ontario and the disposition of Crown owned aggregate.
Algonquin Forest Authority Act
- Establishes a Crown corporation known as the Algonquin Forestry Authority to harvest Crown timber in Algonquin Provincial Park and public lands adjacent to the park, to sell the logs and also to carry out other such activities as authorized by the Minister of Natural Resources.
Algonquin Provincial Park Extension Act, 1960-61
- Adds the public lands in the Geographic Townships of Bruton and Clyde in the Provincial County of Haliburton to the park; hunting is still permitted in the added lands.
An Act for the Settlement of Certain Questions between Governments of Canada and Ontario Respecting Indian Reserve Lands, 1891
- Permitted the Ontario government to enter into an agreement with the government of Canada to settle certain questions relating to the provision of Indian reserve land in the area that was the subject of the Northwest Angle Treaty (Treaty No. 3).
An Act to Confirm the Title of the Government of Canada to Certain Lands and Indians Lands, 1915
- Act by which the Ontario government transferred to the government of Canada certain lands to be set apart as Indian reserve lands in the area that was the subject of the Northwest Angle Treaty (Treaty No. 3).
Arboreal Emblem Act
- Adopts the Eastern White Pine as the arboreal emblem of Ontario.
Avian Emblem Act, 1994
- Adopts the common loon as the avian emblem of Ontario.
Beds of Navigable Waters Act
- Legislation relating to title in the beds of navigable waters.
Conservation Authorities Act
- Provides for the establishment of conservation authorities for the purpose of establishing and undertaking programs designed to further the conservation, restoration, development and management of natural resources in their area of jurisdiction.
Conservation Land Act
- Provides for the establishment of grant programs to promote the recognition, encouragement and support of the stewardship or conservation of certain lands, and for the making of easements for conservation.
Crown Forest Sustainability Act, 1994
- Provides for the sustainability of Crown forests and the management of Crown forests to meet the social, economic and environmental needs of present and future generations of Ontario.
Endangered Species Act, 2007
- This act came into effect on June 30, 2008. Provides for protection and recovery of species at risk and their habitats through science-based listing, automatic protection of species and their habitat, mandatory requirements for recovery strategies and management plans and government accountability through reporting requirements.
Far North Act, 2010
- Provides for the development of community based land use plans initiated by First Nations designating permitted land uses.
Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997
- Provides for the conservation and management of wildlife and fish resources, including the protection of game wildlife and specially protected wildlife as defined in the act.
Fish Inspection Act
- Authorizes inspection of fish storage and processing establishments. Regulations under the act provide standards for quality and labelling of canned and frozen fish, as well as operating and equipment requirements for establishments.
Fisheries Act (Canada) – Ontario Fishery Regulations
- The Ontario Fishery Regulations made under this act relate to open seasons for angling and commercial fishing and the licences required.
Fisheries Development Act (Canada)
- Allows the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans to undertake projects to enhance fishery resources in order to develop the commercial fisheries of Canada.
Fisheries Loans Act
- Provides for loans to persons carrying on the business of commercial fishing or any other business dependent on fishing in waters where fishing has been prohibited due to contaminated fish caused by polluted waters.
Forest Fires Prevention Act
- Prohibits activities that cause or promote forest fires, and allows the ministry to put in place restrictions, such as restricted fire zones and restricted travel zones during fire emergencies, to help prevent forest fires.
Forestry Act
- Under this Act, the Minister enters into agreements with landowners, such as municipalities and conservation authorities, to manage forest lands. The Minister may also establish programs for the encouragement of forestry.
Forestry Workers Lien for Wages Act
- Provides a lien and an enforcement procedure for forestry workers to ensure payment of wages.
Freshwater Fish Marketing Act (Ontario)
- Complements the Freshwater Fish Marketing Act (Canada). Through these acts and the federal-provincial agreement, the Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation, established under the federal act, is the sole purchaser of commercial fish in a defined area in Northwestern Ontario.
Gas and Oil Leases Act
- Sets out the procedure for declaring a gas or oil lease void.
Heritage Hunting and Fishing Act, 2002
- Recognizes the right to hunt and fish recreationally in accordance with Ontario laws and created the Fish and Wildlife Heritage Commission to provide advice to the Minister of Natural Resources on fish and wildlife related initiatives.
Indian Lands Act, 1924
- Passed by the Legislature of Ontario and the Parliament of Canada to deal with certain questions relating to the administration and control of Indian reserve land, surrendered Indian reserve land in Ontario and mineral rights on reserve.
Indian Lands Agreement (1986) Confirmation Act, 2010
- Confirms the 1986 Indian Lands Agreement between the governments of Canada and Ontario which authorizes the parties and any Indian band to enter into specific agreements relating to such matters as those dealt with under the Indian Lands Act, 1924, disposition of lands or natural resources, minerals and hydro powers.
Industrial and Mining Lands Compensation Act
- Provides for agreements between the owner or operator of a mine and the owner or lessee of any land for payment of compensation for any damage or injury resulting, or likely to result, to the land or to its use and enjoyment from the operation of the mine.
Kawartha Highlands Signature Site Park Act, 2003
- Provides for the protection of the ecological integrity of the Kawartha Highlands Signature Site Park and ensures that the policies governing the park will protect its natural and cultural values, maintain its traditional uses and provide the opportunity for recreational activities that are compatible with the natural heritage values and semi-wilderness character of the park.
Lake of the Woods Control Board Act, 1922
- Complementary to a Federal Act of 1921. Deals with the regulation of the water levels of the Winnipeg River, the English River, Lac Seul and Lake St. Joseph.
Lakes and Rivers Improvement Act
- Provides for the use of the water of lakes and rivers and regulates improvements in them and gives the Minister discretionary powers relating to the repair, reconstruction and removal of dams, maintenance of water levels, and regulation of use of waters or works.
Migratory Birds Convention Act (Canada) – Ontario Regulations
- Open seasons for migratory birds are set under this act.
Mineral Emblem Act
- Adopts the amethyst as the mineral emblem of the Province of Ontario.
Mining Act (s. 99, 100, 101, 102, 154)
- Part IV of the act deals with exploration licences for oil and gas, leases for production of oil and gas and storage leases for the temporary storage of hydrocarbons in underground formations. The Minister of Natural Resources administers sections 99 to 102 (oil and natural gas) and section 154 (brine wells).
Ministry of Natural Resources Act
- Created the Ministry of Natural Resources by amalgamating the former Department of Lands and Forests and Department of Mines and Northern Affairs. (A separate Ministry of Northern Development and Mines was established in 1985.) The act provides for the appointment of a Mining and Lands Commissioner and advisory committees.
Niagara Escarpment Planning and Development Act
- Establishes the Niagara Escarpment Plan and Commission and provides for the maintenance of the Niagara Escarpment and land in its vicinity substantially as a continuous natural environment where only compatible development occurs.
North Georgian Bay Recreational Reserve Act, 1962-63
- Establishes the North Georgian Bay Recreational Reserve, provides for the planning and development of the reserve and the appointment of a committee to advise the Minister.
Oil, Gas and Salt Resources Act, 1997
- Sets out requirements for various aspects of oil and natural gas exploration, drilling and production and provides for the making of regulations respecting oil and gas conservation and the safe operation of drilling and production facilities.
Ontario Geographic Names Board Act
- Provides for the establishment of a Geographic Names Board for Ontario having the duty to gather information respecting the names of places and geographical features, make recommendations, collaborate with the Geographical Names Board of Canada, and provide information to government departments.
Professional Foresters Act, 2000
- Regulates the practice of professional forestry in Ontario.
Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act, 2006
- Provides for the establishment of provincial parks and conservation reserves and their management. Parks may be classified as a natural environment park, a nature reserve park, a wilderness park, a recreational park, a waterways park or a historical park.
Public Lands Act
- Provides for the disposition and management of Crown land, the administration of roads on Crown land, the administration and control of the construction and maintenance of dams, and the granting of water powers and privileges.
Seine River Diversion Act, 1952
- Confirms the partial diversion of the Seine River and authorizes the completion and operation of the diversion by Steep Rock Iron Mines Limited.
Steep Rock Iron Ore Development Act, 1949
- Authorizes a water power lease and various agreements between Ontario, the Hydro-Electric Power Commission of Ontario, the Ontario-Minnesota Pulp and Paper Company and Steep Rock Iron Mines Limited respecting supply of power, maintenance and operation of certain dams and of the Seine diversion, and dam construction.
Surveyors Act
- Establishes the Association of Ontario Land Surveyors, regulates the practice of professional land surveying, and prescribes the rules governing membership and conduct.
Surveys Act
- Prescribes the methods and monuments to be used in performing surveys of land.
Wild Rice Harvesting Act
- Governs the harvesting of rice on Crown land.
Wilderness Areas Act
- Provides for the preservation of areas having some unique features
Agencies, Boards and Commissions
The Agencies, Boards and Commissions that report to or have appointments made by the Ministry of Natural Resources are listed below with a brief summary. A classified agency, though established by the government, is not considered part of the ministry. However, the government appoints the majority of its members, assigns responsibility to perform a public function and holds the agency to account.
Algonquin Forestry Authority (Classified Agency)
The Algonquin Forestry Authority is responsible for forest management, including timber harvesting, in Algonquin Park. The Authority sorts, sells and delivers harvested logs to regional mills. It also may advise on, undertake and carry out forestry, land-management and other programs and projects as the Minister may authorize.
Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario (Classified Agency)
The Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario is responsible for assessing and classifying species that may be at risk in Ontario.
Council of the Association of Ontario Land Surveyors
The Council of the Association of Ontario Land Surveyors regulates the practice of professional land surveying and governs the profession in accordance with the Surveyors Act, its regulations and bylaws.
Council of the Ontario Professional Foresters Association
The Ontario Professional Foresters Association regulates the practice of professional forestry, and all foresters must be members in order to practise in the province. The governing council manages, administers and oversees the functioning of the association.
Fish and Wildlife Heritage Commission (Classified Agency)
Established under the Heritage Hunting and Fishing Act, the Fish and Wildlife Heritage Commission makes recommendations to the minister on ways to encourage people to value our fish and wildlife resources, promote more participation in conservation and other programs, and to search out new fish- and wildlife-related opportunities.
Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation
Established under the federal Freshwater Fish Marketing Act, the Corporation is the buyer, processor and marketer of freshwater fish from Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Northwest Territories, and part of Northwestern Ontario (the area north and west of Thunder Bay). It markets and trades in fish, fish products and fish by-products for export abroad and among the provinces.
Kawartha Highlands Signature Site Park Management Advisory Board (Classified Agency)
The Board was established under the Kawartha Highlands Signature Site Park Act and provides advice to the minister on the planning and management of the park.
Lake of the Woods Control Board
The Lake of the Woods Control Board regulates the water levels in the Lake of the Woods, Lac Seul and in the Winnipeg and English Rivers between the lake outlets and their confluence.
Niagara Escarpment Commission (Classified Agency)
The Niagara Escarpment Commission administers the provincial Niagara Escarpment Plan through promoting the objectives of the plan; processing and making decisions on development permit applications and making recommendations on plan amendments.
Ontario Geographic Names Board (Classified Agency)
The Ontario Geographic Names Board manages and defines the treatment of 220,000 official geographic names of places and geographical features in Ontario.
Ontario Moose-Bear Allocation Advisory Committee (Classified Agency)
The Ontario Moose-Bear Allocation Advisory Committee advises the minister on the allocation of moose among tourist outfitters and on the issues arising from the allocation of black bear management areas of tourist operators.
Ontario Parks Board of Directors (Classified Agency)
The Directors of the Ontario Parks Board provide advice on planning, management and development of the provincial park system.
Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board
The Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board is a partnership among Canada, Quebec and Ontario to formulate and review policies that will lead to integrated management of the reservoirs in the Ottawa River basin.
Rabies Advisory Committee (Classified Agency)
The Rabies Advisory Committee advises on the scientific steps necessary for developing a successful rabies research and response program, which includes developing suitable vaccines and systems for vaccinating wild animal populations.
Species at Risk Program Advisory Committee (Classified Agency)
The Species at Risk Program Advisory Committee provides advice on matters related to implementation of the species at risk program, other than matters addressed by the Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario.
Wildlife Rehabilitation Advisory Committee (Classified Agency)
The Wildlife Rehabilitation Advisory Committee provides advice to the Minister on
matters related to:
- the rehabilitation of sick, injured and orphaned wildlife, excluding matters related to animal welfare addressed under the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act;
- return of rehabilitated wildlife to the wild;
- disposition of wildlife that are not releasable to the wild;
- human-wildlife conflict, as it relates to wildlife rehabilitation;
- regulations and policies related to the matters identified in (i) to (iv); or
- such other matters as the Minister may specify.
The Wildlife Rehabilitation Advisory Committee was established under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, as an advisory agency. The Committee has been established for a three-year period. At the end of that time, the need for continuation of the Committee will be examined, and if the Minister wishes to have it continue, the Ministry will seek approval from Management Board to do so. There are currently 11 members appointed to the committee, including a Chair and Vice Chair.
Table 2: Expenditure and Revenue Data for Agencies, Boards, Commissions
| 2011-12 Estimates |
2010-11 Interim Actuals |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Expenditure $ | Revenue $ | Expenditure $ | Revenue $ |
| Algonquin Forestry Authority | 21,250,000 | 21,000,000 | 20,096,000 | 19,574,000 |
| Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario | 30,000 | 0 | 28,000 | 0 |
| Council of the Association of Ontario Land Surveyors | 30,000 | 0 | 15,700 | 0 |
| Council of the Ontario Professional Foresters Association | 21,000 | 0 | 20,904 | 0 |
| Fish and Wildlife Heritage Commission | 45,000 | 0 | 19,743 | 0 |
| Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation | 2,400 | 6,400 | 2,000 | 6,343 |
| Kawartha Highlands Signature Site Park Management Advisory Board | 8,000 | 0 | 6,000 | 0 |
| Lake of the Woods Control Board | 7,000 | 6,000,000 | 6,500 | 5,000,000 |
| Niagara Escarpment Commission | 2,419,400 | 0 | 2,529,061 | 165 |
| Ontario Geographic Names Board | 10,000 | 0 | 9,251 | 0 |
| Ontario Moose-Bear Allocation Advisory Committee | 12,500 | 0 | 15,243 | 0 |
| Ontario Parks Board of Directors | 11,500 | 0 | 7,450 | 0 |
| Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board | 50,000 | 12,500,000 | 41,857 | 12,266,802 |
| Rabies Advisory Board | 4,500 | 0 | 2,500 | 0 |
| Species at Risk Program Advisory Committee | 15,000 | 0 | 8,660 | 0 |
| Wildlife Rehabilitation Advisory Committee | 15,000 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Note: Expenditure and revenue reported in this table are also reported as part of the ministry’s overall expenditure and revenue.
MINISTRY FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The following graph depicts the Ministry’s planned 2011-12 expenditures by activity.
Table 3: Ministry Planned Operating Expenditures by Activity 2011-12
| Activity Name | Ministry Planned Expenditures ($M)* |
|---|---|
| Regional Operations | $149.0 |
| Public Safety and Emergency Response | $101.2 |
| Ontario Parks | $74.8 |
| Fish and Wildlife Special Purpose Account | $68.3 |
| Policy and Program Development | $52.9 |
| Science and Information | $36.6 |
| Provincial Services Delivery | $20.2 |
| Ministry Administration | $32.7 |
| Land and Resources Information Technology Cluster (spends and recovers $80.5 million for a net nil balance) | $0.0 |
| Total Planned Expenditures by Activity | $535.8 |
Table 4: Ministry Planned Total Expenditures 2011-12
| Ministry Planned Expenditures ($M)* | |
|---|---|
| Operating | $535.8 |
| Capital | $67.4 |
| TOTAL | $603.2 |
*All amounts may not add correctly due to rounding.
MINISTRY OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Table 5: Operating and Capital Summary by Vote
Operating and Capital Summary by Vote (PDF, 25 KB)
APPENDIX
2010-11 Annual Report
The ministry marked 2010, the International Year of Biodiversity, in a number of ways. It supported the Ontario Biodiversity Council in developing the 2010 State of Biodiversity Report, which was released in May. The report helped fulfil Ontario’s commitments to report under Ontario’s Biodiversity Strategy, the Canadian Biodiversity Strategy and the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. The ministry partnered with the Royal Ontario Museum to offer “The Slice of Life”, a multi-platform program to raise awareness of Ontario’s biodiversity. It also hosted “Invisible Cities – An Urban Biodiversity Conference” to engage architects, urban planners, scientists and the media on how to manage biodiversity in an increasingly urban world.
In 2010-11, the ministry continued to work with Trees Ontario to plant 50 million trees in southern Ontario by 2020. Trees Ontario planted another 2 million trees in 2010 for a total of 8 million trees planted to date.
The ministry worked with the ministries of Energy and Environment to implement the Green Energy Act and to support renewable energy development opportunities and natural heritage on private and Crown lands.
The ministry moved ahead with implementation of Ontario’s Endangered Species Act. In 2010-11, nine more recovery strategies were published for a total of 30 strategies completed to date. The ministry consulted on a proposed approach to caribou habitat protection. The Crown Forest Sustainability Act was amended to streamline implementation of the Endangered Species Act in forest management plans.
In addition, $3.6 million in funding was distributed to 113 projects through grants with numerous organizations as part of the province’s Species at Risk Stewardship Fund. Projects helped to protect and recover species at risk and their habitats. Also, $800,000 in funding was distributed through the Species at Risk Farm Incentive Program to 133 stewardship projects addressing best management practices on privately owned agriculture lands that support the protection and recovery of species at risk and their habitats.
Work continued on the construction of an Invasive Species Centre at the federal government’s Great Lakes Forestry Centre in Sault Ste. Marie. The ministry, along with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, held the second multi-agency “table top exercise” to test Ontario and Canada’s state of readiness for a confirmed case of Asian carp in Ontario waters.
In 2010-11, the ministry added a total of 556 hectares to seven existing provincial parks in Ontario's system of parks and protected areas. The ministry approved the management plan for Komoka Provincial Park and continued to make progress on the Wabakimi and Quetico Provincial Park Management Plan processes. It also advanced the planning process to prepare management direction for an additional 10 provincial parks. The planning process for the Spanish River Signature Site Park and Nagagamisis Provincial Park was deferred until 2011-12.
Guidelines to support the new Ontario’s Protected Areas Planning Manual were drafted in preparation for release to the public. Also, the ministry finalized the first State of Ontario’s Protected Areas Report. The first five-year review of the Class Environmental Assessment for Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves was submitted to the Ministry of the Environment.
The Far North Act was passed by the Legislature and received Royal Assent on October 25, 2010. The legislation will see Ontario protect at least 225,000 square kilometres of the Far North boreal region and allow for sustainable development of the region’s natural resources. One First Nation has an approved plan and four First Nations posted their draft plans for public review. Another four First Nation communities are taking important steps towards the preparation of a community based land use plan, and 25 other First Nation communities are engaged in discussions with the province regarding land use planning.
The Ministry worked on developing and implementing key policy supporting legislation related to water quality, water quantity and protecting dependent natural ecosystems in Ontario and the Great Lakes by working with the federal government, bi-national commissions, partners and stakeholders. Among others, these include:
- The Great Lakes-St Lawrence River Basin Sustainable Water Resources Agreement signed by Ontario, Quebec and the eight Great Lakes States
- The extension of the Canada-Ontario Agreement Respecting the Great Lakes Basin ecosystem
- Supporting Canada in the re-negotiation of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement with the U.S.
- Working with through the International Joint Commission on a new Lake Ontario St. Lawrence River regulation and Order governing water levels
- Developing a Draft Response Plan for a potential discovery of Asian carp in Ontario waters.
The ministry is leading an $85-million six-year plan with local First Nation communities to clean up 16 abandoned radar sites that are part of the mid-Canada line dating back to the Cold War. In 2010, the province signed agreements with the Weenusk First Nation for more than $11 million of the $41-million overall cost of cleaning up Site 500, the largest of the sites.
The ministry continued its successful rabies management programs in 2010. Research focused on the continued development of the oral rabies vaccine known as ONRAB® and its implementation in a fifth year of field trials. Approximately 870,000 baits containing ONRAB® were distributed in Ontario this year. The province continues to be free of the raccoon rabies strain, and there were only 10 cases of terrestrial rabies diagnosed in Ontario this year, all in skunks. This marks the lowest number of cases of Ontario fox strain rabies in the province since rabies became established in Ontario in 1958.
In 2010, the ministry provided unprecedented support to Quebec, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, the Northwest Territories and, most extensively, British Columbia during the very active fire season from the end of July to mid-September. About 750 forest fire staff were sent to assist these jurisdictions in the third largest out of province effort in Ontario’s history.
In 2010-11, the ministry invested about $15 million in capital initiatives to help protect people, property and communities from natural resource emergencies. Design planning began for facility upgrades and building renovations in Sudbury, Timmins, Pembroke and Sioux Lookout Fire Management Headquarters. Construction started on the Dryden aviation and aerial operations building in September 2010, and the facility should be ready for occupancy by summer 2011. The ministry has filled its complement in rotary aircraft fleet with the purchase of two EC 130 B4 helicopters. Equipment modernization continued with the purchase of two medium duty service and support vehicles, as well as an investment in Far North low-band radio tower upgrades.
The ministry completed a total of 34 projects worth $8.4 million in Ontario Parks under a joint Federal/Provincial Infrastructure Program, with four other projects worth $9.9 million scheduled to be completed in 2011-12.
Following a broad review of Ontario’s moose management program, the ministry finalized a new provincial Moose Management Policy and associated guidelines for setting population objectives and implementing harvest strategies. A new Moose Tag Transfer Policy was also developed.
The ministry also developed an elk management plan to help support a healthy and self-sustaining elk population in the province.
The province invested $2.5 million to protect ecologically sensitive lands through the Land Securement Program. The ministry partnered with conservation groups to identify and secure over 2,700 hectares of natural heritage lands valued at over $14 million.
The ministry continued to implement the new ecological framework for recreational fisheries management in Ontario, which includes new zones, managing on a broader landscape scale, enhanced stewardship and regular monitoring and reporting. Fisheries Management Zone advisory councils have now been set up in 13 zones. Fish communities, invasive species, aquatic habitat and water quality surveys have been carried out on 560 lakes across Ontario.
Support continued for the Lake Ontario Atlantic Salmon Restoration Program, an effort to bring back wild populations of Atlantic salmon to Lake Ontario.
The ministry established an Independent Fact-Finding Panel on herbicide 2,4,5-T to look into its past use in Ontario and also named a panel chair.
The ministry continued to deliver professional enforcement operations including outreach, inspection and investigation services to protect provincial resources.
The ministry released the State of the Aggregate Resource in Ontario Study, which is a province-wide assessment of the present status and characteristics of the province’s aggregate resources.
The ministry provided more than 2,600 jobs in natural resource management to young people across the province through five youth employment programs.
Table 1: Ministry Expenditures
| Ministry Interim Actual Expenditures ($M) 2010-11 | |
|---|---|
| Operating | $582.9 |
| Capital | $61.2 |
| Staff Strength (as of March 31, 2011) |
3811.6 |
WHO TO CALL
Questions or comments about the ministry’s Results-based Plan are welcomed. Please contact:
Office of the Minister of Natural Resources
Whitney Block, Room 6630
99 Wellesley Street West
Toronto, Ontario M7A 1W3
(416) 314-2301
or
Communications Services Branch
Ministry of Natural Resources
Whitney Block, Room 5440
99 Wellesley Street West
Toronto, Ontario M7A 1W3
(416) 314-2114
Further information about the ministry and its programs can be found on the ministry’s website at ontario.ca/mnr (www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en).
Results-based Plan 2011-12
Ministry of Natural Resources
ISSN # 1718-6897
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