Monarch Reclassified; Two Western Bumble Bees Listed

Summary#

This is a proposed Order Amending Schedule 1 to the Species at Risk Act published in the Canada Gazette on May 13, 2023. If approved, it would add two Western bumble bee subspecies to the federal list of species at risk and reclassify the Monarch (Danaus plexippus) from “special concern” to “endangered,” which would trigger federal protections and recovery planning on federal lands.

What it does#

• Adds the Western bumble bee subspecies Bombus occidentalis occidentalis (proposed status: threatened) to Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act.
• Adds the Western bumble bee subspecies Bombus occidentalis mckayi (proposed status: special concern) to Schedule 1.
• Reclassifies the Monarch (Danaus plexippus) from special concern to endangered on Schedule 1.
• As a proposal, the government invited comments for 30 days after publication; it is not law until the Governor in Council decides.
• If listed or reclassified, SARA’s protections would apply immediately on federal lands. That includes bans on killing or harming listed individuals and on damaging their “residences” (for the Monarch, that likely includes occupied milkweed during the breeding season).
• Listing would require federal recovery strategies or management plans and could lead to permits for activities that would otherwise be prohibited.

Who's affected#

• Farmers and land managers on federal lands and on First Nation reserves. The document notes that reserves may be disproportionately affected because SARA prohibitions apply on federal lands.
• Departments that manage federal property, such as the Parks Canada Agency and Environment staff.
• Researchers and conservation groups who work with these species (permits, research approvals).
• Indigenous communities and treaty partners in areas that overlap the species’ ranges (the analysis says modern treaty rights are not expected to be affected, but consultation is ongoing).
• The general public and conservation supporters. The government received 9,466 public comments during a recent consultation; 9,422 supported the proposed changes.
• Small farms: the analysis estimates up to 670 small businesses could have administrative permit costs, and about 14 farms could face direct compliance costs if permits are denied.

Why it matters#

• These three listings aim to slow or reverse declines in species that provide real benefits, especially pollination. The two bumble bee subspecies help pollinate crops and wild plants. The Monarch is an iconic migratory butterfly with cultural and educational value.
• On federal lands, removing milkweed or using herbicides at times when Monarch eggs, caterpillars, or chrysalises are present could require a SARA permit. The breeding window cited is roughly June to October in much of Canada.
• The government estimates the administrative and compliance costs of the proposal over 10 years at about $2.2 million to $7.7 million (present value). Potential farm profit losses from restricted herbicide use were roughly estimated at $1–$3 million over 10 years in one scenario.
• Listing triggers recovery planning and federal action that can lead to habitat protection, new permits, and compliance promotion. For people who live, work, or manage land where these insects or milkweed occur, that can mean practical changes in timing or methods for land and crop management.
• The proposal is part of broader conservation commitments to address biodiversity loss and supports international and federal biodiversity goals.