Country Island, Isle Haute, St. Paul NWAs

Summary#

The Canada Gazette published a proposal called Regulations Amending the Wildlife Area Regulations and the Environmental Violations Administrative Monetary Penalties Regulations to create three new National Wildlife Areas (NWAs) in Nova Scotia: Country Island, Isle Haute and St. Paul Island. Together they cover 588 hectares and would restrict or control public access, add penalties for breaching rules, and aim to strengthen habitat protection. This is a proposal (not yet law) and the government invited comments for 30 days after publication (July 1, 2023).

What it does#

• Designates three new NWAs under the Canada Wildlife Act and the Wildlife Area Regulations:
  • Country Island National Wildlife Area — about 21 hectares; almost the whole island would be included (except a 1,600 m² parcel with a helipad and lighthouse). Entry would be prohibited without a permit.
  • Isle Haute National Wildlife Area — about 89 hectares; entry would be prohibited year‑round without a permit.
  • St. Paul Island National Wildlife Area — about 478 hectares; entry would be prohibited without a permit from April 1 to August 31 each year (breeding season). Some activities would be allowed from September 1 to March 31 (wildlife viewing, hiking, non‑commercial plant/mushroom picking, and boat landing at the ordinary high‑water mark).
• Sets a long list of activities that would be banned inside the NWAs unless someone has a permit (examples: hunting, fishing, camping, open fires, drones/remote devices, bringing livestock, removing artifacts or wildlife, industrial activity, and large group gatherings).
• Amends the Environmental Violations Administrative Monetary Penalties Regulations so administrative monetary penalties (AMPs) can be issued for unauthorized entry or other violations in these NWAs.
• The government estimates first‑year compliance and enforcement costs at $212,000 (including $115,000 for outreach/signage and $97,000 for enforcement setup), then about $153,000 per year afterwards, with a $1.4 million present‑value cost over 10 years.

Who's affected#

• Local communities and visitors: boaters, tour operators, hikers, birdwatchers and others who might visit the islands will face new permit rules and seasonal restrictions—especially during the bird breeding season (April 1 to August 31).
• Indigenous peoples: the Department consulted Mi’kmaq communities and is working with them on Indigenous names and potential co‑management roles. Indigenous people exercising constitutionally protected rights would still have access when applicable.
• Conservation and research groups: the NWAs would create clearer legal protection for wildlife and habitat, which affects conservation planning and permitted research.
• Local businesses: the government says there are no current businesses operating on these islands, so direct business impacts are expected to be minimal. Some tour operators did raise access questions during consultations.
• Enforcement and government staff: would carry out compliance, signage, outreach and patrols under the Canadian Wildlife Service and enforcement branches.

Why it matters#

• Stronger, broader habitat protection: unlike protections that apply only to migratory birds or listed species, NWA status protects all wildlife and their habitat on these islands. That helps species at risk that breed or stop over there (for example, places important to Roseate Tern, Leach’s Storm‑Petrel and Bicknell’s Thrush were cited in the proposal).
• Limits on public access at sensitive times and places: people who currently visit these islands may find access restricted, especially during breeding season, and could face administrative penalties if they enter without a permit.
• Better enforcement tools: AMPs and clearer federal authority replace reliance on provincial trespass rules (which were noted as having low fines such as $500), so there can be stronger deterrence against disturbance and damage.
• Small government cost to run and enforce: the government expects modest upfront and ongoing costs (see figures above), arguing the benefits to biodiversity and cultural heritage make the change worthwhile.
• Part of broader conservation goals: creating these NWAs contributes to Canada’s targets for protecting more land and conserving species and habitats.