Bonnyville–Cold Lake–St. Paul MLA Scott Cyr is pushing back against the federal government’s “30 by 30” conservation agenda, arguing the policy risks hurting rural and northern communities that rely on the land for their livelihoods.

Speaking recently in the Alberta Legislature, Cyr criticized what he described as a one-size-fits-all approach from Ottawa aimed at expanding protected land areas across Canada.

“But northern Alberta is not an empty green box in the Liberals’ latest ideological experiment,” Cyr said.

What is “30 by 30”?

The federal government’s “30 by 30” initiative is part of an international conservation goal to protect 30 per cent of land and water by 2030 in an effort to preserve biodiversity and natural ecosystems.

Critics, including Cyr and other rural Alberta representatives, argue the approach could limit economic activity in areas heavily dependent on natural resources and land access.

Concerns from northern Alberta

Cyr said northern Alberta is home to industries and communities that already balance economic activity with environmental stewardship.

“It is home to hardworking families, forestry workers, farmers, ranchers, Indigenous communities, oil and gas workers, outfitters, recreation users, and communities that have responsibly lived off and cared for this land for generations,” he said.

He argued decisions affecting Alberta land use should be made locally rather than by federal officials or advocacy groups outside the province.

Alberta already managing large protected areas, Cyr says

During his remarks, Cyr pointed to Alberta’s existing land management framework, noting that nearly 60 per cent of the province’s land base is publicly managed Crown land.

According to Cyr, Alberta currently:

• Protects 16 per cent of land through parks and conservation areas
• Includes another 15 per cent within the Rockies and foothills region
• Maintains millions of hectares of regulated working forests and landscapes

“Albertans do not need lectures from Ottawa about environmental stewardship,” he said.

Debate continues over balancing conservation and development

The discussion reflects a broader national debate over how Canada should balance environmental conservation with economic development, particularly in resource-based regions.

Supporters of the federal target argue expanded conservation is necessary to protect ecosystems and wildlife, while opponents warn it could create uncertainty for industries, municipalities and rural communities.

Cyr said northern Alberta communities have already demonstrated they can responsibly manage the land while supporting economic growth.

“Alberta’s land belongs to Albertans,” he said, “not Liberal bureaucrats and activists in Ottawa chasing ideological targets at the expense of rural and northern communities.”

The issue is expected to remain a point of tension between Alberta and Ottawa as conservation planning and land-use discussions continue.