Wave 3 Engagement

Wave 3 engagement closed November 30, 2023. Read the Wave 3 What we heard report!

FFHPP initiated Wave 3 of the multi-wave engagement process in April 2023. FFHPP engaged on eight products with Indigenous Peoples, partners, and other interested parties.

FFHPP sought input on:

  • Draft Policy for Applying Measures to Offset Harmful Impacts to Fish and Fish Habitat
  • Draft Guidelines for Establishing and Managing Fish Habitat Banks
  • New interim Standard for in-water site isolation
  • New interim Codes of Practice:
    • Bridge repair and maintenance;
    • Municipal and agricultural drain maintenance;
    • Repair and maintenance of in-water structures; and,
    • Repair, maintenance and construction of docks, moorings and boathouses.
  • Framework for Aquatic Species at Risk Conservation

FFHPP facilitated a series of national virtual engagement sessions focused on the engagement topics. To ensure participants’ perspectives and needs were effectively addressed, these engagement activities followed two complementary paths:

  • engagement with Indigenous Peoples, partners and other interested parties
  • complementary engagement exclusively with Indigenous Peoples, communities and organizations

The first path involved broader engagement efforts with interested parties and aimed to create an inclusive platform where various interested parties, including local communities, government agencies, non-governmental organizations and industry representatives, could share their views.

The second path focused on complementary engagement with Indigenous Peoples, communities and organizations. This targeted approach recognized the unique rights, knowledge systems and cultural contexts of Indigenous groups, ensuring that their voices were prioritized and heard in discussions related to their interests.

FFHPP used multiple engagement methods during Wave 3 to enable participants to engage in ways suitable to their needs. These methods included:

  • virtual engagement sessions
  • opportunities to submit written feedback
  • a questionnaire
  • digital engagement materials available online on the Talk Fish Habitat platform

DFO Regional teams also engaged with Indigenous Peoples, partners and other interested parties to foster meaningful dialogues and collaboration. These engagements were designed to ensure that local perspectives and concerns were heard and integrated into the decision-making processes.

FFHPP will use the feedback received to inform the development of the Wave 3 topics to support implementing the fish and fish habitat protection provisions of the Fisheries Act.

Wave 3 engagement closed November 30, 2023. Read the Wave 3 What we heard report!

FFHPP initiated Wave 3 of the multi-wave engagement process in April 2023. FFHPP engaged on eight products with Indigenous Peoples, partners, and other interested parties.

FFHPP sought input on:

  • Draft Policy for Applying Measures to Offset Harmful Impacts to Fish and Fish Habitat
  • Draft Guidelines for Establishing and Managing Fish Habitat Banks
  • New interim Standard for in-water site isolation
  • New interim Codes of Practice:
    • Bridge repair and maintenance;
    • Municipal and agricultural drain maintenance;
    • Repair and maintenance of in-water structures; and,
    • Repair, maintenance and construction of docks, moorings and boathouses.
  • Framework for Aquatic Species at Risk Conservation

FFHPP facilitated a series of national virtual engagement sessions focused on the engagement topics. To ensure participants’ perspectives and needs were effectively addressed, these engagement activities followed two complementary paths:

  • engagement with Indigenous Peoples, partners and other interested parties
  • complementary engagement exclusively with Indigenous Peoples, communities and organizations

The first path involved broader engagement efforts with interested parties and aimed to create an inclusive platform where various interested parties, including local communities, government agencies, non-governmental organizations and industry representatives, could share their views.

The second path focused on complementary engagement with Indigenous Peoples, communities and organizations. This targeted approach recognized the unique rights, knowledge systems and cultural contexts of Indigenous groups, ensuring that their voices were prioritized and heard in discussions related to their interests.

FFHPP used multiple engagement methods during Wave 3 to enable participants to engage in ways suitable to their needs. These methods included:

  • virtual engagement sessions
  • opportunities to submit written feedback
  • a questionnaire
  • digital engagement materials available online on the Talk Fish Habitat platform

DFO Regional teams also engaged with Indigenous Peoples, partners and other interested parties to foster meaningful dialogues and collaboration. These engagements were designed to ensure that local perspectives and concerns were heard and integrated into the decision-making processes.

FFHPP will use the feedback received to inform the development of the Wave 3 topics to support implementing the fish and fish habitat protection provisions of the Fisheries Act.

  • Announcement of the release of the new Offsetting Policy and the new Position Statement for the consideration of cumulative effects

    Thank you for your participation and feedback through the Fish and Fish Habitat Protection Program’s (FFHPP) engagement on the Offsetting Policy and Cumulative Effects Position Statement. We are pleased to announce that the Policy for Applying Measures to Offset Harmful Impacts to Fish and Fish Habitat and the Position Statement on the Consideration of Cumulative Effects in Support of Decision Making on Fisheries Act Authorizations Concerning Fish and Fish Habitat Protection are now available on DFO’s Projects Near Water website. These documents contribute to FFHPP's efforts to conserve, protect and restore fish and fish habitat for future generations in a way that respects Indigenous rights and supports sustainable development. Both documents provide additional clarity for partners and project proponents.

    The Offsetting Policy provides direction on undertaking effective measures to offset death of fish and the harmful alteration, disruption or destruction of fish habitat, consistent with the fish and fish habitat protection provisions of the Fisheries Act. A summary of key changes between the 2025 and the 2019 versions of the Offsetting Policy is also available at Talk Fish Habitat, along with FAQs. You will also find our 3-page tip sheet Project planning: What is offsetting and how to prepare an offsetting plan on Projects Near Water. We will be issuing further guidance to support the Offsetting Policy later in 2025, specifically the guidelines for establishing and managing fish habitat banks, guidelines for the development of an offsetting plan, and policy guidance related to the program’s Risk Management Framework and when avoidance, mitigation and offsetting measures are applied.

    The Cumulative Effects Position Statement is designed to provide further clarity on the department’s approach to the application of the relevant fish and fish habitat protection provisions of the Fisheries Act during the project authorization decision-making process. It supports decision makers as they consider the cumulative effects of a project, in combination with all other relevant stressors on fish and fish habitat. FAQs on the Position Statement are also available at Talk Fish Habitat.

    These documents would not have been possible without your engagement and input. All comments received were considered in the finalization of the Offsetting Policy and Cumulative Effects Position Statement, and will continue to be considered as we develop guidance for implementation and other program tools.

    As we continue to implement the Fisheries Act, we look forward to continued collaboration and coordination.