Research and Collection Permit Applicant's Guide

This Research and Collection Permit Applicant's Guide is relevant for research conducted at Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. If you wish to conduct research at Pacific Rim National Park Reserve or one of the national historic sites in the Coastal British Columbia Field Unit, please submit the standard Research and Collection Permit System application. If your research project extends outside the boundaries of the Field Unit parks and sites, there will be permit requirements from other jurisdictions.

Map: Regional setting — Text version

A map showing the location of Gulf Islands National Park Reserve located in the Salish Sea, between Victoria and Vancouver, BC. It also shows the national park reserve in relation to other national park reserves and national historic sites in Coastal British Columbia, including Pacific Rim National Park Reserve (located along the west coast of Vancouver Island, south of Tofino, BC), Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites (located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island), Fort Langley National Historic Site (located in Fort Langley, BC, west of Vancouver, BC) and Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site (located in Richmond, south of Vancouver, BC).

Table of contents

Introduction

1. Advice for Research Applicants

1.1 Involvement of Local First Nations in Research Project

1.2 Large-Scale Projects

2. Deadlines and New Intake Periods

3. Research Application Requirements

3.1 New Projects or Projects Requiring Permit Renewal

3.2 Application Form and Additional Supporting Documentation

3.3 Multi-year Permits

3.4 Amendments

4. Activities with Special Conditions

4.1 Drones / Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems

4.2 Self-operating Wildlife Cameras

4.3 Species at Risk

4.4 Wildlife Handling

5. Special Considerations for Conducting Research in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve

5.1 Funding

5.2 Transportation

5.3 Accommodation

5.4 Conducting Research on Restricted Islets

5.5 Collaborating with Parks Canada

6. Reminder on General Reporting Requirements

7. Commercial Filming and Photography

Appendix A – Glossary

Appendix B – Important Information on Species at Risk Act 

Appendix C – Covid 19

Introduction

What Activities Require a Parks Canada Research and Collection Permit?

• Research: all activities associated with natural science, archaeology, public opinion, and social science research that occur within a national park, national park reserve, historic site or national marine conservation area administered by Parks Canada. 
• Collection: Any activity that involves the capture, picking, or removal of biotic or abiotic material (including parts or derivatives), or that involves the removal of cultural and/or archaeological resources (in their entirety or in part).

For the purposes of this document, the individuals requesting access to protected heritage areas (PHAs) to conduct research and fieldwork are referred to as “Applicants”. Individuals who have been granted a Research and Collection Permit are referred to as “Principal Investigators”.

Intake Periods

The Gulf Islands National Park Reserve (GINPR) receives many Research and Collection Permit applications each year. Starting on January 15, 2024, applications for Research and Collection Permits will be assessed twice yearly, as follows:

Applicants should plan for a ninety-day review period from the deadline. If you submit your application on or before February 15, the earliest fieldwork could begin within the site, if a research permit is issued, would be May 15. If you submit your application on or before September 15, the earliest fieldwork could begin within the site, if a research permit is issued, would be December 15. The permitting process may take longer than the standard ninety-day review period if your project is more complex, such as requiring additional permits or consultations (see Additional Requirements for Research Permits).

Applications submitted outside of the two intake periods may be considered however there is no guarantee that they will be reviewed within the standard ninety-day review period. 

1. Advice for Research Applicants

This document is a supplement to the National Parks Canada Research and Collection Permit System Researcher's Guide. The Researcher’s Guide outlines the main permit and collection requirements of which all researchers must be aware for all phases of the permitting process in the Research and Collection Permit System at any Parks Canada place. 

In comparison, this R&C Information Package provides advice specifically for Applicants seeking to conduct research or collections activities in GINPR. 

An effort has been made to limit the amount of content that is duplicated between the Researcher's Guide and this Information Package. However, some information is repeated. In the event of any conflict or inconsistency between this document and the Researcher’s Guide, the guidance in this document shall prevail, provided, however, that the guidance complies with all legal requirements set out by the Parks Canada Agency or other body of the Federal Government of Canada or other legal bodies.

1.1 Involvement of Local First Nations in Research Projects

GINPR occupies and administers lands and waters that are within the territories of Indigenous Nations, including the Quw’utsun Nation, being Cowichan Tribes, Halalt First Nation, Lyackson First Nation, Penelakut Tribe, and Stz’uminus First Nation; Ts’uubaa-asatx First Nation; Malahat First Nation; and the W̱SÁNEĆ Peoples, being Tsawout First Nation, Tsartlip First Nation, Tseycum First Nation, and Pauquachin First Nation; Tsawwassen First Nation; Esquimalt First Nation; Snuneymuxw First Nation; and Semiahmoo First Nation. 

GINPR is an Indigenous cultural landscape meaning that it is a landscape that has shaped and been shaped by First Nations peoples for millennia. Parks Canada encourages applicants to partner with interested First Nations on research and collections projects with the GINPR wherever possible. In addition, and in recognition of this unique relationship to the land and waters, Parks Canada engages with First Nations regarding Research and Collection Permit applications that may impact the ecological and cultural resources contained within the GINPR. 

1.2 Advice for Large-Scale Projects

Large-scale projects may be conducted in more than one PHA, or they may consist of multiple related research projects. In most cases, you will only need to submit one permit application, provided that the Applicant remains the same for all related projects. If you are applying for a large-scale research project, please contact the appropriate Research Coordinator/s (see List of Research Coordinators).

Multiple Heritage Areas

Archaeological, natural, public opinion, or social science research proposed to be conducted in more than one PHA may be conducted under the authority of a single permit; however, the Applicant must address issues or concerns that may be unique to each PHA affected by the research. In these circumstances, you only need to submit an application once to the electronic system. Your application will be sent, automatically, to the PHA you select when completing the application. The affected PHAs will coordinate their reviews.

Multiple Related Research Projects

If you are considering applying for multiple Research and Collection Permits for related projects, please contact the appropriate Research Coordinator/s to discuss the best application process for your situation. In most cases, we will request that you submit one application that encompasses the entirety of your research.

2. Deadlines and New Intake Periods

Starting on January 15, 2024, applications to begin research between May 15 and December 15 must be submitted between January 15 and February 15. Applications to begin research between December 15 and May 15 must be submitted between August 15 and September 15.

Applicants should plan for a ninety-day review period from the deadline. If you submit your application on or before February 15, the earliest fieldwork could begin within the site, if a research permit is issued, would be May 15. If you submit your application on or before September 15, the earliest fieldwork could begin within the site, if a research permit is issued, would be December 15. The permitting process may take longer than the standard ninety-day review period if your project is more complex, such as requiring additional permits or consultations (see Additional Requirements for Research Permits).

Applications submitted outside of the two intake periods may be considered however there is no guarantee that they will be reviewed within the standard ninety-day review period.

3. Research Application Requirements

This section contains the basic information you need to know, whether you are applying for a new project, renewing, or making amendments to an existing permit. 

3.1 New Projects or Projects Requiring Permit Renewal

To complete your application for a new Research and Collection Permit, or to renew an expired permit, visit the Parks Canada Research and Collection Permit System and fill out the application form. Applications are due either on February 15 or September 15, depending on the period you wish to conduct your research (see Deadlines and New Intake Periods above). If your research project extends outside the boundaries of a national park, there will be permit requirements from other agencies. Please contact the appropriate Research Coordinator/s if you are unsure of what other permits you may need (see List of Research Coordinators).

3.2 Application Form and Additional Supporting Documentation

All applications must be submitted using Parks Canada’s online Research and Collection Permit System Application Form. Once the Application Form is completed and submitted, it will automatically be sent to the appropriate Research Coordinator/s. You will be notified that your application has been received, and will be assigned an Application Reference Number and the name of the Research Coordinator who will be your primary contact. If you do not receive this notification, you should contact the appropriate Research Coordinator (see List of Research Coordinators).

All relevant information items found in the Guidelines for Research and Collection Permit Applications must be submitted. Most of these items will be submitted through the Application Form itself, unless there is additional documentation you wish to accompany your submission. If you have additional information that you wish to accompany the application, you will find the instructions on how to send electronic attachments within the e-mail confirming your application. Documents that cannot be sent because of electronic incompatibilities can always be sent to the Research Coordinator by surface mail or facsimile (GINPR 250-654-4014). 

Note that the Research and Collection Permit System does function properly in Internet Explorer 11 but it does function properly in other browsers, including Microsoft Edge. We do accept applications in both English and French. Please be aware that French submissions will be translated to English before being forwarded to the appropriate body for review, which may add to the length of the review period.

Contact your Research Coordinator if you experience any difficulties or require technical assistance in filling out or submitting your application (see List of Research Coordinators). Reaching out well in advance of the deadline will help mitigate any potential delays to the review period.

3.3 Multi-year Permits

For natural science, public opinion, and social science research, permits may be issued for a period of up to three years provided that all conditions of the permit are honoured. Parks Canada will require an amendment should any of the following aspects of research change during the course of work:

• Study location,
• Methods, or 
• Members of the research team (either additions to or subtractions from the team).

Though an archaeological research project may take multiple years to complete, the Research and Collection Permit issued for the purpose of conducting archaeological research must be issued annually.

All permit holders must report annually to the research coordinator to have their permit validated before fieldwork commences and at other periods as stated on the permit.

3.4 Amendments

Occasionally it may be necessary for the researcher to change some aspect of the research. Changes such as adjusting of location of the fieldwork, methods, team members, etc., will require that the permit be amended. Principal Investigators must notify the Research Coordinator via email of any proposed change in the project as soon as possible, and include the following information: 

• Permit No.,
• Permit Start Date and Expiry Date,
• Name of Heritage Area(s),
• Name of Principal Investigator,
• Nature and Scope of the Amendment(s) Requested,
• Rationale for Request,
• Effects of Approval or Rejection of Amendment Request on Project, and
• Impact of amendment request on natural and cultural resources or visitor/residents.

Note that requests for significant changes may require a more extensive re-evaluation of the permit conditions or development of a revised proposal. 

Note that we encourage researchers with single-year permits to submit requests for amendments as soon as possible. Expect a ninety-day processing time for all permit amendments for single-year permits. 

Note that we encourage researchers with multi-year permits to submit requests for amendments during the two intake periods. Applications for amendments to multi-year permits submitted outside of the two intake periods may be considered however there is no guarantee that they will be reviewed within the standard ninety-day review period.

Changes to your research cannot be implemented until you have received an amended permit from the Research Coordinator. 

4. Activities with Special Conditions

Depending on the nature and location of your research, there may be special conditions (additional requirements) that you must fulfil. These conditions will be outlined in your Research and Collection Permit. It is vitally important that you read and understand them before signing the permit. Failure to comply may result in the cancellation of your permit and the issuance of fines and/or court prosecution under regulations pursuant to the Canada National Parks Act.

4.1 Drones / Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems

Drones are officially known as unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) and are power-driven aircraft, other than model aircraft, that are designed to fly without a human operator aboard. Drones may carry cameras or other remote sensing equipment, like LIDAR or thermal sensors. 

There are two permits that can authorize Principal Investigators and their teams to conduct research using a drone within GINPR: Research and Collection Permits and Restricted Activity Permits (RAPs). 

If drone use is specified as part of your research methods in your Research and Collection Permit application, and a permit is granted, then the Research and Collection Permit will authorize you to fly a drone. However, if you do not initially plan on using a Drone and must amend your permit, then you will be required to obtain an RAP in addition to your existing Research and Collection Permit. Principal Investigators needing to obtain an RAP for drone use should submit the following information to the Research Coordinator through the RCPS as soon as possible, following the process outlined in amendments above:

1. Emergency contact, including

• Name,
• Address, and
• Telephone;

2. Aircraft information, including

• Make,
• Model, 
• Weight, and
• Registration number; and

3. Flight information, including

• Date,
• Take-off time,
• Take-off location,
• Landing time,
• Landing location, and
• Purpose of flight.

If the permit is approved, the permittee must possess a valid RPAS Flight Authorization from NAV Canada before operating the drone in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve and/or adjacent controlled airspaces

As with all amendments, you should not implement the changes to your research methods (use of drones) until you have received approval from the Research Coordinator and, in this case, a RAP.

You must obtain both a Parks Canada Film/Photography Permit and a RAP if you wish to use a drone for commercial film and photography activities. This includes images or footage associated with your research, but that is not used as part of your research methods, such as images that will be used to promote your research on a university website. See Commercial Filming and Photography below.

4.2 Self-operating Wildlife Cameras

Wildlife cameras are self-operating cameras that are capable of capturing photographic or video images, excluding remote cameras that allow images to be sent via text or email messages. Remote cameras are prohibited when used for resource conservation purposes.

As the use of wildlife cameras for natural resource conservation purposes may result in the capture of photographic or video images of identifiable individuals, there are special conditions that ensure that it respects individual privacy and conforms to the Privacy Act and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. These conditions are outlined in the Interim Standards for the Use of Wildlife Cameras for Natural Resource Conservation.

Wildlife cameras may be used for the following resource conservation purposes: 

• Observing wildlife to assist with ecological integrity monitoring (including monitoring of species at risk) or ecosystem science; or
• Monitoring human-wildlife interactions to assist in better understanding, preventing, or resolving issues relating to human-wildlife conflicts. 

Visitors to Parks Canada’s heritage places shall be clearly informed that cameras are in use through various means (as appropriate), including:

• On signs at trailheads and/or other key locations;
• In visitor guides or newsletters; and/or
• On the Parks Canada website.

Under normal circumstances, only Parks Canada employees may retrieve memory cards from wildlife cameras and review them to ensure that images of people are handled in accordance with the Interim Standards. Volunteers or external researchers shall not have access to, nor review, memory cards that contain images of identifiable individuals. 

In some cases, the use of wildlife cameras by third parties (e.g. external researchers) for natural resource conservation purposes may be approved by the Field Unit Superintendent following receipt of an application. The application must provide information as to how the third party is planning on managing images of people captured by these cameras. The use of wildlife cameras may only be approved if the measures in place to manage images of people are equivalent to the ones required by the Interim Standards.

If you intend to use remote cameras in your research, please contact the appropriate Research Coordinator/s as soon as possible (see List of Research Coordinators). They will provide guidance on how you should proceed.

4.3 Species at Risk

Under the Species at Risk Act (SARA), Parks Canada is responsible for the protection and recovery of listed species at risk found in PHAs. A list of extirpated, endangered, or threatened species can be found in Schedule 1 of SARA.

Proposals for research that may affect species at risk, their critical habitat, or their residences must address the pre-conditions set out in SARA:  

• All reasonable alternatives that would reduce the impact on the species have been considered and the best solution has been adopted.
• All feasible measures will be taken to minimize the impact of the activity on the species or its critical habitat or the residences of its individuals.
• The activity will not jeopardize the survival or recovery of the species.

Applicants should address these pre-conditions in Section 37 of the Research and Collection Permit System for each affected Schedule 1 species.

If the mitigation measures listed in Section 37(b) of your application are not sufficient to prevent residual adverse effects (effects that will still occur even after mitigation measures are implemented), then a SARA Permit is required. However, Principal Investigators do not need to apply for a separate SARA Permit. Parks Canada issues SARA Permits, when necessary, as part of the Research and Collection Permitting Process through an “Act of Parliament” (i.e., Canada National Parks Act) as authorized under Section 74 of SARA. 

What does this mean for you?

• You do not need to apply for a separate SARA Permit.
• You must address the SARA pre-conditions in Section 37 of the Research and Collection Permit Systehttps://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/rps/RpsAppIns_e.asp for each affected Schedule 1 species.
• If necessary, based on your responses to Section 37, a SARA Permit may be issued by Parks Canada as part of the Research and Collection Permit application process.
• There will likely be special conditions that you will be required to fulfil as part of your Research and Collection Permit.
• The review period for your application may take longer than the ninety-day standard.

4.4 Wildlife Handling

Where the proposal includes the handling or manipulation of animals, the applicant must submit the proposal for review by an Institutional Animal Care Committee (such as through a university) and demonstrate how the concerns and recommendations of the Committee will be addressed. The applicant should submit an electronic copy of the complete approved protocol and approval letter from the Animal Care Committee that reviewed the project to the appropriate Research Coordinator/s (see List of Research Coordinators). For guidance on submitting additional supporting documentation with your application, see Application Form and Additional Supporting Documentation above.

Where the proposal has not been reviewed by an Institutional Animal Care Committee, the applicant will be expected to answer a number of questions that will allow Parks Canada’s animal care specialists to evaluate the proposal.

Where possible, applicants should aim to undergo an animal care review by an Institutional Animal Care Committee, and address all concerns raised by the review prior to submitting their application. Failure to do so may add to the length of the review period.

For further information and guidelines, please consult the Canadian Council on Animal Care’s Guidelines on the Care and Use of Wildlife. 

5. Special Considerations for Conducting Research in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve

There are several special considerations that must be taken into account when conducting research in GINPR. The most common considerations are outlined below. This list is not exhaustive. Depending on the nature and complexity of your research, there are additional conditions that may be included in your permit.

5.1 Funding

Unless otherwise noted, proposed Research and Collection Permit projects within GINPR are not funded by Parks Canada. Applicants should clearly indicate funding sources for their work.

5.2 Transportation

Gulf Islands National Park Reserve is an island-based park. Researchers need to coordinate their own vessel transportation and communicate trip and vessel details with the Research Coordinator.

While many parts of GINPR are accessible by vehicle, foot or vessel access is the only acceptable means of access and egress on islands with no vehicle access. All other forms of transportation must be approved by the Park Reserve Superintendent or delegate.  There is a general prohibition on aircraft landings and all landings must be pre-approved by submitting detailed locations and times to the Research Coordinator.

5.3 Accommodation

There is very limited accommodation for researchers in the field at GINPR.  Backcountry camping is available on some islands. Camping is permitted in designated camping areas only. Stays are permitted up to a maximum of 14 days. All base camp locations must be approved by the Research Coordinator. 

Logistical support must be coordinated with the Research Coordinator, not Visitor Experience staff in the field. This is especially important from May until September when staff and resources are limited by higher operational demands.

Please note that GINPR is a popular camping destination for Canadians and most reservations are booked early on the date that reservations launch. For the best chance of reserving your preferred sites, it is recommended that you be on the reservation website and ready to go before reservations launch. Reservations typically open in January or February each year. Watch for the campsite reservation launch date at https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/voyage-travel/reserve. 

5.4 Conducting Research in Restricted Access Areas

Several areas within GINPR have been designated as special preservation areas due to their cultural and/or ecological importance. Access to these areas is restricted and special permits or permissions are required to access them. A map of special preservation areas in GINPR is available here. 

It is important that you accurately describe the proposed research area in Section 29 of your application. The Research Coordinator will then follow up requesting either a GIS file OR requesting that you identify your proposed research locations using an online mapping tool to which they will provide you access.   The Research Coordinator will confirm whether any of your proposed research area overlaps with restricted access areas in the park reserve and outline additional conditions that may apply should access be granted. For example, researchers may be required to receive an orientation before accessing restricted islets. 

There are two permits that can authorize Principal Investigators and their teams to conduct research in restricted access areas within GINPR: Research and Collection Permits and RAPs. 

If it is specified in your Research and Collection Permit application that your research area overlaps with one or more restricted access areas, and a permit is granted, then the Research and Collection Permit will authorize you to conduct research in restricted access areas. However, if you do not initially plan on entering a restricted access area (or if you must enter additional restricted access areas not already approved in your permit) then you must amend your permit and you will be required to obtain a RAP. Principal Investigators needing to obtain a RAP to conduct research or collection activities in restricted access areas should review the Amendments section above.

As with all amendments, you must not implement the changes to your research methods (entering restricted access areas) until you have received an amended permit from the Research Coordinator and, in this case, a RAP signed by the Field Unit Superintendent.

Please note that approval to conduct research in restricted access areas may take longer than in other parts of the park reserve, and may take longer than the ninety-day standard. You can also expect additional special conditions to be included in your Research and Collection Permit. In some cases access to restricted areas for the purpose of research may be denied.

5.5 Collaborating with Parks Canada

The park may be able to assist with research through coordination, facilitation, and management of data collection. If you are interested in collaborating during the course of your research, please contact the appropriate Research Coordinator/s before submitting your application (see List of Research Coordinators).

6. Reminder on General Reporting Requirements

6.1 Investigator’s Annual Report

7. Commercial Filming and Photography

• Any activity that is not for licensed research (Research and Collection Permit) or personal purposes; and
• Activities carried out for profit, gain, fundraising, or for their promotion. 

If you plan to conduct commercial filming or photography while in a PHA conducting research, you must also obtain a Parks Canada Film/Photography Permit and pay any associated fees. (Discounts up to 100% may be available for non-profits, students, and government organisations and for projects that support key Parks Canada messages.)

Please contact the appropriate Research Coordinator for more details if you plan to undertake commercial filming or photography while you are carrying out research in GINPR (see List of Research Coordinators).

For additional information on Film/Photography Permits and to download the application form, please Visit the Gulf Islands Permits and licenses and Pacific Rim Permits and licenses web pages.

A FILM/PHOTOGRAPHY PERMIT DOES NOT AUTHORIZE THE USE OF DRONES.

7.1 The Use of Drones for Commercial Filming and Photography

Drone use for filming and photography requires different authorization than drone use for research. If you intend to use a drone to conduct research or collections activities, please see Drones / Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems above. If you intend to use a drone for purposes that are not directly related to your research, such as to capture imagery for promotional purposes, you must obtain both a Film/Photography Permit and a RAP.

Please note that the use of recreational drones is prohibited across all Parks Canada locations. In some special cases, the use of drones may be approved for filming or photography if the images are used to promote PHAs. Under the Interim Standard for Unmanned Air Vehicle Flight, the following conditions are necessary for an RAP to be approved to capture images or video using drones, though meeting these conditions does not guarantee approval:

• Images produced through the use of an unmanned air vehicle under a Film and Photography Agreement may be licenced for multiple uses but their primary use must be for promoting protected heritage areas or for heritage presentation of those areas.
• Images produced by a leaseholder or licence of occupation holder to promote their facility may be licenced as in 1.1.6, provided the name of the protected heritage area is prominent in the resulting promotion.

Please contact the appropriate Research Coordinator/s for more details if you plan to use Drones for filming or photography (see List of Research Coordinators). They will determine what additional terms and conditions may apply on a case-by-case basis (e.g., to ensure compliance with Transport Canada guidelines, to ensure compliance with the Privacy Act, etc.).

Please be aware that obtaining a RAP may extend the review period of your application beyond the ninety-day standard.

Appendix A – Glossary

The following glossary aims to improve understanding by providing clarity and context to some key words or expressions used in this guide and other documentation that support the Research and Collection Permit program. Definitions are from the Research and Collection Permit System (August 2022).

• Natural Science Research: Systematic information, collection and analysis activities in relation to the description, understanding, behaviour and relationship within components of the natural environment including historical and present human impacts on the environment. 
• Archaeological Research: Excavations, surveys, or inventories conducted where tangible evidence or potential tangible evidence of past human activities is located. Archaeological research also includes the collection of archaeological objects and any intrusive and non-intrusive activities conducted at an archaeological site, feature or structure. 
• Public Opinion Research: The planned gathering, by or for a government institution, of opinions, attitudes, perceptions, judgments, feelings, ideas, reactions, or views that are intended to be used for any government purpose, whether that information is collected from persons (including employees of government institutions), businesses, institutions or other entities, through quantitative or qualitative methods, irrespective of size or cost. 
• Social Science Research: Systematic information collection and analysis of activities in relation to human behaviour, values, attitudes of members of the public and representatives of business or non-government organizations on matters relating to parks operations, development, management or policy; or social and economic costs, benefits and impacts of the development and operation of Heritage Areas.

Appendix B – Important information on the Species at Risk Act (SARA)

 The SARA contains several prohibitions to protect Schedule 1 listed species. Under Sections 32 and 33 of SARA, it is an offence to:

• Kill, harm, harass, capture or take an individual of a species listed as extirpated, endangered or threatened under SARA;
• Possess, collect, buy, sell or trade an individual (or any part or derivative of such an individual) of a species listed as extirpated, endangered or threatened under SARA; and
• Damage or destroy the residence of one or more individuals of a listed endangered, threatened or extirpated species if a recovery strategy has recommended its reintroduction into the wild in Canada.

The SARA also contains provisions that prohibit the destruction of any part of the critical habitat of listed species (section 58). Critical habitat is the habitat necessary for the survival or recovery of the species and identified and described in the recovery strategy or action plan for that species. Critical habitat destruction results if a portion of the critical habitat is degraded, either permanently or temporarily, by activities occurring either internal or external to the critical habitat, such that the habitat function provided by the degraded portion is no longer available to the species when needed.

Appendix C – COVID 19 GUIDELINES

COVID-19 Pandemic

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Parks Canada PHAs and facilities have been closed, except for critical services, for periods of time since mid-March 2020. As access restrictions are now being relaxed, it is possible to resume some research and fieldwork activities under special conditions. 

Parks Canada is following the guidance of provincial, territorial, and municipal health authorities. You are expected to follow guidance for health and safety measures such as wearing masks, physical distancing, capacity limits, and allowable gathering numbers. You can expect additional special conditions to be included in your Research and Collection Permit to support public health and safety. Your COVID-19 responsibilities as a researcher in a Parks Canada place will be outlined in the special conditions of your permit.

Note that at any time, Parks Canada may impose new conditions or require that the Principal Investigator and all team members exit the PHA, in response to evolving public health conditions, new guidance from public health authorities, or capacity issues.  

If you have any questions regarding the current COVID-19 requirements for researchers, please contact the appropriate Research Coordinator/s (see List of Research Coordinators).

ⁱDefinitions from the Research and Collection Permit System (August 2022).

• Natural Science Research: Systematic information, collection and analysis activities in relation to the description, understanding, behaviour and relationship within components of the natural environment including historical and present human impacts on the environment.
• Archaeological Research: Excavations, surveys, or inventories conducted where tangible evidence or potential tangible evidence of past human activities is located. Archaeological research also includes the collection of archaeological objects and any intrusive and non-intrusive activities conducted at an archaeological site, feature or structure. 
• Public Opinion Research: The planned gathering, by or for a government institution, of opinions, attitudes, perceptions, judgments, feelings, ideas, reactions, or views that are intended to be used for any government purpose, whether that information is collected from persons (including employees of government institutions), businesses, institutions or other entities, through quantitative or qualitative methods, irrespective of size or cost.
• Social Science Research: Systematic information collection and analysis of activities in relation to human behaviour, values, attitudes of members of the public and representatives of business or non-government organizations on matters relating to parks operations, development, management or policy; or social and economic costs, benefits and impacts of the development and operation of Heritage Areas.

ⁱⁱThe SARA contains several prohibitions to protect Schedule 1 listed species. Under Sections 32 and 33 of SARA, it is an offence to:

• Kill, harm, harass, capture or take an individual of a species listed as extirpated, endangered or threatened under SARA;
• Possess, collect, buy, sell or trade an individual (or any part or derivative of such an individual) of a species listed as extirpated, endangered or threatened under SARA; and 
• Damage or destroy the residence of one or more individuals of a listed endangered, threatened or extirpated species if a recovery strategy has recommended its reintroduction into the wild in Canada.

The SARA also contains provisions that prohibit the destruction of any part of the critical habitat of listed species (section 58). Critical habitat is the habitat necessary for the survival or recovery of the species and identified and described in the recovery strategy or action plan for that species. Critical habitat destruction results if a portion of the critical habitat is degraded, either permanently or temporarily, by activities occurring either internal or external to the critical habitat, such that the habitat function provided by the degraded portion is no longer available to the species when needed.